gold, tungsten or tantalum in sensor components, and carbides, polycrystalline diamond or ceramics in cutting tools. As the requirements for the laser systems are equally diverse, it is increasingly important to provide potential users with smooth commercial access to these markets.
Swisstec Micromachining, a company from Herisau in Switzerland, is one of the leading manufacturers of high-productivity laser cutting systems, primarily used for cutting stents or tubular semi-finished parts. Their development is based around a painstaking focus on all systems having a modular design. The result is an extensive range of optional enhancements, enabling what are essentially tailored laser systems to be supplied (figure 1).
Flexible integration of ultra short pulse lasers The modular design of the Multiple Flexible Tube (MFT) machine series is really coming into its own now, allowing integration of different beam sources. While a few years ago pulsed Nd:YAG lasers were still considered the most practical all-rounders, when it comes to precision and micro cutting they have largely been superseded by fibre lasers. One of the most important trends is the emergence of ultra short pulse lasers. They represent a class of laser that can deal with almost unlimited component geometry and materials, with pico and, increasingly, femtosecond lasers able to process almost any material with no damage (figure 2). The most recent advances in these beam sources mean that they are now suitable for industrial use, in terms of their cutting capacity, robustness, price and space requirements.
Laser systems need to be able to cash in on the processing flexibility delivered by modern beam sources such as UKP lasers. The only way that this can happen is with laser systems that can be quickly and cost-effectively adapted to changed conditions, materials, structures and automation solutions (figure 3).
The workpiece shapes the process Swisstec’s MFT machine series is based on a modular concept, allowing a wide range of enhancements while retaining its extremely compact design. Configured as a 2-axis machine by default, additional axes can be added with no problems, for example for an offset cut or for repositioning the laser focus in the vertical plane (figure 4).
The standard enhancements include: • Feed systems for bar and tube material, • Loading magazine for semifinished parts, • Opposing spindles, • Additional beam sources for welding applications,
• Imaging solutions for quality monitoring and • Additional swivel axes for 5-axis processing.
The modular design of the Multiple Flexible Tube (MFT) machine series is really coming into its own now, allowing integration of different beam sources.
Patent Pending Hybrid Hexapod ™
The patent pending ALIO Hybrid Hexapod™ is the latest novel motion system from the worldʼs leading 6-D Nano Precision® motion systems supplier. With over 12 years of innovation ALIO is positioned to exceed todayʼs and tomorrowʼs precision motion needs with over 300 standard motion products that have no equal for True Nano® precision motion. OEM applications in Metrology to Laser Processing have distinct advantages over their competition with ALIO motion systems that offer an order of magnitude less of measurement data uncertainty and sub-micron laser cut precision at a price point less than legacy stage products. From patent pending planar air bearings to the most precise 6-D Point Precision® mechanical bearing stages built in the world ALIO delivers unmatched performance and quality. We invite you to discuss your application with ALIO engineers and see how our 6-D approach to motion can revolutionize your companyʼs products or part production.
ALIO Industries, Inc. 11919 West 48th Ave., #119 Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 USA +1 (303) 339-7500
www.ALIOindustries.com
25 | commercial micro manufacturing international Vol 6 No.5
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