Page 17 - MetalForming December 2009

machine controller maximizes through- put by equally sharing the laser-cut- ting workload between all of the laser heads in the system; this practice can dramatically reduce overall processing time.
Automatic Feed has concentrated on developing a high-speed progressive laser-blanking line that incorporates a series of high-speed lasers to cut devel- oped blanks directly from a steel strip. The line can produce small parts as quickly as 32 parts/min. (PPM) and large body-side outer blanks at 12 to 18 PPM, using a five-laser system. Each of the lasers is tasked with cutting a portion of the entire pattern required to produce the developed blank. The strip is rolled out at a constant velocity and four of the lasers make a majority of the cuts required to produce the blank. The strip is held and driven by a set of pinch rolls at each end of the four-laser con- figuration, and after the final set of pinch rolls, the fifth laser makes the final cuts in the strip to separate the developed blank from the strip. This can be done with traditional-style coil lines and stacking systems.
A pin conveyor used in conjunction with the pinch roll or clamping mech- anism supports the underside of the strip and travels at the same speed and manner as the pinch rolls and strip. This allows for the material to be pre- sented to the lasers in a way that sepa- rates the strip from the scrap, in addi- tion to allowing easy removal and collection of scrap separate from the production blank. The front end of the system is capable of integrating as many as 15 laser modules, so when the proces- sor takes one laser-generating unit down for maintenance, the front end auto- matically reprograms the system to operate at its maximum capability with fewer active lasers. Cutting paths are redistributed and line speed is adjusted automatically.
Additionally, multiple pinch-roll cells allow for the strip to continuously pass underneath the laser-cutting heads, or start and stop the strip feed in a pro- gressive manner. Both methods result in high yield rates. MF
FOR UNPARALLELED WELDING PERFORMANCE ON STAINLESS STEEL FABRICATION PROJECTS
New UltraCore® stainless flux-cored wires feature:
• Enhanced Operator Appeal
• Superior Weld Performance • Q2 Lot® Controlled and Teste • ProTech® Foil Bag
Flat and horizontal positions:
• UltraCore® FC 308L • UltraCore® FC 309L • UltraCore® FC 316L
All positions:
• UltraCore® FCP 308L • UltraCore® FCP 309L • UltraCore® FCP 316L
www.lincolnelectric.com/products/stainless
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