5-AXIS FINE LASER CUTTING SYSTEM
Miyachi Unitek (Monrovia, CA ) announces the availability of fine laser cutting systems with up to 5 axes of precision multi-axis motion and sophisticated software control features. A proprietary position-based firing laser control algorithm enables precise pulsing overlap to be maintained during multiple linear and rotary axis coordinated motion. The system configuration is ideally suited to the cutting of medical tubes that are needed for numerous applications.

Miyachi Unitek designs and manufactures a full range of resistance welding and reflow soldering power supplies, heads, monitors and accessories for both large scale and fine spot applications requiring precision metals joining, lasers and laser systems for welding and marking, and hermetic sealing systems, gloveboxes and environmental enclosures. www.muc.miyachi.com

MODULAR MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEM FOR UNATTENDED LASER CUTTING

Bringing even higher throughput to its industry-leading laser cutting systems, the new Modular Material Handling System (MMHS) boosts the productivity of CL-800 series dual-pallet laser cutting systems, reducing cost per part and allowing unattended operation for up to three shifts via automated load/unload of raw materials and finished parts.

Engineered, manufactured and serviced by Cincinnati, Inc. (Cincinnati, OH), the MMHS optimizes material flow and laser burn time, and the overhead rail design allows shops to tailor automated sheet and part handling to existing floor space and today's processing needs, while assuring easy system expansion to serve multiple laser cutting systems as laser activity grows. System components include a cell controller, transporter, safety system and optional over/under carts capable of carrying up to 12,000 lbs (5443 kg) each.

The MMHS installs quickly and the simple design is easily integrated into the laser cutting system. A touch-screen controller sends programs to the laser and controls all automated and manual functions of the material handling system, while logging inventory depletion. Cincinnati Programming and Nesting Software is integrated with the MMHS and laser cutting system to optimize material usage and determine how much material is required for each task.

The transporter uses vacuum cups to deliver 5 ft x 10 ft (1.5 m x 3 m) or 6 ft x 12 ft (2 m x 4 m) sheets to the laser, and a sheet peeler ensures one-sheet-at-a-time delivery to the laser. Servo-controlled "fingers" unload finished parts from the laser to the over/under carts or floor pallets. The transporter handles sheet thicknesses from 20 ga (.9 mm) to .75 in (19 mm). The MMHS complies with ANSI B11.19-2003 safety standards, and mutable zones allow safe access into work areas without disrupting production. It is available with all new CL-800 series laser cutting systems. www.e-ci.com

LASER WELDING SYSTEM WITH FULLY ENCLOSED ATMOSPHERIC CHAMBER
Huffman Corporation (Clover, SC) introduces the model HP-245ACC laser welding system with a fully enclosed atmospheric welding chamber. The benefits of laser powder fusion welding are further enhanced with the addition of a fully enclosed atmospheric chamber for welding in an inert gas environment.

This system is designed for welding oxygen sensitive or reactive materials like Titanium. The system can be configured with a variety of features like antechambers, inert gas handling and purification systems, oxygen and moisture sensors, and part handling devices to match the end user's specific needs.

Applications include weld restoration on worn surfaces on a variety of turbine engine components like blades, vanes, shrouds, seals and BLISKS or IBRs (integrally bladed rotors). The system is also capable of 3D freeform fabrication ? welding successive layers of material to build up complex 3D components.

Huffman?s laser powder fusion systems are designed to meet the increasing demands for flexible, reliable, precision production systems for complex parts like flight and industrial gas turbine blades, vanes, and other components. Founded in 1961, Huffman provides manufacturing process technology to the flight and industrial gas turbine, medical, and vehicle markets. The company?s main technologies are high-precision, multi-axis grinding, laser powder fusion welding and abrasive waterjetting. huffmancorp.com

SOFTWARE FINDS HIDDEN LASER CUTTING CAPACITY
The new Scheduler software from Cincinnati Incorporated (Cincinnati, OH ) identifies excess capacity on stand-alone laser cutting systems, and automatically nests parts for optimum material usage and job turnaround. Applying lean manufacturing principles, the software uses a database of all active part files and prioritizes nesting by part due date. Future-delivery parts are brought in to optimize nests, filling gaps and utilizing excess machine and material capacity.

Scheduler software takes information entered by the operator, including order requirements, part numbers, due dates and quantities, and generates a job schedule in calendar format, similar to the interface used in Microsoft Outlook. The software also identifies parts for which on-time delivery may be a problem, allowing schedule adjustments to meet delivery deadlines.

