A true laser system: VENTIS 3015 AJ e 9kW + CL + TK

AMADA’s VENTIS 3015 AJ e + CL + TK is available as a 9kW laser that outperforms higher wattage fiber lasers at a much lower operating cost. It uses AMADA’s patented Locus Beam Control (LBC) to achieve infinite locus patterns and ensure each laser cutting application produces the best results. LBC technology moves the laser beam from side to side in different trajectories to work with optimal beam quality.

The new VENTIS model compares well with the reliable machines from which it evolved. For example, the 9kW version cuts stainless steel about 1.5 times faster than the VN6kW, with a smaller dross height. With 25mm material, it can cut three times faster than the EN9kW. Using aluminum, the VENTIS AJ e 9kW is about 1.5 times faster than the VN6kW and 1.3 – 1.9 times faster than the EN9kW.

LBC cutting modes

Productivity Mode utilizes flexible beam shape control to maintain optimal beam quality and ensure smooth, high-speed cutting of stainless steel and aluminum. LBC Flash Cut minimizes head rotation to increase cutting speed on round hole patterns. It is 30% of the electrical cost when compared to other, larger wattage fiber lasers necessary to do similar cuts.

Quality Control Mode achieves a smoother edge and reduced bevel on thicker materials; one example is high-quality nitrogen cutting of 0.375” aluminum:

• High-quality processing improves surface finish and reduces dross significantly
• The beam movement allows the laser to reduce part taper and create a smooth, high-quality edge
• Cut quality compares to higher wattage machine

One other key strength of this laser cutter is that by controlling the beam wavelength, you can control the width of the kerf, making it easier to remove parts from thicker material.

A control for the future

The machine is controlled by the AMNC 4ie control, equipped with a large touch screen that allows users to easily see information and load programs based on file name. Thumbnail views of parts or nests provide for quick and easy identification to ensure editing of a program on the shop floor is fast and efficient. AMADA automation system controls integrate with the AMNC 4ie interface.

The AMNC 4ie:

• Is network ready
• Limits control functions based on user level (more experienced users get more capabilities)
• Has an optimized cutting data library
• Offers quick and easy control of feed, power, duty cycle, frequency, gas selection, and pressure control
• Allows the operator to quicky navigate through parts layout, work history, and maintenance inspection
• Generates a QR code for easy part identification
• Offers auto remnant nesting that automatically places parts for maximum material utilization
• Allows the operator to use a surface treatment cut that utilizes the irradiation of the laser to clean the material’s surface to improve cut quality

The VENTIS 3015 AJ e 9kW features many automated functions that keep the machine optimized for superior cutting:

Automatic Nozzle Changer

The nozzle is automatically exchanged based on the cut condition being used on the current NC program. In less than a minute, the current nozzle is cleaned and a new nozzle is installed and calibrated. This eliminates machine idling when an operator is not present.

i-Nozzle Checker

The i-Nozzle Checker allows nozzles to be regularly inspected for position, centering, shape, and diameter. If nozzle damage is detected, it will be replaced automatically with a spare to reduce processing defects.

I-Process Monitor

i-Process Monitoring analyzes the optimal wavelength to identify cutting failures. Once a failure is detected, cutting is stopped. I-Nozzle Checker and nozzle changer allow the VENTIS to identify nozzle damage, replace it, then resume operation. When piercing penetration is detected, cutting starts immediately to greatly reduce cycle time.

i-Optics Sensor

The i-Optics Sensor detects debris on the protection glass to help reduce processing defects. The condition of the protection glass is regularly checked with a sensor installed inside the lens holder.

Automatic Collision Recovery

The laser head tilts when a collision with a tip-up occurs to reduce the risk of damage during high-speed cutting. After a collision, the head will replace the nozzle and resume cutting at the next NC coordinate.

WACS II system

The VENTIS features the WACS II (Water Assist Cutting System II) that allows thick materials to be efficiently processed by cooling the material during laser cutting. With reduced heat buildup, the laser cutting head can accurately cut closely-nested parts and eliminate the need to traverse to different areas of the material.

Cut Process Monitoring System

Improved processing times and repeatable edge quality are ensured through automatic pierce detection and continuous monitoring of the cutting process.

Deep Etching

Allows parts to be easily identified even after powder coating

AMS 3015 CL loader

At FABTECH 2024 Orlando you will see this laser equipped with the AMADA AMS 3015 CL (Cycle Loader) system. Some of the advantages to pairing automation with AMADA lasers are:

• Modular automation easily expands as demands evolve
• Improve Green Light On (GLO) time up to 92%
• Automation is the ideal solution for high-mix, low-volume production
• Improve part quality with less rework
• Reduce lead times, labor costs, and operating costs
• Laser can operate unattended to cut shear blanks for other machines and eliminate shearing operation
• Standardized sheets reduce material costs

On that first point, AMADA designed flexibility into the system, so that the benefits include lower cost of operation, faster ROI, more reliable and predictable production schedules, and better overall utilization of both machine and floor space.

The ability to quickly upgrade the AMS CL was achieved by engineering modules that integrate together seamlessly in different configurations. As the system expands, existing modules stay in place or are reconfigured to meet specific layout requirements. In fact, a key strength in AMS CL automation is that all modules feature a symmetrical design that allows their placement to be either on the front or rear side of a laser cutting system. If your shop floor configuration changes in the future, you’re covered.

The TK-3015L

AMADA’s TK-3015L utilizes a 3-axis, gantry design plus 360 degrees of part rotation for optimal placement. With three 5 x 10 drop off areas providing more than 150 square feet of capacity, the TK-L can handle many different jobs and extended run times. The TK-3015L offers:

• Gantry Style Automation: Gantry style automation allows the TK unit to move quickly and precisely anywhere over the shuttle table. The TK’s 360-degree movements combined with the gantry style automation allow it to easily remove parts nested at different geometries.
• Multiple Stacking Areas: Three different drop-off areas allow parts to be sorted by jobs and their next phase of production. This eliminates scrap in downstream operations caused by poor part sorting or removal.
• Individual Vacuum Cup Movement: Vacuum cups are individually assigned during programming to ensure each part is firmly gripped before removal to prevent pickup failure.
• Lifting Capacity: The 330-pound lifting capacity prevents operator injury, part scratching, and reduces labor by eliminating 2-man operation.
• Replace Vacuum Cups w/ Magnets: Vacuum cups can be replaced with magnets to efficiently remove perforated or hard-to-pick parts.
• Fully Integrated 4ie HMI compatible: AMNC 4ie control operates the entire system so the operator does not have to move between different controls during production.

There are so many technologies in this single solution. When you see the VENTIS 3015 AJ e 9kW + CL + TK at FABTECH, you will see that a world class laser cutter equipped with two automation units means low interruption, high productivity, more material processed, plus flexibility to build in the future.