New affordable laser cutting/engraving machine combines power, precision and flexibility
New affordable laser cutting/engraving machine combines power, precision and flexibility
Keywords: Lasers
The new Legend 36EXT laser cutting/ engraving machine is setting new standards in accuracy, performance and throughput according to Unimatic Engineers Ltd of London. Yet it is as simple to set up as a printer and offered at a price that is affordable for both industrial and educational users (Plate 1).
Plate 1 The new Legend 36EXT laser cutting/engraving machine
The Legend 36EXT offers high energy optics that enhance the natural characteristics of its CO2 laser beam, software that precisely coordinates the firing of the laser with the position of the work piece carriage and a large work area. Combined with the precision and repeatability of linear encoders and a vacuum table with an integrated vector grid that permits cutting of materials from paper to wood without the risk of under-side burning of the work piece, these features ensure users can achieve high levels of throughput worked to the tightest of tolerances (1,200 DPI).
Unimatic's “radiance” high energy optics system has been developed to shape and refine the laser beam to create the best possible beam profile for engraving and cutting applications to ensure both high accuracy and maximum productivity on work pieces up to 355 mm thick. Indeed, to handle the higher volume of gases resulting for the increased throughput, Unimatic has installed a twin exhaust facility.
“HyperDrive”, Unimatic's own motion control software, provides the total harmonisation between laser beam firing and work piece positioning. This facilitates process operation whilst ensuring quality of output.
With its work area of 914 × 609 mm, the Legend 36 EXT can handle the largest of engraving/cutting work jobs. It also permits multiple task working;either straight forward step and repeat jobs or quantities of one offs.
Other features include “NeverWear” stainless steel bearings,advanced B-stile Kevlar precision drive belts and high- speed, continuous-loop DC servomotor system.
