ANCA Launches Automatic Laser Marking Systems

ANCA offers two automatic laser marking options for a range of applications and individual requirements. RoboMate LaserEtch is an integrated laser system that can be added to the ANCA RoboMate loader for the TX and MX platforms, enabling laser marking of individual tools in-process. This is said to be a convenient, compact and flexible solution. After grinding, the tool is automatically laser marked. Tool inner diameter (ID) and graphics such as a company logo are marked all without any increase to tool takt time, for example. According to ANCA, this solution means there is no need for additional equipment on the factory floor, and there is a reduction of work in progress due to smart utilization of robot loader idle cycle time.

ANCA’s second laser marking option, the AutoMarkX, is the latest addition to ANCA’s family of tool production solutions. ANCA says the operator simply loads up to two full pallets of tools and the robot performs the laser marking operations, freeing up staff to take care of other tasks in the factory. The unit can accommodate a wide range of tool sizes.

AutoMarkX accepts up to two full pallets of tools, which means users can mark a large batch of tools unmanned. Flexible marking means the message can be etched on a single side of the shank or on opposite sides of the shank as well as at the end of tool. The last option is particularly useful for applications where a unique tool identification code needs to be etched on the tool. Codes like Datamatrix are usually etched on the shank where they risk the exposure to excessive surface wear, rendering them unreadable. ANCA says the end of tool is the best location to etch this type of code to overcome this issue.

AutoMarkX accepts different pallet standards, which means it can be easily integrated into production processes and currently used pallets. The system is ANCA Integrated Manufacturing System (AIMS) ready. ANCA’s laser marking systems can be integrated into the AIMS Server to become a part of a fully automated production cell. In this case, sequential tool production processes are fully automated right through to laser marking on the tool. AIMS also provides a platform for extended functionality including tool traceability and serialization.