3D laser power aimed at automotive

With the new Laser Next machine, Prima Power has drawn on its 35 years' experience in this field. Collaborating with customers and partners operating in the automotive industry has resulted in the design of a fast, compact and highly efficient 3D laser for high volume automotive production applications.

Over the last ten years, Prima Power has been steadily increasing the performance of its 3D laser machines for automotive applications and the Laser Next represents a step change in this development cycle. Productivity on a typical benchmark component (B-pillar) has been raised by 25% which means that four Laser Next machines can produce the same as five of the previous model.

The technology in the Laser Next gives it the best dynamic performance possible with a 208m/minute trajectory speed and 2.1g acceleration. Some of the advances in machine design include direct drive motors and transducers for the main axes and focusing head, and synthetic granite machine frame with optimised geometric design.

The footprint for the machine is also significantly smaller and the layout of the machine has been designed to allow for standalone and multi-machine configurations. The compact design makes it possible to site four Laser Next machines in the same area as would be occupied by three of the previous model. In addition, there is no need for special foundations for the machines – for multi-machine configurations up to three Laser Next machines can be sited next to one another all connected to the same magnetic scrap conveyer, delivering higher productivity per square metre.

To achieve improved Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE), Prima Power has used its know-how from installations dedicated to the 24/7 manufacture of stamped high strength steel and hydroformed automotive components. By examining every detail of the process, the design of the Laser Next has been optimised to maximise machine uptime, reduce non-productive times, minimise and simplify maintenance and negate the need for specialised resources dedicated to these activities.

The machine has a work volume of 3,050mm x 1,530mm x 612mm and is equipped with 3kW or 4kW high brilliance fibre laser. Its compact focusing head, fully sealed for optimum protection, features direct drive motors, double protection SIPS, fully metallic sensor, and Focal Position Control.

The high precision and dynamic turntable with servo motor and absolute encoder is designed to ensure the high levels of reliability, safety and ergonomics. Thanks to reduced blocking times, the distance between table and light curtains is very short, allowing faster and more comfortable loading/unloading operations in full safety. PRIMA POWER
www.primapower.com