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CASE STUDY
Laser Machining
Modular laser cell for flexible 3D
material machining
Dynamic
and Flexible
Trumpf has had 3D laser machining
cells in its product line for several
years. With the new TruLaser Cell
Series 7000, the concept was once
again significantly improved,
especially regarding its usability,
productivity and modularity. The new
machine is controlled with Sinumerik
and Simodrive technology.
The applications of 3D laser machining
cells are manifold. Regardless of
whether for laser welding, laser cutting
or integration into complex production
lines, these cutting systems are equipped
for numerous production jobs, and are particularly
suitable for the automotive industry.
The experience gathered from numerous
projects was incorporated into the new
TruLaser Cell Series 7000.
Larger work area, less machining time
The compact laser machining cell features
a 2,000-millimeter x-axis (TruLaser Cell
7020) or 4,000-millimeter x-axis (TruLaser
Cell 7040), along with flexible automation
modules. The y-axis is designed as an extension
boom with a work area of 1,500 millimeters.
It includes a very slender and
compact z-axis with a 750-millimeter work
area. Two axes of rotation provide the machines
with complete 3D flexibility. The new,
compact design has led to an increased
the work area of one meter, while occupying
same amount of space.
The high dynamic performance of the
TruLaser Cell Series 7000 with an axis acceleration
of 1g saves time when needing
to position the machining head on the component.
With a PKW-B column made of highstrength
steel, for example, the machining
time is reduced by 30 percent as compared
to the predecessor machine using the new
high-speed cutting performance of the five
kilowatt laser.
“The TruLaser Cell Series 7000 economically
welds, cuts and machines surfaces
of everything from aluminum to ultrahigh-strength
steel in 2D or 3D,” as Klaus
Löffler, head of international laser systems
sales for Trumpf’s laser technology division,
explains.
Automation enhances productivity
Of key importance also for users is the option
of automating the operation to further
enhance productivity. Two-station operation,
whereby a partition divides the machine
into two work areas, enables the simultaneous
setup and machining of workpieces. This
increases the machine capacity of the job
shop operation considerably. Linear and
rotation changers simplify the handling of
workbenches and components. Thanks to the
modular construction, all automation components
are easily retrofitted.
One particular innovation is the machining
head, which features a magnetic coupling
that disengages if it collides with the workpiece.
As a result, there are fewer standstill
times. The machine is not damaged and requires
no costly readjustment.
The laser cells are available with a Trumpf
CO 2 laser with up to six kilowatts of power for
cutting applications, and up to 15 kilowatts
of power for welding applications. Trumpf
solid state lasers with up to eight kilowatts of
power are also alternately available.
Superior Siemens “laser guidance”
As with all laser machining systems of
Trumpf, Sinumerik and Simodrive are used
to handle the control and drives of the
TruLaser Cell Series 7000. Trumpf utilized
the open design of the NC core to integrate
laser-specific functions into the Sinumerik
840D, to visualize the transformation for the
3D laser head and to optimize the communication
of the laser and clearance control.
Also wireless
As a special “option” and teaching supplement,
Trumpf also offers a display panel
with a “wireless” link. The operator interface
of the main control console is mirrored
via WLAN (wireless local area network) and
VNC (virtual network computing) on a distributed,
battery-operated operator panel.
Consequently, the operator is always aware
of the current axis position. A Simatic Mobic
T8 distributed industrial webpad serves
as the access point. The “wireless design
concept” has the advantage that the user,
for example, can also take the display pan-
motion world 1/2007