Keywords
Citation
(1999), "Flexible beam delivery system for CO2 lasers", Industrial Robot, Vol. 26 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.1999.04926ead.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1999, MCB UP Limited
Flexible beam delivery system for CO2 lasers
Flexible beam delivery system for CO2 lasers
Keywords Robots, Lasers
As solid state lasers have the advantage of beam guidance through fibre optic cable, they are naturally well suited to robot machining. However, thanks to a new Trumpf development, this application is no longer the sole province of Nd:YAG lasers. Laserarm TLA 60 is a flexible beam delivery system for Trumpfs TLF CO2 lasers which considerably extends their application potential. It is primarily designed for operation with bending-arm robots but can also be attached to a gantry system (see Plate 2).
Plate 2
Laserarm TLA60 is a flexible beam delivery system for Trumpf's TLF CO2 lasers
which considerably extends their application potential
Good mobility via seven rotational axes and a large operating radius make the Laserarm suitable for machining complex 3D contours, welding and surface treatment as well as less demanding 2D laser machining. It is particularly beneficial for the welding of deep-drawn sheet metal parts in the automotive industry, for chassis construction or orbital welding.
The Trumpf Laserarm TLA 60 is the connecting element between the laser unit and robot hand. It basically comprises two beam guidance tubes, each a maximum of 2.2m in length. Varying the length of the beam tube enables the laser to be adapted to precise processing requirements. The cooling water supply and the electrical wiring are located in separate channels in the beam tube. The beam path from the laser to the workpiece is always constant, regardless of position and direction of movement of the Laserarm. This means that a large working area can be covered, even in 2D processing.
Weighing 70kgs, Trumpf's Laserarm TLA 60 is suitable for CO2 lasers with outputs of up to 12kW.
For technical queries contact: Dave Foulks at Trumpf on +44 (0)1582 399259.