Superior Results: Cutting
Laser cutting technology continues to meet the fast-paced and competitive nature today’s metal fabricators require in meeting customer demands. Advances in laser power, and combination machines with laser-punch capabilities, easy to integrate automation, and intuitive software deliver cleaner edges, tighter tolerances, with little intervention from operators.
Combination Machine with Integrated Automation Delivers Flexibility
AMADA AMERICA, INC.’s (Buena Park, CA) EMLK 3015 AJe + ASR 3015 PR system is a high-tech fiber laser/punch combination machine with integrated automation, pairing the versatile EML-AJ laser/punch unit with the compact ASR 3015 PR automatic loading/unloading and parts sorting system for automated, continuous, lights-out manufacturing.
The EMLK is equipped with a multi-purpose turret and a 3kW fiber laser to deliver accurate, high-speed performance. This solution provides fabricators with the flexibility to work with customers to develop more efficient part designs.
The combination machine paired with the material handling system offers high-speed cutting, flexible part design, and efficient material handling, allowing seamless processing from raw material to finished parts with minimal operator intervention, which is ideal for boosting productivity in sheet metal fabrication.
Laser Power Meets Machining Versatility With Plate Laser Extension
The new Voortman Steel Machinery (Monee, IL) V210 extends the V353 by combining laser cutting speed and precision with the versatility of machining. The V210 extension adds drilling, tapping and milling to the V353 fiber laser setup to enable complete plate processing. This hybrid solution is ideal for steel service centers and machinery fabricators who aim to deliver production-ready products while taking advantage of maximum efficiency and full automation for faster throughput.
The V353 is a large format fiber laser offering high speed, precision, and superior edge quality. Extended with the V210 plate processing machine, it ensures perfect alignment between laser cut and machined features. Stef Rohaan, product manager at Voortman, explains: “Operating as a separate gantry, the V210 runs simultaneously on the same bed without compromising laser quality, expanding the V353’s flexibility offering an integrated plate processing solution.”
The V210 processes plates up to 75 mm (3”) thick and drills high-quality holes up to 50 mm (2”) with threads up to M30. It features 28 tools for maximum flexibility, supported by an 8-position gantry-mounted tool changer for quick swaps near the drilling head and an optional 20-position stationary changer for fully automated tool exchanges. The high stability drill clamps suppress vibration, enabling the high-torque spindle to deliver full power for better hole quality, longer tool life and no tip damage.
The process is fully automated, with only plate loading and finished product removal done manually.
Tube Processing with Extra Cutting Power
TRUMPF Inc.’s (Farmington, CT) TruLaser Tube 7000 fiber is now available with 9 kW of laser power. This productive and precise tube laser cutting machine enables fast and flexible processing with minimal tube changing time, and includes features like RapidCut to reduce cut times, BevelCut to create high-quality bevel cuts up to 45°, and tapping technology to produce friction drills and threads. The machine can flexibly process tubes up to 10” in diameter and with material thickness of up to ¾” and features a user-friendly, open concept for easy accessibility.
The new 9kW fiber laser option increases the tube machine’s maximum material thicknesses and capability to cut up to 0.75” in mild steel, 0.625” in stainless steel and aluminum, and 0.25” copper and brass. An automated unloading system makes the tube laser machine well-suited for medium- and high-volume production. The TruLaser Tube 7000 fiber is produced at TRUMPF’s Connecticut manufacturing facility and 55,800-square-foot Smart Factory.
“We do more than just cut tubes,” said Adi Buerkler, TRUMPF Inc. TruLaser Tube product manager. “We help our customers to cut through barriers — skilled labor shortages, unplanned downtime, long setups, downstream operations — for real productivity gains.”
Stable Processing of Thick Materials at High Speed and Quality
Mazak Optonics Corp.’s (Elgin, IL) OPTIPLEX HP 2D laser-cutting system is engineered for thick plate processing. Available in 20 kW and 30 kW power levels, plus 4220 and 3015 machine size options, HP is designed for high-power cutting durability and functionality.
Built on the platform of Mazak’s flagship flat sheet laser, the OPTIPLEX NEO, Mazak’s OPTIPLEX HP integrates high power with accessibility. Large doors on the front and side of the machine minimize work area restrictions by offering complete access to the cutting table, simplifying material handling. The rotating CNC display provides operators flexibility to work at the front or side of the machine.
Proprietary cutting head technology featured on HP is designed for durability under high-power conditions. The system introduces a new cutting process, defined as GrandCut, which utilizes optimal heating temperatures while cutting to improve part quality and provide continuous, high-quality machining of thick mild steel materials.
New nozzle technology required for GrandCut operations allow increased focal range and programmable spot size to facilitate thick plate cutting beyond the traditional threshold of 25 mm (1.00”), expanding the cutting range to 50 mm (2.00”). In addition to the expanded range of thick plate cutting with oxygen as an assist gas, HP offers increased cutting speeds with the use of both high-pressure air and gas mixing technology, all managed through Mazak’s SmoothLx control.
Intelligent functions such as Automatic Nozzle Changer and Nozzle Centering Camera further streamline setup and operation to help maintain accuracy, maximize uptime, and support optimal laser-cutting performance in demanding laser-cutting environments.
