LT-FREE 5-axis Fiber Laser Machine

BLM GROUP USA has announced the introduction of the LT-FREE―a 5-axis, fiber laser machine for cutting 3D formed or shaped parts such as bent tubes, hydroformed tubes, welded assemblies and stamped or flat sheets. The part does not move during the cutting operation as the laser head’s freedom of movement reportedly guarantees the highest flexibility and accuracy to produce parts.

The LT-FREE can make cuts very close to each other for the ability to nestle parts on a single bent tube and then use the laser to separate, saving significant material cost.

Traditional cutting, drilling, punching and milling operations, which are normally carried out in sequence, can now be performed on a single machine. This eliminates set up, reduces material handling, eliminates “work in progress” inventory and downsizes the space needed for storage.

The LT-FREE series includes the HIGH FLEX universal version for bent and hydroformed tubes, flat and deep-drawn sheets or welded assemblies; The PIECE VALUE version with rotary turntable and automatic load/unload for high productivity machining; and the ENTRY LEVEL version with dual fixed table for a wide variety of part configurations.

LT-FREE comes with BLM GROUP USA’s unique software which can be used to create part programming of virtually any complexity in a simple, user friendly, 3-D graphical environment.

LT-FREE, with powers up to 5 kW, table dimensions of 59 in. x 39 in. and axis stroke to x= 116 in., y= 37 in. and z= 29 in., is ideal for machining mild steel, copper, aluminum, brass, stainless steel and galvanized steel.

Possible uses for the LT-FREE include: Trimming and feature cutting right on the bend; high quality and accurate cuts, ideal for welding by robots during a later assembly stage; trimming or cutting features in hydroformed parts; feature cutting or trimming anywhere on a bent tube, no limit to part access; trim formed sheet metal parts; cut features in assembled frames or components.