PRODUCT REVIEWS
Flexible tube cutting
Belgian sheet metal specialist , LVD Company nv , has introduced the TL 8525 to its line of tube laser cutting machines . The new generation tube laser is equipped with various high-performance features to optimise tube cutting for complex applications . With a large 8500mm infeed length , the TL 8525 can process tubes of up to 250mm ( round or square ). Standard machine features include a 45-degree , 3D tilt-axis cutting head for bevelling , six-position front loader and a wide X-axis cutting head range of 1190mm to maximise material usage .
“ The TL 8525 is built for high productivity . The machine can process tube lengths of 8500mm and a maximum part length of 3000mm . It can clamp and cut tubes up to a diameter of 250mm . A substantial 400mm Z-axis enables the cutting of larger profiles . A completely new design , its
LVD has just launched its Resource Centre , a new online portal offering fabricators 24 / 7 access to information on new sheet metalworking equipment , industry trends , ideas and strategies to advance their business . welded steel structure provides high rigidity and dynamics . The pre-mounted chuck and steady rest facilitate quick and easy machine installation and start-up . The TL 8525 offers the advantage of accessibility on all sides of the machine . Because loading and unloading is handled on one side , the machine can fit in a small space or against a wall ,” LVD told ISMR .
To provide versatility for a wide range of use to cut round , square , rectangular or other profiles , the TL 8525 is equipped with key features . A 45-degree , 3D tilt cutting head is standard . The multi-axis cutting head delivers high-precision bevel cutting in round , square , rectangular and irregular-shaped tubes , cuts complex profiles and channels and can be used for weldpreparation cuts in thick-walled tubes .
The six-position front loader is a semiautomatic loading device for a high degree of material loading flexibility . It handles up to six tubes and offers six positions of even large-diameter 250mm tubes . The system can be loaded with different types of tubes in different sizes and can be interrupted during processing to add a new tube .
“ Unlike a bundle feed system , there is no waiting to rebind the bundle in the loader , remove it from the machine and then reload a new bundle . The flexibility of material loading efficiently handles the needs of both small batch and long-run production ,” explained LVD .
“ A generous 1190mm X-axis cutting head range enables processing along a greater length of the tube , including behind the steady rest unit . The capability to process more of the tube and waste less material makes tube cutting operations more productive and profitable ,” it added .
Other key features include a programmable table in the outfeed zone . The servo-controlled table features a tilt function for smooth part release and is integrated to a 3m part evacuation conveyor . The conveyor uses multiple compartments to securely separate and hold parts – even round or longer tubes – as they move along the conveyor .
The TL 8525 incorporates a high degree of automation with automatic tube loading , automatic tube centring and automatic setup and adjustment of the chuck and steady rest . A high-power fume extraction system integrated to the chuck automatically removes approximately 4000 cubic metres of fumes hourly from the cutting area .
The machine is equipped with a 2kW IPG fibre laser source capable of cutting a range of ferrous and non-ferrous materials . A 4kW laser source is optional . n
ISMR July / August 2021 | sheetmetalplus . com | 61