Servodrive control: Laser cutter provides precise power

Video: Mitsubishi 2512HV-20CF laser cutter at Atlas Tool & Die Works Inc. has repeatability accuracy of +/- 0.000197 in. and uses three servos by Mitsubishi Electric Corp. The controls can operate up to 6 axes, if needed. Latest machine offers more capabilities. Also see photos, cutting speed table.

February 6, 2013

Precise power: This Mitsubishi 2512HV-20CF laser cutter at Atlas Tool & Die Works Inc. has repeatability accuracy of +/- .000197 in. and uses three servos by Mitsubishi Electric Corp. The material in the video and photo is 14-gauge, type 304 stainless steel, being cut at a feed rate of 70 in. per minute (IPM) using 650 W of power. Operator at the controls (video and photo) is Brian Squeo from Atlas.

Machine varies by material and thickness. The speed table provided shows different speeds this machine is capable of achieving; the fastest is 400 IPM by cutting .040 (19-gauge) mild steel with oxygen. The machine controls used can run up to 6 servo drives, according to Tim Gelsomino, sales liaison, MC Machinery Systems Inc., Mitsubishi EDM/Laser.

February 2013 Control Engineering cover video and related cutting photos are by Peter Welander, content manager, Control Engineering, CFE Media. This is the first digital edition cover video from Control Engineering.

Online extra

Below is more information provided by MC Machinery Systems Inc., Mitsubishi EDM/Laser, about the Mitsubishi 2512HV-20CF laser cutter and the latest machine in this line, the Mitsubishi HVII.

Mitsubishi 2512HV-20CF laser cutter

The HV was touted as a workhorse with easy-to-use, state-of-the-art technologies. It meets the demands and needs of users, and brings unsurpassed performance at the lowest cost of ownership of any machine in its class, the company said, offering the following:

  • Advances in processing technology optimize gas flow and beam quality while allowing for exceptional plate processing performance.
  • Mitsubishi Super HP control redefines a hybrid’s ability to produce accurate parts in thin, high-speed cutting applications.
  • DR control combines real-time power ramping with acceleration or deceleration—dramatically reducing dross adhesion and thermal influences.
  • Superior edge quality
  • Reduced setup times
  • Processing versatility for thin or thick workpiece applications
  • Reduced de-burring of sheet metal applications
  • Intelligent Assist Gas Monitoring, resulting in less scrapped parts
  • Automatic Quick-Assist Gas Change function
  • Optimal nozzle design reduces running costs
  • Long-life part-design for drive system and other components
  • Revolutionary “Dual” Cross-Flow resonator (40 CF-R)
  • Integrated Maintenance Guide for most maintenance functions 

Control specifications include retry control, multiple setup screen, telephone line interface, and hard disc memory capacity of 2 GB. It has functions for processing start point return, feed hold point return, corner control, and slope control. It also has an error help screen, processing setup screen, maintenance screen, scaling mirror image, figure rotation, and graphics automatic scaling. Other control capabilities include laser macro, automatic power off, processing condition register, processing condition search, processing condition adjustment, one-touch 2nd/3rd zero point return, and character string replacement. The display screen is a 10.4-in. thin-film transistor (TFT) touchscreen, with 2 MB memory, a 3.5-in. floppy disc, and optional network-use LAN card.

Mitsubishi HVII laser cutter

HVII has advanced processing technology to optimize gas flow and beam quality with exceptional plate processing performance. Mitsubishi Super HP control is said to redefine a hybrid’s ability to produce accurate parts in thin, high-speed cutting applications. Dynamic response (DR) control combines real-time power ramping with acceleration or deceleration, dramatically reducing dross adhesion and thermal influences. A “Mels Eye” option offers plasma detection, pierce detection, auto-focus, and burn detection.

The new LC30BV Mitsubishi control simplifies cutting setup and preparation. It has a complete database of processing conditions applicable to a wide variety of cutting. High-speed z-axis height sensing and latest pierce technology drastically reduce cutting time. It has a 15-in. touchscreen control, a 1.2 GHz 20 GB hard drive, USB port, Ethernet, and new interface with high-speed graphics and help screens. HVII provides simultaneous 3-axis control, and z-axis height control also is possible. Encoder provides position detection.

Background, history

MC Machinery markets and services machine tools, specifically electrical discharge machines (EDM), industrial laser and press brake machines, and waterjet cutting machines. Established in 1991, it is owned by MIC and parent Mitsubishi Corp. History.

Atlas Tool & Die Works is a family-owned business based in Lyons, Ill., (near Chicago) providing value-added stamped, cut, and fabricated metal parts and assemblies since 1918. The company also perform precision cutting of marble, granite, stone and plastic, and provides die and fixture building and maintenance services.

– Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content manager, CFE Media, Control Engineering, Plant Engineering, mhoske@cfemedia.com.

www.mcmachinery.com 

www.atlas-tool.com/laser_cutting.htm