LaserTurn2 and LaserTurn5 Laser Machining System

Description

Design Features

• High integration linear/rotary motion platform
• Pneumatically actuated 3-jaw gripper or ER collet
• Clear aperture for product feedthrough
• Optional front and rear tooling platforms
• Direct-drive linear and rotary motor technology
• Configure for wet or dry cutting
• High-speed rotary option for rotational speeds up to 2000 rpm

Integral Tooling Platform

The LaserTurn® series can be equipped with front and rear tooling platforms that include tapped holes on four surfaces for various fixture mounting. The tooling platform is bolted directly to the base of the linear stage providing a stiff, common inertial frame of reference. Custom fixtures such as bushing alignment, part collection, or automated material advance assemblies can easily be attached. Metric or English-based hardware and hole patterns are available as are custom configurations with application specific features.

Automated Material Handling

The LaserTurn® is a complete motion and material handling subsystem. The system includes an automated, pneumatically activated 3-jaw gripper or ER collet for part holding. The 3-jaw gripper has a clear aperture for product feedthrough and can be configured for O.D., I.D., or odd form gripping with various jaw geometries. The ER collet chuck also has a clear aperture for product feedthrough and can support tubing diameters from 0.5 mm (0.020 inch) to 30 mm (1.18 inch).

Direct-Drive Technology

The LaserTurn® series utilizes direct-drive noncontact motor and encoder technology for both the linear and rotary axes. Direct-drive motors exhibit significantly higher throughput and maintenance-free operation when compared to gear and screw-driven technology. Linear and rotary encoders coupled directly to the load have the highest level of system accuracy and repeatability over the operating lifetime of the stage.

Scalable Product Solutions

Two platforms, the LaserTurn2 and the LaserTurn5, are available to provide support for different price and performance requirements. Each product features the automated material handling capabilities and modular tooling platforms. The LaserTurn2 has a smaller overall footprint and reduced load carrying capability while providing similar accuracy and repeatability to the larger LaserTurn5.

The LaserTurn5’s deeper cross section and larger bearings provide higher throughput and dynamic tracking accuracy for a given load when compared to the LaserTurn2.

Advanced Control Architecture

The LaserTurn1 is available with Aerotech’s Automation1 Software-Based Machine Controller (iSMC). The Automation1-iSMC is a part of the Automation1 high-performance motion control platform which also includes the Automation1 Motion Development Kit (MDK).  Automation1 drives are networked to the controller over the HyperWire® fiber optic communication bus. This ultra-fast bus and premium servo motor drive hardware enable new levels of optimization across several axes of motion.  Advanced trajectory generation capabilities such as multi-block look-ahead minimize geometric errors in tight profiles by transparently regulating cutting speed. Aerotech’s Position Synchronized Laser Firing Output (PSO) functionality automatically adjusts the laser pulse frequency to match the current cutting speed to maintain optimal laser power coupling.