PRODUCT REVIEWS
Sustainable laser cutting
Yamazaki Mazak is set to debut Laser Beam Shaping technology on its stand D26 in Hall 11 at EuroBLECH 2022 in Hanover ( 25-28 October 2022 ). It will unveil two new laser processing machines for cutting tube , pipe and sheet metal : the FG-400 NEO and OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO 15kW .
“ The FG-400 NEO can streamline production and improve performance by running multiple processes in one machine from 3D cutting to tapping , drilling , chamfering and flow-drilling when equipped with the optional tapping unit . The system is ideally suited for large-sized tubes and pipes , including round , square and rectangular cross-sections ; as well as H , I and L beams . By combining a new 3D laser head with A-axis , B-axis and fibre laser technology , it can facilitate the stable machining of complex shapes and highly reflective materials , such as copper and brass . The 4-chucks system provides additional stability by preventing material distortion during processing ,” Mazak told ISMR . To complement the machine , Mazak has
The FG-400 NEO can run multiple processes in one machine . developed a set of quality-of-life functions including part nesting , tool simulation and a tool path monitor to speed up set-up times and enable continuous production .
The OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO 15kW is the latest entry in Mazak ’ s OPTIPLEX 2D laser-cutting machine series .
“ Thanks to a combination of MAZATROL SmoothLx CNC Control , MCT3 cutting-head and a wealth of customisation options , the machine delivers accurate , precise sheet-metal processing . It benefits from a high degree of automated features to deliver faster set-up times ( up to 95 % compared to standard laser machines ), including automatic nozzle changing , as well as automatic focus detection and positioning to improve ease of use and
The OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO 15kW .
optimise piercing performance ,” continued Mazak .
“ The large front and side access doors improve accessibility to the working area and ease loading / unloading operations . The Nozzle Auto Centering Camera displays the nozzle location on the CNC screen , allowing the operator to make adjustments on the torch , while the nesting feature automatically determines how to arrange the parts for optimal cutting on residual materials ,” it added .
The OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO 15kW displayed at EuroBLECH will be equipped with the CST 3015 automation system . Consisting of a single tower mounted above the laser bench , it has eight separate drawers – each with a load capacity of up to 3,000kg – and deploys a suction-based system for the loading of raw material and the unloading of processed workpieces .
Mazak is strongly committed to reducing its environmental footprint and achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 , as highlighted by the company ’ s ‘ Go Green ’ initiative . Both machines on display at EuroBLECH 2022 leverage Mazak ’ s ‘ Laser Beam Shaping ’ and ‘ Fiber ’ technology .
Cutting quality is achieved by controlling the power density concentration of the laser beam , while a wide range of different materials and thicknesses can be accommodated by adjusting the beam ’ s diameter and shape .
“ Our Fiber technology can deliver significant cost reductions and energy savings ( up to 60 % compared to previous models ), while providing unsurpassed cutting speed and quality for both thick and thin materials ,” Mazak concluded . n
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Dust extraction specialist celebrates 50 years
Dustcontrol UK will exhibit a range of its extraction equipment at the Processing and Packaging Machinery Association Show ( PPMA ) from 27-29 September 2022 ( Birmingham , UK ), as the company continues to mark 50 years of extraction solutions for the production industry . The Dustcontrol team will be showcasing the firm ’ s range of fixed and mobile cyclone-based dust extractors , air cleaners and a selection of mobile machines on Stand E30 .
“ The DC11-Module for example , which comes in several models , is a standalone unit for source extraction and industrial cleaning . It has been designed to service up to six normal extraction points or several cleaning outlets at a time and is modularly built , so that it can be tailor-made to suit any manufacturing and production environment . As with all our equipment , the DC11-Module can be fitted with HEPA- 13 filters allowing exhaust air to be safely returned to the work environment ,” it explained .
The company , based in Milton Keynes , develops dust extraction solutions and centralised vacuum systems to fit client requirements in the production industry . Its evolved GFF ( Good For Food ) range of food and pharma-grade dust extraction accessories and equipment will also be on display . The GFF range is designed to offer dust extraction and cleaning of food contact areas that previously may not have been allowed , while also offering the possibility of recycling .
The Dustcontrol team will also be showcasing its DC AirCube 500 ; DC
AirCube 2000 ; DC Tromb 240V and DC 1800 EX Stainless Steel . The DC AirCube 2000 is the company ’ s most powerful singlephase air cleaner with a capacity of 1800m ³/ hr . It features an energy-saving ECO-fan ; a pre-filter ; a HEPA H13 microfilter of 10m ²; a filter indication lamp and variable speed transmission to save energy consumption . It can also clean air from hazardous particles as small as 0.3 micrometres , including both silica dusts and airborne viruses .
James Miller , Director , Dustcontrol UK , commented : “ We supply a complete range of dust collector equipment and accessories for large and small companies across many industries – from aviation and automotive , to metalworking , printing , food and pharmaceuticals .” n