Whenever fast, top-quality laser machining is required, the AMADA LCG AJ is the perfect solution. Because with a laser output that can be chosen between 2 and 9 kW, it offers optimum cutting quality for a vast range of material types and thicknesses. The already outstanding efficiency of the system can be significantly boosted by numerous automation options and new blank solution tools.
2, 4, 6 and 9 kW – those are the laser output classes that AMADA offers in its LCG AJ series of lasers for perfect laser-based cutting. The laser power that is actually used in practice will depend on the actual production requirements. “In particular in the case of mid-range material thicknesses of ten to twelve millimeters, the greater laser power ensures higher output,” explains Axel Willuhn, Product Manager for Punching and Laser Technology at AMADA GmbH. At the same time, AMADA guarantees maximum process reliability even for the higher laser output classes with their considerably greater range of possible applications. This is ensured, for example, by the integrated, sensor-based monitoring of cutting operations, the automatic nozzle changer or the nozzle cleaning unit. Every system adapts to the cutting conditions and can react specifically to every different task or challenge.
Modular automation toolbox
Independently of the laser power, the perfect performance of the LCG AJ series of lasers can be further increased by the available modular automation options. The spectrum ranges from simple loading and unloading of parts with the MP FLEXIT version, through the single- or double-tower systems from the AS LUL and ASF EU series and on to parts sorting with the TKL system. “These options allow users to span production cycles of several hours, or even days, and significantly reduce their manpower costs. The person responsible no longer has to stand continuously at the machine but is instead free to perform other activities as and when required,” explains Axel Willuhn. Individual parts or even whole series of the same material type and thickness can be stacked as required and can consequently be manufactured fully automatically. AMADA’s automation concept has been designed in such a way that even multi-machine operation at several different systems is possible without difficulty.
70 percent time savings
Whether as a standalone system, partially automated or fully automated: laser cutting with the AMADA LCG AJ is always outstandingly simple and efficient. This is thanks to the AMADA Blank Solution Pack, the fully-featured software solution for the external programming of all AMADA punching, laser and punch-laser combination machines. The data for the part that is to be manufactured is imported via the Production Designer and the ABE Planner generates the associated production data including a production schedule for the part. The integrated VPSS 3i programming system then performs the nesting, sorting, technology assignment and NC code generation tasks. All the processing parameters, as well as the part and program data, are managed by the Parameter Explorer (PX) and the Data Explorer (DX). In this way, production is performed in a single, end-to-end process, permitting time savings of up to 70 percent compared to conventional manufacturing sequences.
Four new Blank Solution Tools
In the future, AMADA intends to further extend its “V-Factory” concept to permit digital, fully networked production within the context of Industry 4.0. Consequently, at this year’s CeBIT, the company presented four new, innovative, high-performance tools for the AMADA Blank Solution Pack for the first time. These included the Order & Production Manager that records all incoming orders and works together directly with the new Vlot Manager. This automatically calculates the required machine capacities and reserves and schedules these together with the corresponding programs in order to ensure optimum utilization of the available systems. The new Vlot Navi module then provides the machine operator with a clear overview of the current day’s tasks and displays a detailed list of the parts to be manufactured. Last but not least, with New Kaizen, AMADA is supplying a tool that provides an overview of the in-house machine pool. It shows which machines are currently running, which are in stand-by mode and whether there are any malfunctions or alarms. Thanks to the real-time data, preventive maintenance operations are possible at all times.
Successful, fully networked production
All the data from the new tools are stored in real time in the central VSDD database that can be accessed at any time and from any workstation. This means that users always have a complete view of all tasks and processes, can monitor these as required and intervene flexibly if the need arises. “The new tools permit the optimum use of all the systems, while the end-to-end digitization of the processes allows our customers to plan even better than before and to manufacture and deliver on a just-in-time basis,” explains Peter John Hain, Software Application Engineer at AMADA. “These are new, helpful, modern tools that make their users outstandingly flexible and competitive and open up the potentials of digitization for them in a highly effective way – for our joint, long-lasting success.”
Pictures: Amada GmbH