PROCESSES

High speed 2D/3D laser cutting system

Prima North America Inc. (www.prima-na.com) said the next generation of its Domino laser cutting series has a combined X-Y-Z axes speed of 5,900 in. per min for high speed 2D or 3D cutting.

The system has a new high speed CNC control that provides enhanced graphics for easy, user-friendly programming, and a quick-piercing function that reduces piercing time by over 25 percent. For offline 3D programming, Domino is available with Cenit 3D software.

The company said the system's low-maintenance, direct-drive cutting/welding heads offer high precision and dynamics. In addition, the system's synthetic granite frame is designed to eliminate vibration and provides thermal stability, contributing significantly to system accuracy. Positioning accuracy and repeatability is 0.001 in.

The 2D/3D system has a cantilever design that lends to it being a compact unit.

Domino has an X-Y-Z working capacity of 120 in. by 60 in. by 16 in. The laser head performs two rotations: A-axis of 360 degrees continuous and B-axis of ± 135 degrees. The system is designed to cut anything from conventional 2D flat sheet work to complex three-dimensional pieces at any head orientation. Its CNC focal axis and a capacitance height sensor accurately and automatically maintains standoff distance from the work surface while adapting to material and thickness. That eliminates the need for manual operator intervention for unattended production runs.

The laser head has a magnetic breakaway system that is designed to protect against crashes. In the event of an obstruction, the head safely releases and the machine can be operational again in minutes.

Options available include a CNC rotary axis for fast, accurate tube cutting, an automated pallet changer and a fully automatic material handling and storage unit.

The system is available with a 2500-Watt, 3500-Watt or a 4000-Watt CO₂ laser resonator. It can be programmed offline with 2D Picam CAD/CAM or 3D Cenit FasTrim software that provides a full range of CAD/CAM and simulation functionality covering all 3D laser process requirements.

Gooseneck system for MIG guns

Tregaskiss (www.tregaskiss) has introduced a quick load gooseneck system for its curved handle Tough Gun MIG guns.

This system allows quick and easy changing of gooseneck combinations, and is designed to minimize downtime while providing the exact angle for specific welding applications.

A quick-release feature requires only the opening and closing of a simple latch to switch-out different gooseneck styles. It also allows the gooseneck to be rotated 360 degrees to reach awkward joints or to weld in confined areas. No tools are required.

The system accommodates a variety of gooseneck lengths and styles available from Tregaskiss.

When the quick load gooseneck system is combined with Tregaskiss' Quick Load Liner system, a new liner can be installed from the front end of the MIG gun requiring less than half the time of a full liner installation. Also, a sectional liner system has been integrated into the company's Tough Gun MIG guns, allowing the gooseneck liner and consumables to remain in place during changeover.

The quick load gooseneck system operates on a common consumable platform and is compatible with the company's tough lock contact system to help reduce time and cost of ordering and inventorying parts.