LASYS 2014: Laser systems as all-rounders

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True all-rounders for laser material processing are the focus of LASYS 2014. The international trade fair for laser material processing opens its doors from 24 to 26 June at the Stuttgart trade fair centre. With 200 expected exhibitors, approximately 30 percent of whom are from abroad, LASYS has developed into an essential event for a target-oriented international audience, primarily for laser users from industry. With its clear specialisation in material processing using the high-technology tool laser, for all industries and all types of materials, it is unique in the trade fair scene. The entire application range of laser in material processing is displayed, from micro- and macro-processing to special fields of application through to new applications.

Additional clearance during 5-axle laser welding
The LASYS exhibitor, Schunk Lasertechnik, is expanding the range of applications of its PSM 400 laser processing machines. There is now the PSM 400 Premium, which is designed for semi-automated deposit, joint and repair welding, and the PSM 400 Plus with its fully integrated fourth and fifth axle, which is designed for materials that are difficult to weld and are susceptible to cracking. "There is additional space for the workpieces and for the axle movements. Particularly when processing rotationally symmetric parts, the new machine design offers significantly more flexibility than comparable machines", states Michael Schneider, Business Unit Manager, Schunk Lasertechnik.

Laser work stations for very precise welding, cutting, drilling, structuring and marking
Rofin celebrates a première with the new laser work station Select Fiber at this year's LASYS. It was equipped with a high-quality, servo-controlled axle system and a completely revised CNC control system, and is now also available with fibre lasers. The MPS range of modular laser work stations for very precise welding, cutting, drilling or structuring tasks has also been extended with three systems: MPS Compact with a low spatial requirement, MPS Rotary with rotary table and MPS Advanced for very precise processing with large travel paths. The company is presenting another highlight, the CombiLine Basic RT - a compact and cost-effective marking solution.

Marking the finest structures
In addition to cutting materials, marking and engraving are also some of the most common tasks currently completed by laser. Trumpf will celebrate a world première at LASYS 2014 with the new laser marking system, TruMark 5010. It is designed as an all-in-one solution and combines fibre lasers, scanner, control system and internal focus position control in a space-saving design. A separate power supply unit is not required. With its infrared wavelength, the system marks metals, plastics and organic materials. "The fibre laser delivers high-quality processing results, particularly for deep engraving. Demanding marking tasks can be performed efficiently, and thanks to the brilliant beam quality very fine structures can also be realised", states Klaus Löffler, Manager, Central Sales & Marketing, Laser Technology, at Trumpf.

Cutting or marking diverse materials
Precise marking, engraving and cutting diverse materials characterises the flat-bed laser technology from Trotec. For example, the user achieves a haptic effect during laser engraving of textiles. At LASYS 2014, the company showcases the latest member, "Speedy 100 flexx", in the Speedy range. "We are presenting one component of our laser labelling portfolio, from the entry-level model to the customised special machine. Even with very short runs, the user can respond to customer requirements with our technology, and remain profitable in the process", states Natalie Eichner, Marketing Manager for Germany, at Trotec. This year the company is also offering the opportunity to get to know its complete range of engraving materials at another stand at LASYS - for example, details on types of materials, processing options, applications.

Quick, fully automated and precise with laser micro-processing
Laser micro-processing is an emerging sector. One manufacturer for modular, flexible and very precise micro-processing, such as fully automated cutting, drilling and welding of precision parts, is swisstec micromachining. The exhibitor will be present at LASYS 2014 with the new "Multi Flexi Tube MFT". "With a cutting speed of 50 mm/s at 0.1 µm resolution, this platform is currently the fastest and most compact modular laser micro-processing system on the global market", states Eduard Fassbind, CEO of swisstec. Cutting kerfs of 8 to 50 µm can be achieved with fibre lasers and 5 to 25 µm with ultrashort pulse lasers. The machines are also characterised by high torsional rigidity, thermal stability and no vibrations.