The New GD40 Plate Drilling Solution Will be Featured at NASCC
Messer Cutting Systems, Inc. (Menomonee Falls, WI) offers the new GD40 automated drilling solution for structural steel and construction applications, which is exclusively available on the space-saving Element 500 cutting system. Designed for the rigorous demands that steel fabricators, construction-focused manufacturers, and engineering-driven operations face each day, the GD40 delivers precision, automation and productivity. It adds flexibility and reduces secondary operations. Messer will display the GD40 Automated Drilling Unit at NASCC in April.
Pair the GD40 with plasma, oxyfuel, and/or marking to reduce plate handling and post operations. The solution is ideal for AISC-regulated environments, enabling drilling, tapping, and countersinking and counterboring within an integrated system. This allows for increased throughput without expanding floor space.
Messer’s 64-bit Windows 11 Global Connect control simplifies operation, with an 18.5” touch screen allowing for rapid setup compared to previous technologies. Integrated CAD/CAM functionality with OmniWin software streamlines the job processing, improves planning reliability, and minimizes training time. Productivity is further enhanced by a 12-tool stationary storage system for automated tool changes. The servo-driven plate hold-down clamp delivers added rigidity. Integrated air nozzles efficiently remove chips and prepare the plate for downstream processing.
Versatile and Energy Efficient Combination Machines
The Combi Genius, a punch-laser solution from Prima Power North America (Arlington Heights, IL) is unbeatable when it comes to production versatility and flexibility, combining multiple operations in one machine. At its best when integrated in a Flexible Manufacturing System. The Combi Genius is a next-generation punch-laser combination machine that redefines flexibility, productivity, and efficiency. Designed to meet the demands of modern manufacturing, it integrates high-speed punching and precise fiber laser cutting within a single, compact footprint—empowering manufacturers to achieve more with less.
At the heart of the Combi machine platform is a high-capacity turret combined with industry-standard IPG fiber laser resonators, available in 3-, 4-, or 6-kW power levels. This powerful integration enables multiple operations—punching, tapping, forming, marking, and laser cutting—to be performed in a single setup. By eliminating the need for multiple machines, the Combi significantly reduces production time and optimizes valuable floor space.
Combi Genius delivers rapid, high-quality cutting across a wide range of materials and thicknesses—including aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel, brass, and copper up to 8 mm. This versatility broadens application potential and allows manufacturers to quickly adapt to shifting production demands.
The modular design of the Combi Genius allows for full customization and seamless integration with Prima Power’s own automation solutions—including automated loading/unloading, material handling, part sorting, and storage systems. This automation-readiness enables customers to scale their systems as production needs grow, without requiring a full system overhaul.
Combi Genius through its servo-electric EcoPunch technology, delivers up to 82% energy savings, low maintenance requirements, and high operational speed—resulting in lower operating costs and a reduced environmental footprint.
New Laser Tube Profile System Maximizes Processing
HSG Laser’s (Addison, IL) new TS2 Laser Tube is a high-performance and high throughput tube profile processing system that minimizes labor costs. It streamlines tube fabrication for a wide range of manufacturing and production requirements by combining speed, intelligent automation, and precision tube cut processing with automated material handling. The TS2 processes tube profiles from materials including mild steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and galvanized materials.
The TS2 is equipped with powerful 3 kW and 6 kW fiber laser options to cut fast and clean, reducing material waste while increasing overall productivity. It supports round tubes from 12 mm-to-273 mm (0.47”-to-10.75”), cutting structural steel components to high-precision tubing. It easily adapts to any production requirement with efficiency and quality.
The TS2 provides fully engineered automation. By automating labor-intensive processes, fabricators reduce costs and accelerate production cycles, while maintaining high production speeds and consistent quality.
Powered by HSG’s DYNAMIC+ cutting technologies, every cut is accurate, efficient, and optimized for maximum performance. In addition, HSG 3D Cutting Technology expands production capabilities, enabling high-precision bevel cutting and complex tube processing. The need for manual finishing is reduced and overall manufacturing efficiency is enhanced.
With an optional bundle loader and stage loader, the TS2 system achieves automatic rapid loading in just 25 seconds. Smart unloading and sorting systems provide seamless part flow from cutting to storage, eliminating unnecessary handling and increasing overall throughput.
According to HSG Laser, the TS2 Laser Tube System provides a strategic investment for manufacturers and fabricators looking to scale production, lower operational costs, and stay competitive in a demanding market.
Updated Sheet Lasers Improve Accessibility and Simplify Programming
BLM GROUP USA (Novi, MI) has announced updates to its LS7 sheet lasers designed to improve accessibility and provide operators with greater ease of use. The LS7 3015 and 4020 models now feature a larger front access door and new access doors on both sides, along with a new ergonomic, adjustable operator control panel to ease programming. Both machines still offer up to 20 kW laser capacity and 2 g acceleration for fast, high-quality cuts and improved productivity.
The overall footprint on the LS7 has been reduced by 11%, making it ideal for smaller shops with limited floor space. “We are excited to build on the trusted performance of the LS7 sheet laser with these new updates and are confident they will benefit our customers,” said Robert Adelman, head of product group at BLM GROUP. “Along with better accessibility and ease of use, we have also integrated new safety light curtains to protect operators.”
BLM GROUP has also added Active Sense, a new software feature that improves cutting quality and increases reliability through continuous process control when using nitrogen, air or mixed gases.
As with the previous LS7 sheet lasers, the 3015 model handles a maximum sheet size of 121.5”-x-62” and the 4020 handles sheet up to 162.5″-x-79.5″.
