Machine Tools – Non-Traditional

Shops that need a highly efficient digital solution to surface texturing for product design and moldmaking will gain new levels of design quality and productivity with the new AgieCharmilles LASER S series from GF Machining Solutions. This all-in-one texturing solution applies designs to challenging surfaces while it controls cost per part, cuts lead and machining times and significantly improves quality.

MC Machinery has introduced the Van-TG Lower Roller Nest Conversion Kit. With this kit, users can quickly upgrade their Mitsubishi EDM FA series machine(s) lower roller housing to the new Van-TG replaceable nest developed for Mitsubishi's latest MV series EDMs.

A line of OEM compatible replacement CO2 laser optics that come in several configurations for cutting and etching metal, plastic or wood signs is available from Laser Research Optics.

If you need an efficient, reliable way to cut and create the variety of tools your shop may need, then consider a KAAST Machine Tools CNC EDM. The company offers three EDM lines, the W-EDM wire sinkers (pictured), the S-EDM and the Z-EDM sinker. These high-performance wire electrical discharge machines complete with water bath, can copy, turn, flip, scale and rotate the working material to create a steady stream of tools and dies.

The new HighLight SQD option for Coherent HighLight fiber lasers provides cutting and welding systems integrators with a turnkey, simple to use and cost effective means to implement process monitoring. The HighLight SQD comprises process sensors integrated directly into Coherent's special fiber laser connectors which detect back reflected laser power and visible spectrum process emissions. These signals, which are provided in either analog or digital CAN bus form (at a 2 kHz sampling rate), can be used to detect various key process events.

BEA Lasers introduces two new additions to its MIL Series of Laser Diode Modules for alignment applications. Both new MIL RA Alignment Modules feature a low-profile 3/8" rugged laser housing, fitted with a M12 connector. A PVC jacketed cable 2 meters long, integrated power supply and optional mounting bracket complete this sturdy ready-to-use system.

SCANLAB GmbH adds even more materials-processing power control capabilities to XL SCAN, the combined solution for simultaneously controlling scan heads and XY stages. For specialized industrial ultrashort pulse (USP) lasers, these new features and algorithms offer control capabilities such as: constant pulse intervals, deflection-angle-dependent energy densities or controlled laser power settings. The virtually limitless scanned image field has proven itself in practice and demonstrably boosts throughput, e.g. in film processing, PCB drilling and large-scale laser marking.

Electro Scientific Industries Inc. announced the availability of its Geode laser-based micro-via drilling system for high-density interconnects (HDI) on rigid printed circuit boards (PCB). This new entry combines a CO2 laser and advanced beam control capabilities to deliver industry-leading throughput and accuracy from a system that is significantly smaller and lighter than current competitive offerings.

The Finecut micro abrasive waterjet system brings the benefits of waterjet technology to the high precision fine mechanic segment. The Finecut is a premium precision machine with a positioning accuracy of +/-2.5 microns. It can cut minute parts of high complexity with a miniaturized cutting system capable of jet diameters down to 200 microns. Nevertheless, it can as well be used to cut high precision features into large parts up to 500 by 500 mm size, using the full work envelope.

BEA Lasers introduces a new complete Alignment Laser System with variable laser light output. These new laser systems with variable output are ideal for short distances. The dimming feature provides greater flexibility when aligning objects against different backgrounds, such as dark, light, chrome or other shiny surfaces.

Posalux SA has introduced a newly designed machine for electronics fabrication that employs SCANLAB GmbH's highly integrated precSYS 5-axis scan subsystem. The Swiss manufacturer's laser processing system is specifically tailored to demands of micromachining and is also usable for processing such challenging materials as polymers and ceramics.

The Kennametal APX series of ROCTEC nozzles provide 20 percent greater life than the industry-leading ROCTEC 500 waterjet series, which already significantly outperforms other conventional tungsten carbide nozzles. The APX nozzles are suitable for use in precision cutting applications where long, uninterrupted cuts or close tolerances must be maintained for long periods to maintain part integrity or minimize expensive scrap due to premature nozzle failure.