Motoman laser cutting system

Citation

(2000), "Motoman laser cutting system", Industrial Robot, Vol. 27 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2000.04927aad.003

Motoman laser cutting system

Motoman laser cutting system

Keywords: Cutting lasers, Motoman, Robotics, High speed, Cutting

Motoman has inroduced its new ProfileStar enhanced profiler for robotic laser cutting. Integrated with a Motoman laser cutting robot, ProfileStar provides fast and accurate cutting of squares, circles, slots and other holes from 2mm to 180mm in diameter.

High-speed cutting is achieved with ProfileStar since it provides small, intricate cuts with no movement from the robot's other axes (see Plate 2). Holes and shapes, larger than 180mm, can be cut by using the other robot axes. A pre-defined library of circle, square, and slot cut files in the controller enables the robot to perform laser cuts with only one required point, so programming is simple.

Plate 2Robotic laser cutting with ProfileStar - enhanced profiler for high-speed cutting of small, intricate holes

Recently exhibited at the 1999 Robot Show, ProfileStar was featured with the SK45A robot and a CO² laser. With a payload capacity of 45kg (99.2lb) and an increased wrist torque, the SK45A is a strong and rugged manipulator. The SK45A has a maximum reach of 1,787mm (70.35in.) and a repeatability of ±0.15mm (±0.006in.). Its slim base, waist and arm design reduces potential interference areas to provide improved part accessibility.

The CO2 laser provides the lowest operating costs in the industry, estimated at less than $6.00 per hour. The high-quality cuts lead to improved part tolerances which further facilitate subsequent processes such as automated welding. Various CO² laser power levels are available, ranging from 300W up to 2.5kW.

For more information on ProfileStar, the SK45A robot, or other Motoman products, contact Motoman, Inc., 805 Liberty Lane, West Carrollton, Ohio, USA. Tel: (+1) 937/847 3300; Web site: www.motoman.com