PRODUCT REVIEWS
The need for speed
CNC specialist NUM is helping Grupo Plasma Automation – a Latin American fabrication equipment manufacturer – to develop a high-speed laser cutting machine that uses real-time adaptive height control to accelerate throughput .
Steven Schilling , managing director of NUM Corporation in Naperville , Illinois , said : “ We are delighted to be collaborating with GPA in the development of this new machine . In addition to the real-time adaptive height control and sheet detection systems , the customised version of NUMcut software features a user library of material cutting conditions . It is preloaded by GPA with the optimal laser power levels , cutting speeds etc ., as a function of material type and thickness . The provision of this library will further add to the machine ’ s productivity and cutting accuracy .”
Grupo Plasma Automation comprises eight companies that specialise in the design and manufacture of fabrication automation . The group produces a broad range of plasma , laser and waterjet cutting machines . Founded in 1991 , GPA has grown steadily over the years and has built up a large customer base ; it has more than 700 cutting systems installed at companies in Mexico alone , and today serves both domestic and international markets .
GPA ’ s latest CNC laser cutting machine is designed to provide sheet metal fabricators with a very flexible precision cutting solution . Branded SPEED CUT , the machine cuts a wide variety of metals with different densities including galvanised iron , aluminium , brass , stainless and carbon steel . It has a work area of 1.5 x 3 metres and a maximum cutting speed of 120 metres per minute , with 40 microns positioning accuracy .
The laser source is a 2kW IPG Photonics ’ solid state ytterbium fibre system , with a wavelength of 1.07 micrometres , while the cutting head is a Precitec LightCutter 2.0 unit which features automated motor-driven adjustment of the axial focus position , can handle acceleration rates as high as 3g and covers a large focus position range of 23mm .
All cutting head positioning functions on the machine are controlled by a NUM Flexium + 8 CNC system . According to Omar Sandoval , Owner and CEO of GPA , “ We chose to partner with NUM mainly because of its open architecture CNC platform and NUM ’ s willingness to actively participate in joint development projects like this .”
All four machine axes are driven by NUM high torque BPX servomotors controlled by NUMDrive X digital servo drives ; the Y1 and Y2 gantry axes are equipped with powerful 9.8Nm motors , while the X and Z axes have smaller 2.7Nm and 1.4Nm motors , respectively . NUM ’ s Flexium Tool commissioning software allows the Y1 / Y2 axes to be tuned while the synchronisation is active .
The Z axis controls the vertical height of the laser cutting head above the sheet of metal that is being cut . By capitalising on the ‘ Dynamic Operator ’ ( DO ) function in NUM ’ s Flexium software – which enables event-driven machine cycles to be integrated into the realtime CNC kernel – the user of the SPEED CUT machine benefits from an automated dynamic height control system that accommodates rapid cutting speeds . The system interprets data from the machine ’ s cutting head height sensor and uses it to quickly adjust proportional-integral-derivative ( PID ) loop parameters in the Z axis servo .
The height sensor is also employed to facilitate an automatic sheet detection routine : this determines the workpiece ’ s dimensions , zero and angular offset , further simplifying the machine ’ s operation .
Surface sanitiser
With the continuing battle against COVID-19 , businesses everywhere are facing the unenviable task of ensuring virus-free workplaces for staff and customers . HI-KLEEN from Hi-line Industries was introduced in the summer of 2020 as a surface sanitiser for commercial premises .
“ Workplaces are a potential breeding ground for bacteria and viruses , which is why taking sensible precautions represents an astute health and safety strategy . A single , quick application of HI-KLEEN ensures full sanitisation of all contact surfaces , providing at least five hours of protection from further contamination once applied . The product is completely safe for any member of staff to apply without the need for PPE ,” the company told ISMR .
“ Hi-KLEEN ’ s special formulation ensures it kills and inhibits both bacteria and viruses ( including enveloped viruses such as COVID-19 ) on hard or soft surfaces . This odour-free , clear product is ideal for a vast range of facilities including factories ; food plants ; warehouses ; offices ; showrooms ; educational buildings and even vehicles ,” it continued .
HI-KLEEN does not stain , is non-corrosive and will leave a streak and smear-free finish
to most polished surfaces , including glass and stainless steel . The product contains no alcohol , avoiding any potential for dry or irritable skin . Composed of organic , nonchlorinated solvents , it comes in both 500ml aerosols and disposable 17kg canisters ( with spray gun ). The latter is suitable for those looking to sanitise entire rooms , providing typical coverage of 750 square metres .
Hi-line is offering a free , no-obligation demonstration of HI-KLEEN at the UK premises of interested parties . The company will supply a free HI-KLEEN aerosol spray with each purchase of Hiline ’ s compressed air equipment during 2021 . See video on
https :// youtu . be / 7cQlavJ51S4 or visit
www . hilineindustries . com n
46 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR March 2021