Yamazaki Mazak is launching a new high-productivity laser processing machine specifically designed for the high-speed, large lot cutting of small and medium diameter tube.
The new FT-150 FIBER is a compact laser processing machine that benefits from an ergonomic design, with the operator area, loading station and unloading station all located on the same side.
Equipped with a 3.0kW fiber resonator, the FT-150 FIBER can process single workpieces up to 6,500mm in length and 150kg in weight, with a maximum tube diameter of 152.4mm. 8,000mm and 180kg options are also available.
The machine can cut a wide variety of materials typically used in the architectural, automotive, construction and furniture industries, including mild steel, stainless steel, copper, brass and aluminium.
Designed for maximum productivity, the FT-150 FIBER can perform multiple processes, including cutting, tapping, drilling and thermal drilling. In-process time is reduced as it negates the need for processes such as punch press, deburring and hole tapping. In addition, the fibre laser, together with high-speed feedrates, high-speed acceleration and fast chuck-indexing, deliver exceptional cutting speeds.
Productivity is further improved due to its large capacity bundle loader, which can automatically load raw material weighing up to four tonnes, to enable continuous operation over extended time periods. The FT-150 FIBER can also unload workpieces in a variety of ways, from standard solutions to automatic sorting systems for the efficient production of large-lot and multiple part models. The machine is capable of unloading finished parts up to 3000mm in length (a 4500mm option is also available) into parts buckets, or via an optional conveyor belt. The sorting system can sort and unload small, medium and large finished parts in four different areas.
The FT-150 FIBER also has a number of features to deliver accurate and high-quality cutting. These include an additional U-axis in the cutting head, which facilitates ultra-high-speed cutting, as well as a tilting laser head that enables highly accurate bevel cutting.
High cutting accuracy is also ensured thanks to the machine’s ‘Visual Seam Locator’, which uses a high-performance camera and image analysing software to detect welding seams on tubes in order to determine the required radial position for cutting; while the ‘Work Center Location’ detects any bends or twists in the workpiece, and automatically makes any adjustments prior to cutting.
Other features include support units for long workpiece material to prevent sagging during the cut, and an ‘Internal Spatter Guard that prevents spatter adhering inside the workpiece and to avoid internal surface burning. An optional rotary tool spindle with ATC for tapping holes, drilling and thermal drilling is also available.
The FT-150 FIBER is also equipped with a number of automatic functions, including auto-profiler calibration and nozzle cleaning to further enhance productivity.
Mazak’s innovative CAD/CAM software, FX-TUBE, allows time study and consumption cost data to be easily integrated into a customer’s ERP system, while the imported 3D data edit function considerably reduces editing and waiting time. Overall productivity is further enhanced by the NC Control, MAZAK FX, which includes important functions such as the Quick Restart Program, the ability to schedule using QR Codes generated by FX TUBE, and a ‘Database Viewer’ of machine’s cutting condition database.
Mr Gaetano Lo Guzzo, Director Laser Business Europe at Yamazaki Mazak, said: “The new FT-150 FIBER, further enhances our tube laser cutting capabilities with a machine specifically designed for the high speed and high accuracy cutting of small to medium diameter tubes. The exceptional productivity delivered by the combination of fibre resonator, ultra-fast feedrates and the capability to machine multiple different processes along with the bundle loader system, makes the FT-150 FIBER ideal for volume manufacturers looking to make a step-change in their tube laser processing capabilities.”