Combining
high-speed punch technology with state-of-the art laser cutting
results in higher quality parts at lower costs. The punch quickly
adds standard holes and pierce holes; then the work is passed to the
laser for special holes and outside contouring. By using both
processes, the speed and cost efficiency of punching is combined
with the flatness and edge quality of laser cutting to yield
exciting results. If you have laser parts with holes in them, Desert
Metal Works' combination of technologies could save you a lot of
money.
Special software and hardware is required to move work between the
punch and lasers. Trumpf's TOPS software handles the programming
challenges. An optical probe on each laser is also required.
Combining punching
and laser cutting begins with completely punching a plate with
holes, pierce points, and two registry holes. Then the plate is
moved to a laser to complete processing. An optical probe on the
laser locates the registry holes in the plate and the laser program
is automatically adjusted for alignment. The alignment guarantees
that the accuracy of the final parts is of the same quality as if
the work were all done on one machine. Finally, the laser cuts all
the special holes and the outside contours of the individual parts.
