Fanuc GE has introduced a new 4kW laser source
with enhanced processing performance. The smallest and lightest CO2 laser on the
market, it offers high speed and high precision for increased productivity when
cutting a range of materials including sheet metal up to 25mm thick, said the
company.
"Enhancements applied to the new C4000i-Model B from Fanuc GE include improved beam quality, improved beam mode stability, and high speed laser control synchronized with servo motor control. These developments enable the increase in precision and cutting speed, and deliver an improved cut edge quality at lower running costs," said a company spokesperson.
"An optional high-speed control function offers improved precision in synchronization between the axis command of the laser cutting machine and the ON/OFF command of the laser beam. It reduces the time delay for the beam ON/OFF command: the distance traveled by the cutting head before/after the ON/OFF command is less than the beam spot size and only 1/16th of its previous size. As a result, in continuous hole-cutting processes, the laser offers the same high speed processing as a turret punch press machine.
"The latest model complements the existing C1000i-A, C2000i-B, C5000i-A and C6000i-A models of 1kW, 2.5kW, 5kW and 6kW power respectively. The full range of Fanuc GE lasers are offered as laser-package solutions. Laser source, CNC and servomotors are integrated and interfaced as a complete system to optimize the machine performance, offering high speed and high accuracy. All necessary laser control and diagnostics are integrated into the CNC. Historical data for maintenance purposes is logged and can be accessed via the CNC screen. The laser source communicates with the CNC via an optical bus. No additional controller is required, and no further work is required by the machine manufacturer to link the laser and CNC.
"The package solution ensures quick, faultless start-ups of laser machines. All laser control screens are available on the CNC. Direct control of the laser source by the CNC allows simplified handling for operation and maintenance purposes. Control of laser and machine are always synchronized as only one processor carries this out. When used with linear motors, extremely high-speed cutting can be achieved. At the same time, all the usual features of the CNC can be used by the machine tool.
"The package solution enables the integration of many useful laser processing functions. These include diagnostic functions, processing parameter controls, and other special functions for efficient processing. At a sharp corner the power and feed-rate are carefully controlled to optimize machining: thermal loading is controlled when cutting thin material: the gap between the cutting nozzle and the workpiece surface is kept constant: different beam properties can be compensated for on all axes: and the Fanuc GE laser package can simultaneously control up to 6 axes to enable highly efficient 3-D machining.
"There is also an Open CNC option enabling the connection of a PC via a serial high-speed optical fiber link, enabling the two-way transfer of large volumes of data. This enables MTBs to customize machines to suit individual customer demands," the spokesperson said.
For more information contact:
GE Fanuc Information Center
P.O. Box 8106
Charlottesville, VA 22906
800-GE FANUC (433-2682)
Fax: 434-978-5205
E-mail: gefanuc@gefanuc.com