Fiber Laser System Offers Capacitive, Optical Part Sensing

Prima Power offers the Laserdyne 430 Versa 3D fiber laser system with third-generation BeamDirector, designed for the typical laser processing needs of tool rooms, model shops and manufacturing R&D centers. This system balances cost, flexibility and precision for laser cutting, welding, drilling, texturing and marking of a range of materials, the company says.

The 430 Versa is equipped with an air-cooled, 3-kW peak power fiber laser and the Laserdyne BeamDirector. The BeamDirector provides two axes of laser beam motion without part movement. A range of standard focusing lens assemblies includes right-angle assemblies for processing inside cylinders with diameters as small as 60 mm and welding assemblies that shield the weld metal to prevent contamination and protect the focusing lens from spatter.

Adding to the machine’s flexibility is the Laserdyne S94P control, which includes automatic focus control for capacitive part sensing and, as an option, optical focus control for sensing non-conductive surfaces. 

Both the capacitive and optical methods of focus control precisely guide the motion system, maintaining critical focus position and following the contour of the part regardless of surface irregularities, the company says. The linear axes of the system react to sensing of the part surface, enabling unlimited correction along the axis of the beam. According to Prima Power, the combination of crash protection and part sensing enables operating at maximum processing speed without fear of damaging the system or scrapping the part.