AMADA America shows innovations in reliable laser platforms
From the great to the small but mighty, AMADA America will show its laser market leadership. From the large REGIUS laser cutting system down to the compact BREVIS, new capabilities and technologies are paving the way to the future. At FABTECH you will see the latest iterations of the REGIUS, the VENTIS, and the BREVIS.
New product: the REGIUS 3015 AJ 12kW
The REGIUS 12kW laser cutting system (see Figure 1) is the highest powered REGIUS to date (12kW) and features AMADA America’s latest control, the AMNC 4ie. It features a high-speed, three-axis linear drive system, combined with Variable Beam Control technology.
The amount of power is not the only news here. The REGIUS features a new dual gas system, aiding in a smoother cut and a better finish, as well as savings on nitrogen when cutting stainless steel. The system uses an oxygen cut, plus an outer nozzle to limit oxidation and smooth the cut. It reduces taper on thicker materials.
At FABTECH you will see the REGIUS 12kW in full autonomous mode (see opening photograph above). In fact, the REGUIS 12kW will be teamed with the AMS CL(T), and the TK 3015 L to offload cut blanks and stack them on the new Autonomous Mobile Transport Engineering System (AMTES, the mobile robot linking the cutting and bending operations).
The AMS CL(T) is a modular material loading system that allows fabricators to transition from a single cycle loader to a multi-shelf tower that can support multiple lasers. Modules can be placed on either the front or rear side of a laser’s shuttle table to accommodate specific material flow.
The TK-L will also play a role at FABTECH as an automation subsystem with the REGIUS platform. TK-L unloads everything from the most intricate parts nests to large panels. In performing its unloading duties, the TK-L minimizes the chance for errors to occur during downstream operations by stacking parts according to the next phase in production.
At the FABTECH booth parts will be palletized and placed on AMTES, which will run in autonomous fashion (no embedded wires or magnetic strips needed) between the REGIUS and the new EGB 1303 ARse bending solution. You will see a truly automated system that encompasses laser cutting, bending, automation, and transport.
Two of the REGIUS features most prized by fabricators ensure autonomous laser cutting. The i-Nozzle Checker is a camera that diagnoses the nozzle status. If the nozzle condition deteriorates, a caution will occur, and the operator receives a prompt to replace it. If the condition becomes worse, the status is abnormal and it cannot be used. However, the operator does not have to be at the ready to switch nozzles. In fact, REGIUS automatically replaces the nozzle to reduce processing defects. The operator loses zero time.
The camera also measures the light-harvesting diameter of the beam. The focal point can be adjusted automatically, giving the sharpest possible laser point available. This function reduces processing failures caused by focal point misalignment and variations caused by operator experience and workmanship.
The camera can detect misalignment from the nozzle and beam. If the centering is misaligned, an alignment is automatically performed. Alignment also occurs automatically at the start of operation, when the head is turned because of a collision, when the nozzles are replaced—any time there is a change that stops the operation temporarily.
An i-Optics Sensor regularly diagnoses the condition of the protective glass with sensors mounted inside the lens holder. It displays the status of dirt on the protective glass and prompts the operator to replace it. If an error occurs during processing, a warning prompts the operator to inspect the unit.
These are just a few of the automated systems designed into the REGIUS 3015 12kW. Others like the automatic recovery from a head collision, i-Process Monitoring, and remote operation, will be on display at the AMADA America booth at FABTECH.
New capabilities: the VENTIS 3015 AJ e
The VENTIS 3015 AJ e (see Figure 2) is a tried-and-true platform for laser cutting. Through Locus Beam Control (LBC) technology, thicker cuts with a wide kerf can be made without sacrificing speed. AMADA’s high-brightness laser oscillator keeps the high-energy density laser beam at optimal quality, while moving the beam at high speeds in any number of different, efficient patterns. The result is that VENTIS is up to three times faster than a conventional fiber laser.
The user can choose between three modes of cutting:
- Quality Mode: high-quality processing improves surface finish and eliminates dross;
- Kerf Control Mode: Long-term, stable processing during automated system operation, provides a wider kerf for thicker materials; and
- Productivity Mode: Optimal beam quality ensures high-quality cuts and nearly burr-free cutting of stainless steel and aluminum.
The VENTIS also boasts a new style of cutting head and nozzle. Additionally, this popular platform employs the AMNC 4ie control, a touch-screen based control that features facial recognition of operators, which also acknowledges the rights of each recognized individual on the machine.
The BREVIS RI (Rotary Index)
When AMADA launched the BREVIS (see Figure 3) laser cutting platform, it was immediately popular and proved itself to be versatile as well. The 3kW machine was used in prototyping and small-cell manufacturing. Some of its inherent capabilities, like full access with corner doors and the ability to load a full sheet, made it the answer to many questions. Its Z-axis capability also made fabricators rethink how they made parts—and how they reduced scrap.
The versatility continues to grow. The BREVIS platform now is available with a manual chuck/rotary index (making it the BREVIS RI) to cut 50” length of tube or pipe at a time. The chuck sits above the cutting table, meaning there is easy access and zero interference from any part of the entire system. It is located at the rear right of the BREVIS RI (as the operator faces the front of the laser cutter, see Figure 4).
To eliminate wobbling or other motion, the tube uses a support that is fixed onto the slats near the front of the machine. The tube or pipe is connected to this support, eliminating any unwanted motion (see a side view of the chuck and support in Figure 5).
Like the original BREVIS, this model also has a Z-axis that allows it to process parts up to 200 mm (7.8”). In fact, cuts can be made post-bend, meaning they can be quite close to the edge of the bend. It is also possible to save otherwise disposed parts by amending cuts after the bend.
The BREVIS RI contains other features which make it a desirable addition to a shop. The entire work surface pulls out for easy loading. When accuracy is critical, the system allows you to clamp the workpiece onto the slats and frame of the cutting system. An optimized cutting library can be accessed by the AMNC 3i control. Also, the BREVIS RI features the i-Camera system, the same one used in the larger AMADA laser cutters, to track cuts, parts, and machine usage.