Designed to work with Cincinnati Laser Programming & Nesting software, Scheduler uses a color-coding system to group jobs with similar lens/nozzle set-ups to facilitate unattended operation. The Programming and Nesting software maximizes productivity for all Cincinnati's laser cutting systems. Scheduler software also integrates with Cincinnati's Modular Material Handling System (MMHS) to receive job completion information and automatically track material inventory. Multiple shifts, lunch breaks and maintenance requirements can also be accommodated via the Scheduler software. Cincinnati Incorporated provides online training and support options for the software. www.e-ci.com

CO2 LASER OPTICS FOR CUTTING AND ENGRAVING LASERS
A full line of field replacement optics for Amada, Coherent, Continuum, Cincinnati, Epilog, GCC, Lambda Physik, Mazak, Synrad, Trotec, Universal and similar low-power lasers are available for overnight delivery from Laser Research Optics (Providence, RI).

These CO2 optics are optimized for use at 10.6 µm and are designed for virtually all popular low power cutting, engraving, and marking lasers. In-stock for overnight shipment, they meet OEM and ISO-10110 specifications for optical elements and include a wide range of lenses and mirrors.

Available in ½ in to 1½ in diameter sizes with focal lengths from 1 in to 25 in, in ½ in increments, these CO2 lenses are A/R coated with dual-band coatings offered to aid in system alignment. CO2 laser mirrors and reflectors are ½ in to 10 mm thick and made from silicon, molybdenum, and copper. Laser Research CO2 optics are priced according to type, configuration, and quantity. Delivery from stock within 24 hours. www.laserresearch.net

LASER DIE CUTTING TECHNICAL GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE
Manufacturing engineers and managers seeking comprehensive information on the pros and cons of laser die cutting technology can now obtain the expanded 2010 Edition of the popular Technical Guide: How To Match Today?s Laser Cutting Technology To Application Requirements from Spartanics (Rolling Meadows, IL). This expanded edition includes reports on laser die cutting technology improvements since the Guide was first released in 2008 and enables readers to make a more informed assessment of how laser die cutters can be used to replace or augment rotary die cutters and other tool-based cutting technology.

Part I chapters include:
1) Preface: Recap of Speed Benchmarks, Growing Roster of Applications Using Laser Technology; Sheet vs. Roll vs. Hybrid Design Considerations
2) Choosing Between Laser Cutting vs. Tool-based Die Cutting Systems
3) Quality and the Soft Marking Standard
4) Cutting Speed vs. Web Speed

Part II includes:
1) Fallacy of the Double Scan Head Advantage
2) Systems Integration, User-Friendliness and Production Output
3) Selecting System Components, and
4) Suggested Method for Sourcing Laser Cutting Technology
www.spartanics.com

5-AXIS FINE LASER CUTTING SYSTEM
Miyachi Unitek (Monrovia, CA ) announces the availability of fine laser cutting systems with up to 5 axes of precision multi-axis motion and sophisticated software control features. A proprietary position-based firing laser control algorithm enables precise pulsing overlap to be maintained during multiple linear and rotary axis coordinated motion. The system configuration is ideally suited to the cutting of medical tubes that are needed for numerous applications.

Miyachi Unitek designs and manufactures a full range of resistance welding and reflow soldering power supplies, heads, monitors and accessories for both large scale and fine spot applications requiring precision metals joining, lasers and laser systems for welding and marking, and hermetic sealing systems, gloveboxes and environmental enclosures. www.muc.miyachi.com

MODULAR MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEM FOR UNATTENDED LASER CUTTING

Bringing even higher throughput to its industry-leading laser cutting systems, the new Modular Material Handling System (MMHS) boosts the productivity of CL-800 series dual-pallet laser cutting systems, reducing cost per part and allowing unattended operation for up to three shifts via automated load/unload of raw materials and finished parts.

Engineered, manufactured and serviced by Cincinnati, Inc. (Cincinnati, OH), the MMHS optimizes material flow and laser burn time, and the overhead rail design allows shops to tailor automated sheet and part handling to existing floor space and today's processing needs, while assuring easy system expansion to serve multiple laser cutting systems as laser activity grows. System components include a cell controller, transporter, safety system and optional over/under carts capable of carrying up to 12,000 lbs (5443 kg) each.

The MMHS installs quickly and the simple design is easily integrated into the laser cutting system. A touch-screen controller sends programs to the laser and controls all automated and manual functions of the material handling system, while logging inventory depletion. Cincinnati Programming and Nesting Software is integrated with the MMHS and laser cutting system to optimize material usage and determine how much material is required for each task.

The transporter uses vacuum cups to deliver 5 ft x 10 ft (1.5 m x 3 m) or 6 ft x 12 ft (2 m x 4 m) sheets to the laser, and a sheet peeler ensures one-sheet-at-a-time delivery to the laser. Servo-controlled "fingers" unload finished parts from the laser to the over/under carts or floor pallets. The transporter handles sheet thicknesses from 20 ga (.9 mm) to .75 in (19 mm). The MMHS complies with ANSI B11.19-2003 safety standards, and mutable zones allow safe access into work areas without disrupting production. It is available with all new CL-800 series laser cutting systems. www.e-ci.com

LASER WELDING SYSTEM WITH FULLY ENCLOSED ATMOSPHERIC CHAMBER
Huffman Corporation (Clover, SC) introduces the model HP-245ACC laser welding system with a fully enclosed atmospheric welding chamber. The benefits of laser powder fusion welding are further enhanced with the addition of a fully enclosed atmospheric chamber for welding in an inert gas environment.

