FIBRE LASER CUTTING
Kim Karlsen , Mazak service engineer , pictured right , visiting East Metal in Daugavpils , Latvia .
OPTIPLEX 4020 FIBER III
The OPTIPLEX 4020 FIBER III is a 2D flying optics laser-cutting system that utilises an innovative control and drive package to deliver high performance for fabrication job shops and production environments . It is equipped with sensors in the Multi-Control Torch that monitor piercing and cutting operations to improve throughput and part quality . If an anomaly is detected , the operation is adjusted or paused for effective cutting conditions .
The new PreviewG Control is a large 19 ” LCD touch-screen for increased ease of operation . It is designed to integrate intelligent set-up and monitoring functions to simplify operation and reduce operator dependency . It can be used with Mazak ’ s extensive range of automated material handling systems .
energy industry has established itself as a prominent part of the company ’ s overall business .
East Metal ’ s work producing large parts for wind turbines , including nacelles and blades , helped establish it as a provider of quality components . Yet , with rising demand based on a burgeoning reputation , the need for the company to expand its cutting capacity soon became apparent . It had to source a laser machine manufacturer that could help to grow the company while maintaining its extremely high standards . This , in turn , led the organisation to Yamazaki Mazak .
“ A lot of the industries we supply have very strict specifications around product lifetimes ,” said Mr . Rasmussen . “ For example , in the wind energy industry the components that we provide are expected to last at least 20 years in a very stressful environment . Quality is essential and this was foremost in our minds when we were looking to expand our laser machine portfolio .
“ We were originally looking at other brands but when we encountered Mazak , it quickly became clear it could supply reliable and strong machines that would produce parts to the exacting standards we require . We have previously subcontracted some of our laser cutting work out , so any machines we purchased needed to provide extended capacity and flexibility so that we could bring this business back in-house . Mazak helped us to achieve this aim ,” he continued .
Investing for success
With these expansion-oriented objectives in mind , East Metal chose to invest in two Mazak machines to improve its cutting capacity : an OPTIPLEX 4020 FIBER 6.0kW , with automated load and unload functions plus a 20-shelf setup , and a 3D FABRI GEAR 400 III .
Specifically designed for long , heavy tube and profile work , the FABRI GEAR is suitable for East Metal ’ s applications . Equipped with
Left to right : Structural parts fabrication at East Metal .
ISMR February 2022 | sheetmetalplus . com | 47