Scanning system for extreme precision
With a laser system it is not solely down to the laser what quality the end result shows, but also the scanning technology. At LASYS, Arges presents the next generation of the 3D scan head Precession Elephant, which was designed for very precise drilling applications. The scan head, which is adjusted to the ultrashort pulse laser and has up to seven axles, was extended in the next generation with additional functions, in order to be able to meet even more complex requirements in micro-processing. "Thanks to the higher trepanning speed of up to 20, 000 rpm and the adjustment to an additional wavelength of 343-355 nm, the 2nd generation sets new standards for ultrahigh precision applications", states Barbara Gößwein, Marketing and Communication Manager at Arges.

Rotary tables with high torque rigidity, planning and true running accuracy
The handling technique of a laser system, such as a rotary table for the positioning of precision components, is equally responsible for a high-quality end product as the laser itself. At LASYS 2014, Föhrenbach Positionier-Systeme will showcase innovative rotary tables from the RT1/RT2A range, which are characterised by a compact design with integrated precision rolling bearings and worm gear assembly. High torque rigidity, high planning and true running accuracy, as well as the large transmitted light opening, are further beneficial properties. "The rotary tables are sealed and can be operated in all installation positions. They were developed to meet the demanding requirements of the laser and handling industries", states Bianca Föhrenbach, member of the management team at the company of the same name.

Manufacturing sheet metal parts with lots of experience
Service providers, such as the toll manufacturer BLC Blech Laser Center, are also present at LASYS 2014. Whether it is standard sheet metal parts, prototypes, research or test objects, BLC is an experienced partner. Their portfolio includes the creation of the 3D model with function animation and workshop drawing, the processing of individual parts, and writing the machine programme – as well as all operational steps of a sheet metal part such as cutting, welding, drilling, sanding, mounting, painting, and packaging and supply. "Our machines are equipped with the highest possible laser power. They can thus go all the way, to the very limits of what is possible, also in terms of sheet thickness", highlights Michael Maier, CEO at BLC. It is therefore possible to process steel up to 25 mm, stainless steel up to 20 mm and aluminium parts up to 12 mm, as well as sizes up to 3000 mm x 1500 mm.

Bonus for trade fair visitors: Easy orientation and expert advice
Laser processing addresses diverse industries. LASYS 2014 also appeals to a diverse range of target groups: from mechanical engineering to the automotive industry, the optical industry, the metalworking industry, plant and apparatus construction, the electrical and electronics industry, precision engineering, plastics, as well as the semiconductor industry and medical technology. In Hall 4 on approximately 10,000 square metres of exhibition space, visitors find a compact overview of material processing. For quick orientation, for the first time at LASYS there are two pavilions for visitors who are interested in the trend topics "Laser additive manufacturing" or "Robotics & Automation". Exhibitors who are active in these two areas will display a corresponding coloured label at their stand. There is also a theme park on the topic "Robotics & Automation" with the same name.

Visitors, who are coming to LASYS 2014 with a specific manufacturing problem and are looking for a solution, can obtain competent advice directly at the entrance to Hall 4 at the stand of the Solution Center "Meet the experts". Experienced employees from five renowned laser institutes share their know-how and expertise for free and refer to exhibitors who can help solve the manufacturing problem.

Excellent framework programme communicates valuable know-how and expertise
Apart from the practical exhibition in Hall 4, visitors can expect an extremely attractive framework programme. It is aimed at both experienced laser users and newcomers. First and foremost, the Stuttgart Laser Technology Forum (SLT), which takes place on 24 and 25 June and is organised by Professor Thomas Graf, Director of the Institut für Strahlwerkzeuge (IFSW) at the University of Stuttgart, and Dr. Rudolf Weber, Head of Process Development at the IFSW. Exciting topics which play a decisive role primarily in the future, but also today, take centrestage: The processing of brittle materials such as glass, the joining of composites, latest developments in the area of ultrashort pulse lasers, as well as ultrafast scanners and beam shaping.
The "Lasers in Action" forum, positioned directly in Hall 4, invites interesting presentations from exhibitors, from ro

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