This system is designed for welding oxygen sensitive or reactive materials like Titanium. The system can be configured with a variety of features like antechambers, inert gas handling and purification systems, oxygen and moisture sensors, and part handling devices to match the end user's specific needs.

Applications include weld restoration on worn surfaces on a variety of turbine engine components like blades, vanes, shrouds, seals and BLISKS or IBRs (integrally bladed rotors). The system is also capable of 3D freeform fabrication ? welding successive layers of material to build up complex 3D components.

Huffman?s laser powder fusion systems are designed to meet the increasing demands for flexible, reliable, precision production systems for complex parts like flight and industrial gas turbine blades, vanes, and other components. Founded in 1961, Huffman provides manufacturing process technology to the flight and industrial gas turbine, medical, and vehicle markets. The company?s main technologies are high-precision, multi-axis grinding, laser powder fusion welding and abrasive waterjetting. huffmancorp.com

SOFTWARE FINDS HIDDEN LASER CUTTING CAPACITY
The new Scheduler software from Cincinnati Incorporated (Cincinnati, OH ) identifies excess capacity on stand-alone laser cutting systems, and automatically nests parts for optimum material usage and job turnaround. Applying lean manufacturing principles, the software uses a database of all active part files and prioritizes nesting by part due date. Future-delivery parts are brought in to optimize nests, filling gaps and utilizing excess machine and material capacity.

Scheduler software takes information entered by the operator, including order requirements, part numbers, due dates and quantities, and generates a job schedule in calendar format, similar to the interface used in Microsoft Outlook. The software also identifies parts for which on-time delivery may be a problem, allowing schedule adjustments to meet delivery deadlines.

Designed to work with Cincinnati Laser Programming & Nesting software, Scheduler uses a color-coding system to group jobs with similar lens/nozzle set-ups to facilitate unattended operation. The Programming and Nesting software maximizes productivity for all Cincinnati's laser cutting systems. Scheduler software also integrates with Cincinnati's Modular Material Handling System (MMHS) to receive job completion information and automatically track material inventory. Multiple shifts, lunch breaks and maintenance requirements can also be accommodated via the Scheduler software. Cincinnati Incorporated provides online training and support options for the software. www.e-ci.com

CO2 LASER OPTICS FOR CUTTING AND ENGRAVING LASERS
A full line of field replacement optics for Amada, Coherent, Continuum, Cincinnati, Epilog, GCC, Lambda Physik, Mazak, Synrad, Trotec, Universal and similar low-power lasers are available for overnight delivery from Laser Research Optics (Providence, RI).

These CO2 optics are optimized for use at 10.6 µm and are designed for virtually all popular low power cutting, engraving, and marking lasers. In-stock for overnight shipment, they meet OEM and ISO-10110 specifications for optical elements and include a wide range of lenses and mirrors.

Available in ½ in to 1½ in diameter sizes with focal lengths from 1 in to 25 in, in ½ in increments, these CO2 lenses are A/R coated with dual-band coatings offered to aid in system alignment. CO2 laser mirrors and reflectors are ½ in to 10 mm thick and made from silicon, molybdenum, and copper. Laser Research CO2 optics are priced according to type, configuration, and quantity. Delivery from stock within 24 hours. www.laserresearch.net

LASER DIE CUTTING TECHNICAL GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE
Manufacturing engineers and managers seeking comprehensive information on the pros and cons of laser die cutting technology can now obtain the expanded 2010 Edition of the popular Technical Guide: How To Match Today?s Laser Cutting Technology To Application Requirements from Spartanics (Rolling Meadows, IL). This expanded edition includes reports on laser die cutting technology improvements since the Guide was first released in 2008 and enables readers to make a more informed assessment of how laser die cutters can be used to replace or augment rotary die cutters and other tool-based cutting technology.

Part I chapters include:
1) Preface: Recap of Speed Benchmarks, Growing Roster of Applications Using Laser Technology; Sheet vs. Roll vs. Hybrid Design Considerations
2) Choosing Between Laser Cutting vs. Tool-based Die Cutting Systems
3) Quality and the Soft Marking Standard
4) Cutting Speed vs. Web Speed

Part II includes:
1) Fallacy of the Double Scan Head Advantage
2) Systems Integration, User-Friendliness and Production Output
3) Selecting System Components, and
4) Suggested Method for Sourcing Laser Cutting Technology
www.spartanics.com