TPT January 2017

T E CHNOLOG Y

T E CHNOLOG Y

3D fibre laser tube cutting THE LT8.10 is a new Lasertube system that significantly enhances the performance of the system from which it is derived both conceptually and technically.

The possibility of 3D cutting using a fibre laser source followed a development path that included the use of a new ‘Tube Cutter’ focusing head, designed at Adige especially for the 3D cutting of tubes. The new LT8.10 goes beyond this goal by offering other important abilities including increasing the size of workable tubes, the achievable performance and the usability of the system. LT8.10 makes use of the ‘Tube Cutter’ focusing head to achieve performance throughout the wide size range that it allows. The range has been expanded in both tube size and weight capacity. LT8.10 is able to cut tubes with diameters between 10 and 240mm with a weight capacity of up to 40kg/m. This expansion in capabilities meets the needs of 3D machining that is often necessary in larger and thicker tubes that require bevels or weld preps. The ‘Tube Cutter’ head, thanks to its tapered geometry and easy handling, has increased the capabilities for processing open profiles or

The new Lasertube system (and below)

‘ActiveScan’ is a system that measures the deviations of the actual section of the tube with respect to the theoretical tube shape/size and automatically adjusts to achieve the highest part accuracy in the shortest time. ActiveScan can measure the position of the tube and centre the geometry to the actual tube location. ‘ActiveSpeed’ is a function that modulates the cutting parameters according to the real working conditions to ensure the best results. Where previously an expert was needed to make complicated parts, now ActiveSpeed, available on all the Adige systems, makes the process more simple and affordable. LT8.10 keeps all the loading and unloading features and flexibility features of the previous generation of machine. The loading area for tubes still has two distinct stations – front and rear – to which you can connect modular loading solutions for different production requirements. The part unloading is optimised to take into account the variability of size and geometry of the tubes to be machined. The centring system, which is used provide accuracy on long pieces, quickly clears the working area for downloading short pieces and enables maximum productivity. LT8.10, with its fully automatic adjust- ments and high load/unload speed, offers users an impressive degree of flexibility.

asymmetrical sections with both quality and precision. LT8.10 also benefits from software modifications both in the user interface and in the programming CAD/ CAM software. The first major change is the new user interface, now used on all laser systems, which is easier, more intuitive and efficient. The interface guides the operator during the different operating phases of the work cycle and with appropriate suggestions regarding the programming parameters. In terms of CAD/CAM programming the latest innovations introduced into the Artube 3 package allow for a better and easier handling of tubes and profiles with ‘open’ sections and the cutting of common of tubes. The LT8.10 features all the same capabilities available across the Lasertube range.

BLM – Germany Website: www.blmgroup.com

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J ANUARY 2017