New and improved

The new machine delivers piercing time reductions of up to 90%, near zero lens set-up times and cutting speeds of up to 5m/minute on stainless steel, which is on average 20% faster than the 4kW machine.

Six years of experience within the industry led to the development of the new Platino which is dedicated to exploiting fibre laser technology to the full. Nitrogen piercing, which uses a flush of nitrogen to supress the plasma, reduces piercing times in mid to high thickness material by up to 90%.

For 12mm mild steel, the new machine pierces in less than one second. During trials, on a sample 12mm thick mild steel part with 120 holes, cycle time reductions were around 25%. Additional benefits for users of nitrogen piercing include significantly less heating of the part during piercing and hence a better quality part due to a smaller heat affected zone and the cooling effect of the nitrogen.

As well as nitrogen piercing, the Platino Fiber has an option for a Laser Piercing Monitor. LPM gives real time feedback and a check when piercing is completed. This system adds to the reliability of the cutting process and is especially useful for automated operation as it reduces the possibility of unplanned machine stoppages. In addition, it makes the laser less sensitive to material quality issues and it is effective with material up to 20mm thick.

The redesigned fibre head uses a single universal lens for all materials eliminating the need to change lenses resulting in near-zero set-up time. Furthermore, the optical chain is completely sealed eliminating the possibility of any contamination.

Other features of the new fibre head include 35mm stroke on the focal axis, a dedicated lens drawer with Prima Power OPC (Optical Precision Control) quick alignment technology, and exchangeable protective glass, which allows easy inspection, keeping the optics safe and reliable.

Prima Power OPC uses a machine cut reference figure to compare the actual position of the beam with its theoretical position. The operator simply follows on screen instructions to quickly adjust the beam position for precise alignment, ensuring repeatability and accurate production of parts.

The new machine includes Prima Power Fiber Plasma Monitoring. This system detects problems with the cutting and the formation of plasma when cutting is lost. An automated cycle then resolves the problem by moving back a preset distance along the cut path and starting the cut again from a safe standoff position. The machine is available with a wide range of nozzles for any application, with an option for automatic nozzle exchange, and comes with Prima Power SIPS which protects the head in the event of a collision, further adding to efficiency, safety and low cost operation.

For even higher efficiency on material up to 5mm thick the new machine integrates a new piercing strategy which results in drastic cycle time reductions, especially on complex nests of parts. Another function that significantly increases productivity is Prima Power's SmartMoves technology for intelligent management of cutting parameters, which allows shorter cycle times and increased reliability through smoother operation.

The laser itself comes in a compact and rugged cabinet which is easy to install. The high quality Ytterbium fibre laser is available from 2kW to 5kW, offers over 30% wall plug efficiency and has been designed to deliver an excellent Beam Parameter Product (BPP) which is constant across the entire power range, making it possible to achieve a very small focused spot over a large working distance. For 24 hour lights out operation, the machine can be automated with Prima Power's range of automation systems.

As users would expect, the new machine offers all the advantages of fibre laser technology such as low power consumption, less gas usage, the ability to cut reflective materials and minimised maintenance.

But in addition, it also offers significantly faster production cycles, technology aimed at improving both process and mechanical reliability and, automation options which will transform productivity levels.

Prima Power
www.primapower.com