Published 9/9/2010

Fully Automatic 2D Short Gantry Flying Optic Laser System

Han-Kwang USA’s PS 3015 short gantry, 2D flying optic laser system is capable of accommodating 60" × 120" workpieces.

Edited by: MMS Editorial Team

Han-Kwang USA’s PS 3015 short gantry, 2D flying optic laser system is capable of accommodating 60" × 120" workpieces. The short gantry arrangement enhances operator vision on the machine, and the compact design facilitates a high degree of regulation in the cutting process, the company says.

The system features rapid, single-axis speed of 4,724 ipm; simultaneous X-Y axis speed of 7,900 ipm, driven by twin servos on the gantry; and a maximum cutting speed of 1,181 ipm; all with positioning accuracies better than ±0.004" per 118" of travel and repeatability to 0.001". A dual-shuttle pallet system is onboard to maintain optimum productivity in processing.

The laser system features a Panasonic CO₂ laser resonator in 2.5-, 4- and 6-kW versions, as well as the builder’s patented beam radius control. The control optimizes the beam diameter for various material substrates and thickness variations, resulting in improved part quality. Additionally, the constant beam delivery system on the laser provides consistent beam quality at the focal point, the company says. These features are delivered in the S5 high speed cutting head. The advanced sensing board and head design are said to improve cutting speed for all sheet metals.

A plasma monitoring unit constantly tracks cut errors to further reduce out-of-tolerance conditions in the cutting cycle, while a built-in lens crack sensor monitors the state of lens contamination. Instant alerts through the onboard Siemens CNC provide operators and maintenance personnel useful and immediate alarm notifications.

All machine mechanical movements and cutting operations are controlled by a Siemens Sinumerik 840D CNC. With its open architecture, 10-GB hard drive and plain language commands, the CNC enables faster start-up and reduced time to first part for programmers and operators alike, the company says. Further, a remote service support feature enables online communication to the CNC manufacturer for troubleshooting assistance.

An optional rotary axis is available for tube cutting ODs ranging to 12". Fully automated material handling systems, pallet towers and other equipment for production improvement are also available.