Published 10/11/2017

Fiber Laser Cuts Tubes Made of Reflective Material

Fabtech 2017: BLM Group will feature its LT8.10 fiber laser tube cutting system.

Edited by: Julia Hider

Senior Editor, Modern Machine Shop

BLM Group will feature its LT8.10 fiber laser tube cutting system. With its 3-kW fiber laser, the system provides flexibility for precise laser cutting on a variety of materials, including reflective ones such as brass, copper and aluminum, for tube diameters as large as 9.5" (241 mm). It can also process round, square, rectangle, special-shaped tube or bar and open profiles.

The company will also showcase its series of all-electric tube bending machines. The Smart model is suited for bending complicated shapes and multiple radii tubes with diameters as large as 1" (28 mm) and can be used in a range of configurations, including manual, robotic and automated loading, enabling non-stop operation. The Elect 102 model brings accuracy and productivity to the bending of tubes as large as 4" (102 mm) in diameter. It can bend multiple radii using stack tooling for right-hand or left-hand bending. As many as eight tools can be fitted at once, and variable radius tools can be used in any position. The unit can handle applications with little or no straight between bends and tight radius bends. Finally, the E-Turn 52 model can automatically load, bend and unload a variety of tube configurations as large as 2" (50.8 mm) in diameter, including round, square, rectangular, flat-sided, oval and elliptical. It also predicts and calculates the behavior of tubes made of materials with high spring back to prevent marks caused by slippage at the end of the bend or early wear on the tools.

Related Content

How to Mitigate Chatter to Boost Machining Rates

There are usually better solutions to chatter than just reducing the feed rate. Through vibration analysis, the chatter problem can be solved, enabling much higher metal removal rates, better quality and longer tool life.
Lean Approach to Automated Machine Tending Delivers Quicker Paths to Success

Almost any shop can automate at least some of its production, even in low-volume, high-mix applications. The key to getting started is finding the simplest solutions that fit your requirements. It helps to work with an automation partner that understands your needs.
How to Determine the Currently Active Work Offset Number

Determining the currently active work offset number is practical when the program zero point is changing between workpieces in a production run.