TPT March 2020

Fast and precise laser bevel cutting of titanium

WITH a claim of making the most compact, lightest and safest folding bike, Helix Bikes uses innovative manufacturing processes that make its unique design possible. Beyond creating a novel bicycle, Helix made the bold move to automate its manufacturing facilities to meet the demands for cost, quality and consistency. A Laserdyne 430 BeamDirector fibre laser machining system was a key part of the new process in order to precisely bevel cut the titanium tubing that is used throughout the bicycle. Working closely with Prima Power Laserdyne applications engineers, Helix created a robust bevel cutting capability based on the 430BDY system. For Helix, the steeply bevelled edges of the titanium tubing required precise and clean cuts to accomplish perfect fit-up of the tubing for accurate robotic welding. The 430BD fibre cutting system also produces holes and slots in the tubular parts. The key is the steep-angle bevel cutting of the titanium tubes. This 430BDY capability allowed Helix engineers the flexibility to design the bike assembly for maximum rigidity and strength with the least weight, where other tube cutting systems had limited or no titanium angle cutting capabilities. “There are unique capabilities within the Laserdyne 430BDY system,” said Corey Hansen, regional sales manager for Prima Power Laserdyne, who helped develop the process. “A key system feature utilises a horizontally mounted rotary table with a through-bore chuck to accurately locate and hold the titanium tubes for cutting to shape. “Titanium is the ideal material for the Helix bike design because of its high strength, light weight, remarkable corrosion resistance and unparalleled durability. But it can be challenging to process. The 430BD produces the bevelled cuts up to 45° from the surface without dross or spatter residue so tubes mated perfectly ready for the automated welding operations. No secondary de-burring or tube clean- up was needed prior to welding.” Helix CEO Peter Boutakis stated: “The six-axis Laserdyne 430 BeamDirector is fast, flexible and provides the high quality processing that we needed.”

Prima Power Laserdyne LLC – USA www.primapower.com

Helix Labs Inc www.helix.ca

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MARCH 2020