NORTHERN EXPOSURE

PRIMA North America, Inc. a manufacturer of innovative laser cutting systems, recently delivered an OPTIMO 3D Laser Cutting System to Northern Manufacturing Company (Oak Harbor, OH), a precision fabricator of custom sheet metal parts and assemblies that specializes in precision stainless steel fabrications, including all stainless steel alloys, for the automotive, farming, appliance and energy industries.

This is PRIMA's largest 5-axis, 3D laser cutting and welding system. "We are pleased to provide Northern Manufacturing with a 3D cutting and welding solution that offers superior quality and accuracy for cutting and welding large work pieces," said Mr. Thomas Burdel, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for PRIMA Laser.

For exceptionally high cutting speeds, the ability to process thicker materials and produce superior cut quality with a reduced heat-effected zone, this system includes the uniquely designed CV5000 laser resonator. Other technological advancements include a direct-drive head requiring no gears or complex kinematics, removing any backlash or wear. Three independent axes provide a high speed of 1.5 rev/s and a rotating axes accuracy of 0.005 deg. The axes are completely modular in design for high reliability and easy maintainability.

The C-axis offers several advantages including a long stroke (± 10 mm) and a record-breaking acceleration of 4 g. It also automatically adapts to any variation in the sheet metal, making it a true 6th NC axis. The system offers a large working volume with a compact architecture, along with easy and ample access to the workpiece. A split cabin design provides maximum productivity. The cabin fully encloses the machine and work area, including its ceiling, for increased safety and optimal fume and dust evacuation. The work piece is fully accessible, allowing the operator to move comfortably around parts for loading, unloading and programming. The highly accessible structure supports the system's easy integration with a variety of robotic solutions.

This system offers many advanced functions that make it a state-of-the art system, including the Focal Position Control (FPC) functionality that delivers high and uniform cutting quality and eliminates production set-up changes when alternating material types and thicknesses.  In addition, the system can be programmed offline with 3D Cenit FasTRIM software.

Northern Manufacturing Company, 132 N Railroad St, Oak Harbor, OH 43449, Phone: 800-457-6444. www.northernmfg.com

PRIMA North America, Inc., 711 East Main Street, Chicopee, MA USA 01020, 413-598-5200, Fax: 413-598-5201, www.prima-na.com.