The new LaserSwiss is a Tsugami B0125-III with a fully integrated laser cutting system. The compact, 12 mm, 5-axis Swiss-style CNC lathe is the smallest LaserSwiss the company offers.

"This machine has a tiny footprint," Tsugami LaserSwiss Business Development Director Dan Walker said, "and it's our most economical model. It perfectly complements our product line."

According to Walker, the company designed the B0125 LaserSwiss for shops that typically perform tube cutting operations with standard tube cutting machines. "The B0125 gives those shop owners more capability," he said. "In addition to laser tube cutting, they'll be able to perform turning operations, like adding a chamfer, without having to move the part to another machine or outsourcing those operations."

The B0125 is the only 12 mm machine on the market that combines Swiss turning and laser cutting within a fully integrated platform. It has 10 tool positions in addition to the laser, and it's convertible, meaning it can be run as a traditional Swiss style lathe using a guide bushing or operated with an optional chucker kit, which can be installed in minutes. "This machine offers tremendous flexibility," Walker noted.

Tsugami LaserSwiss also offers an assortment of 20 mm and 32 mm machines with linear axes ranging from three to seven. Available models include B-axis capability, and a second laser head for welding.

"We're trying to give manufacturers multiple machining options so they can get precisely what they need without going overboard," Walker said. "If they're making relatively simple parts, a 3-axis machine might be all they need. If they're doing very complex work, they might make use of all of the features of a 7-axis machine. Our mission is to continue making the LaserSwiss incrementally scalable to meet everyone's needs."

Tsugami LaserSwiss machines are available with laser watts ranging from 200W to 500W. All laser operations are programmed and driven from the machine's FANUC 0iTF control and the laser's frequency, pulse width, focus and power are on-the-fly adjustable.