(click to enlarge)
Amada has released their new FLW 4000 M3 fiber laser welder. The laser, offers electrical savings and high-speed, high-precision welding.
The FLW uses a 4kW fiber engine to produce a laser beam with a wavelength that is approximately one-tenth of that emitted by a conventional CO2 laser.
This innovative feature results in Process Range Expansion (PRE) by ensuring precise, high-speed results even when processing reflective materials such as brass and copper — and combinations of dissimilar materials that were previously difficult to weld.
The FLW is equipped with a patented rotating lens. With this feature, the laser beam is no longer aligned with a specific point along the target path — instead it circles within a small area as it is welding.
A rotating lens makes it possible to bridge larger and uneven gap sizes while producing a clean, even weld. The heat input into the material is also optimized and results in precisely defined weld edges with virtually no unnecessary deposits of material. This capability reduces, or often eliminates the need for secondary finishing.
FLW fiber laser features:
Automatic Beam Focus — Adjusts the focus lens to an optimum setting based on the set welding conditions.
Welds reflective materials such as brass and copper.
Beam weaving by lens rotation versus robot axis rotation produces fast, accurate and smooth results.
Teaching Assist System (TAS) — Uses a high resolution CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) camera to accurately compensate for any deviation from the targeted welding path.
Amada’s FLW-CAM software improves user efficiency through offline robot teaching — simulating movements based on 3D data.
A large reduction in electricity costs is made possible due to high heat exchange efficiency. Maintenance cycles are also improved due to the reduction of mirrors and other optical components.
A safeguard enclosure is also included, meeting all appropriate laws and regulations to ensure user safety.
The processing head
The NC Auto Focus Control feature adjusts the focus lens to an optimum position based on the welding conditions set on the AMNC/PC Control. This key feature increases productivity by automatically outputting a narrow beam for welding and a wider beam to weld radius corners.
Continuous Waveform (CW) welding ensures high-speed, smooth results that cannot be achieved by pulse welding — minimizing post processing, increasing weld quality as well as processing speeds and repeatability.
AMNC/PC Control:
The AMNC/PC’s user-friendly, touch-screen interface simplifies operations and maintenance of the FLW. Load and edit welding programs are conveniently stored on the control or on your company’s network.
A full library of optimized welding conditions enables operators to process a wide range of material types and thicknesses. Scheduler tab allows the scheduling of multiple programs to increase automated processing. Automatic email notifications of jobs in progress and maintenance intervals.
Programming:
FLW-CAM gives users total programming control, including robot and Positioner Table through highly efficient offline capabilities — eliminating disruptions and delays on the shop floor. The software’s 3D environment and full process simulation helps facilitate the remote generation of new welding programs. Machine programs ready for production are transferred to a server on your companys network and retrieved quickly and easily using the FLWs AMNC/PC Control.
Teaching Assist System (TAS):
Any robot deviations from the actual weld path can be adjusted accurately by utilizing TAS on the AMNC/PC Control. By using a CCD camera, new target points are selected which instantly teach the welding robot the correct target path. All compensation points are stored with the part program for future production.
To summarize, the FLW 4000 M3 Fiber Laser Welder is another example of Amada’s commitment to the ongoing development of new machine technologies that achieve the highest levels of performance while reducing operating costs and environmental impact.
The FLW Fiber Laser Welder achieves a high-speed, high-quality weld not possible with a conventional laser welder. Also, it is a complete welding solution equipped with a unique processing head, offline programming capabilities and many productivity-enhancing features.
