Nov 1 2010
The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT) has demonstrated customized system solutions for high process stability and component precision at the EuroBLECH 2010 Expo held in Germany.
Combi-Head Cuts and Measures the U-shaped Section
Fraunhofer scientists, by integrating laser welding and laser cutting in one processing head, have developed a solution that paves the way for reducing the transport, storage, and clamping times. The integration also optimizes the processing series and delivers higher versatility in plant dimensioning. For this process, the institute produced a combi-head, which is developed and distributed by Laserfact.
Process stability and component precision have been substantially enhanced during laser welding and cutting because of the Tool Center Point. The signals generated from the combi-head’s capacitive distance sensor system are utilized for component measurement and normal distance control to accurately predetermine the consequent weld seam. In this manner, cutting, measuring and welding of complex sheet metal parts can be done in a process chain.
Macro Joining and Cutting’s Group Manager, Dr. Dirk Petring stated that linking capacitive component measurement and combi-processing is not only ideal for covered t-joints in structural units of automobile manufacturing, but can also provide new solutions wherever deep-drawn or curved sheet metal parts are required to be combined together to develop an accurate sheet metal group.