PRODUCT REVIEWS
The Cutting Paradigm
Two Salvagnini laser product lines are both based on fibre technology ; L3 , a versatile system intended for transversal use , and L5 , a high-performance , highly dynamic system for thin and medium-thin material . Salvagnini has extended its cutting power range , introducing first a 6kW high-density power source and then a 10kW source . This extension has benefited the L5 : its high dynamics have further improved the cutting speed reached by more powerful sources . From early 2021 , both product lines will have higher XY positioning speeds . New hardware and software solutions have also been introduced for both systems .
“ We focused on three main trends ,” explained Pierandrea Bello , Salvagnini product manager for laser technologies . “ The first is that of simplification , developing easy-to-use , lean solutions allowing operators to effortlessly solve some of the everyday problems involved in their work . This category includes , for example , a series of artificial vision devices ( including the recent addition , the NVS ). The second area is that of automation , which helps enable significant efficiencies . The third is process optimisation to improve overall factory performance through digitalisation and OPS , our modular production management software .”
Artificial vision in focus
Salvagnini has been developing and implementing artificial vision applications on its systems for some time . These increase flexibility and extend application for laser cutting applications .
“ To accelerate sheet metal centering , and to allow centering even on parts that have already been punched or pre-holed , we introduced the AVS ,” said Bello . “ It can transform laser cutting into a downstream work station after punching . Then we focused on the SVS .”
The SVS , or Sheet / Scrap Vision System , helps to re-use sheet metal leftovers i . e . the residues of previous machining which are often used for samples , to make urgent parts of different sizes , in single batches , and to replace any machining scrap after cutting . The SVS calculates a dxf to use as the starting sheet nesting of the new parts to be cut . The SVS is supplied with STREAMLASER on Machine , the on-board version of the Salvagnini CAM .
“ The SVS comes in two versions ,” Bello continued . “ SVS1 , which has a single camera focusing on the leftovers and a working range of 1600 x 1500mm , and SVS2 , which uses two cameras and has a much larger working range of 3000 x 1500mm . The latest innovation is the NVS , or Nozzle Vision System . The NVS checks the centering of the laser beam and the state of the nozzle , making any corrections and adjustments in a rapid and intuitive manner . With the machine learning algorithms applied , it can suggest solutions to help reduce waste .”
Salvagnini ’ s L5 with LWTS automated storage and MCU .
Automation for efficiency
In the world of laser cutting systems , automation plays an increasingly important role . On the one hand , the cutting speeds achieved today have shifted the attention of many companies in the sheet metal sector to the phases immediately up- and downstream of the actual cutting : unloading and loading often risk becoming dangerous bottlenecks . On the other , automation can help reduce the impact of labour costs .
“ Obviously , both perspectives are correct ,” Bello resumed . “ But , in our view , what is truly decisive is the positive impact that automation has on the efficiency not only of the individual machining phases but of the production process as a whole .”
He cites results from a study by Salvagnini ’ s LINKS IoT solution which confirms that , while stand-alone solutions have an average efficiency of around 60 %, automated systems have much higher efficiency values , reaching 80 % or even 90 % ( if Salvagnini ’ s LTWS storetower is taken into account ).
“ Automated loading / unloading coupled to a store-tower is an enabling factor for increasing
L3 fibre cutting technology .
46 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR February 2021