Fabrication & Cutting

Trotec Laser Inc., Canton, Mich., discusses the "Advantages of lasers versus other methods of cutting, marking and engraving" in a white paper available through the company's website. The target audience for the white paper: companies that use traditional methods of cutting, marking and engraving, such as inkjet systems, embossing, mechanical stamping, etching, printing, mechanical engraving, knife cutter or CNC routing.

Coherent Inc. has expanded its AVIA family of lasers with new models having green output and which reportedly offer an unmatched combination of power, reliability and compact size for a range of precision materials processing applications. The new AVIA NX products are q-switched, diode-pumped, solid-state lasers that deliver up to 65W of average power at 532 nm from a laser head that measures less than two feet (587 mm) in length.

Laser technology company Coherent Inc. will acquire industrial laser maker Rofin-Sinar Technologies Inc. for about $942 million, according to a joint news release issued by the two companies March 16. "This transaction is aligned with our strategy of increasing our scale and pursuing accretive growth opportunities," said Coherent President and CEO John Ambroseo. "The combination of Coherent and Rofin represents a unique opportunity to strengthen Coherent's position in materials processing. The addition of Rofin's complementary portfolio will build on Coherent's capabilities as a world leader in laser and photonics-based technology and solutions, and create meaningful value for our stockholders."

Rugged enough for use with virtually all materials, Carmex's new Mini Chamfer tools are the ideal solution forndeburring, back chamfering and grooving operations. Designed with spiral flutes for smoother cutting action, the tools offer double-side cutting and are available in both long-reach 45-degree and 150-degree configurations.

The sPINner machine from Techniks Industries quickly batch deburrs dozens of small parts. sPINner pin media deburrs where other media cannot reach and eliminates manual deburring, according to the company.

Heat-treating contractors, metalforming shops and companies from the automotive and aircraft industries in particular require cost-efficient part cleaning and degreasing equipment capable of handling high capacities. Addressing this demand, Dürr Ecoclean has developed an innovative solvent-based cleaning system, the large-chamber EcoCDuty.

Birchwood Technologies three brush-on metal blackeners—Presto Black BST4, Antique Black M24, and Aluma Black A14—are now available in smaller, quart sized (32 oz.) bottles for easier application and handling, at a new lower price point.

Electro Scientific Industries Inc. (ESI), Shanghai, China, recently introduced the Garnet adaptable laser micromachining platform for high-volume cutting, marking, drilling or engraving applications, according to a Feb. 16 company news release. The Garnet platform is said to compliment ESI's current micromachining portfolio delivering lower cost of ownership—specifically to meet the need for larger format materials among manufacturers in China.

The EDGE X-5 waterjet system from Jet Edge Inc., St. Michael, Minn., is designed and built for heavy duty industrial use in waterjet shops that demand lasting performance, precision and accuracy, the company announced in a Feb. 9 news release. The system reportedly cuts precise 3D parts and bevels up to 50°.

Tungaloy Corp. has introduced the AH8000 series of PVD grades and chipbreakers for turning heat resistant alloys. The new PVD grades feature impressive resistance to both wear and fracture due to the world's first nano-multi-layered AlTiN coating with high Al content and dramatically reduces notch wear, crater wear and built-up edge in machining heat resistant alloys.

Specifications for particulate and film-residue cleanliness are a matter of course for many machined components. In addition to the parts cleaning procedure, manufacturers must consider the entire process chain when seeking to efficiently achieve and maintain the required level of cleanliness.

Researchers at North Carolina State University reported the discovery of a distinct form of solid carbon they estimate is about 10 percent harder than diamond and could play an important role in machining. They also claim to have developed a relatively inexpensive technique for producing the substance, called Q-carbon, at room temperature and ambient atmospheric pressure.