Machine & tool construction
High-Precision Laser Machines for Machining
and Tooling
Laser processing systems from ACSYS perform important tasks in machine and tool construction. The spectrum includes laser integration in machines and systems, versatile laser applications for the manufacture of tools, and the cleaning, repair and functionalization of materials. Leading manufacturers in machine and tool construction rely on the unique combination of laser technology, software, and process know-how from ACSYS for efficient and precise laser marking, laser engraving, laser structuring, laser cutting and laser welding.
Automation
Process automation is playing an increasingly important role, especially in machine and tool construction. That is why we offer laser processing solutions tailored to your needs and individual challenges from a single source. Anyone can promise you this, but we have proven it in practice in numerous projects – it is not for nothing that market and quality-leading companies have been relying on ACSYS solutions for more than 20 years.
Our systems can help with mechanical automation, such as rotary tables, conveyor belts, or film handling with rollers for winding and unwinding, optical solutions and special solutions, such as wafer handling or the separation of bulk goods, and software solutions with automatic pallet recognition via RFID and corresponding parameterization of the system. Using effective laser systems in these processes allows you to benefit from:
- High precision and repeat accuracy
- Optimized operations that cut down on time and resources
- Reduced costs
- Maximized efficiency for production
Material feeding & handling
Whether fully or semi-automated – efficient and safe material handling is simply part of modern production. The spectrum ranges from material feeders to palletizers, tray feeders, vibratory or step conveyors, reel-to-reel or coil feeders, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and, of course, robots. The latter can be used not only for material feeding, but also for laser processing. Ask about our customized automation solutions for machine and tool construction.
Conveyor systems into the machine
One of the most common automation solutions in the field of laser processing are product carriers. In combination with other handling solutions or conveyor systems, such as conveyor belts or shuttles, workpieces can be processed and picked with high precision and repeat accuracy. Standardized solutions help to optimize processes and thus save time, money and resources. This ensures maximum efficiency in machine and tool construction.
Spot and Seam welding
Metals and plastics can be joined particularly finely, precisely, and permanently with ACSYS laser systems. Laser welding is carried out without the addition of material, which means that the processed materials retain their original properties. And with the flexible power and pulse design, special effects as well as special pulse shapes and trains can also be created.
Wheter for the smallest spots or meter-long weld seams, ACSYS laser welding systems for tool, machine, and mold making deliver:
- High-quality, precise, and efficient welds
- Increased weld and part stability
- Repeat accuracy, facilitating streamlined production
- Reliable operator control
- Both metal and plastic welding capabilities
Metal welding
The precise and efficient welding of assemblies and workpieces with laser technology in machine and tool construction leads to increased stability and safety. ACSYS laser systems ensure strength and durability in laser welding and make a decisive contribution to quality and performance in production technology through robust and reliable metal connections.
Plastic welding
A typical application example is the laser welding of complex plastic components that require high strength and an exact fit, such as when joining protective housings and insulating components. Laser welding systems from ACSYS are also used to join plastic housings in electronic control units, where the tightness and durability of the weld seam is crucial. Laser welding enables clean, controlled and efficient processing and is therefore crucial for quality assurance in the production of plastic components.
Permanent Markings
Laser marking ensures that important information is permanently applied to tools, molds and machines. Particularly in tool and mold making, where rough conditions prevail due to corrosion, abrasion or dirt, marking with laser technology offers significant advantages over conventional methods. In addition, ACSYS laser systems offer the option to feed barcodes, serial numbers and logos into the software.
Benefit from a wide range of different laser systems, automation and processes to achieve high-quality, permanent markings and engravings – even in series production with high throughput.
There are numerous subsets of laser marking that ACSYS systems excel at, with some options including:
Laser engraving
Tools and machine parts can be laser engraved with identification numbers, technical specifications or manufacturer information. Laser engraving is characterized by precision, durability and resistance to wear and corrosion. Especially for high-quality components, engraving with ACSYS laser systems with software-controlled insertion of data matrix codes and individual serial numbers offers the possibility of ensuring permanent marking for traceability and quality control.
Black Marking
Ultra Short Pulse Lasers (USPL) from ACSYS can be used to create long-lasting, corrosion-free and viewing angle-stable markings on aluminum, stainless steel or other metallic or chrome-plated surfaces in the form of black markings. Whether it’s serial numbers, data matrix codes, lettering or extremely intricate graphics: Black Marking ensures abrasion-resistant marking.
White marking
The white marking is the slight melting of the surface, so that small melt craters are created, which then diffusely reflect the light, similar to a sandblasted surface. Only the tiniest amount of material is removed. The removal rate for white marking is significantly less than 1µm. In principle, white lettering is a special form or borderline form of engraved lettering. Engraving lettering generally aims to achieve a dark discoloration of the engraving base, while white lettering aims to achieve a light surface.
3D laser marking
The lasered scaling with “twist” on a turned step drill (e.g. made of burnished HSS) demands a lot from a laser system. Turned scaling on the step drill requires an NC-controlled dividing head and powerful software. All in all, a perfect application for an ACSYS laser system. The step drill is simultaneously rotated during laser processing to ensure the exact position of the numbers.
Laser Cutting
Laser technology can be used to cut metals and plastics, or, more precisely, to thermally separate them. ACSYS laser systems really come into their own when performing the precise cutting of flat materials with high edge quality. Our laser systems are also capable of high-precision and fast interpolated laser cutting. There are generally three laser cutting processes. These differ in the additional gas that is introduced into the parting line axially to the focused laser beam. And fine cutting with ultra short pulse laser (USPL) takes precision, edge radius, and quality to a whole new level.
Fine blanking
Laser fineblanking is ideal for the production of complex tools and shapes. For example, ACSYS laser systems can be used to produce fine saw blades or complex punching tools with extreme precision. Hard metals or high-strength steel can also be processed precisely and efficiently using laser technology. Laser systems from ACSYS impress with their flexibility in terms of the materials to be processed and the possible processes and designs, as well as with regard to automation and integration.
Separating printed circuit boards
Cutting printed circuit boards (PCBs) with laser technology is an advanced method that offers numerous advantages. In particular, the high precision, even with complex cutting patterns, the contactless processing and the fast and efficient process should be mentioned here. PCBs can be produced with ACSYS laser systems even for prototypes or small series – you always have the process in view with the Live Adjustment System (LAS). And the adaptability for different materials (FR4, CEM, ceramic, flexible PCBs) as well as the simple adjustment to different board thicknesses make laser cutting of PCBs the preferred method in modern electronics production.
Miro Engraving and Surface Functionalization
Self-cleaning, antibacterial, or non-icing surfaces are just a few examples of laser-based surface functionalization. The latest findings from bionics are used, such as via direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) to improve the adhesion of coatings, increase the corrosion resistance of materials, or minimize friction. ACSYS ultra short pulse lasers (USPL) help you to increase the service life of tools, improve precision and efficiency in production, and establish sustainable alternatives to conventional processes.
Our laser systems are adept at:
- Creating precise chip grooves that diamond grinding simple can’t match
- Producing wear-free and reliable results
- Facilitating laser texturing for improved friction and better wear resistance
- Using DLIP methods to improve adhesion or create liquid-repellent surfaces
Laser micro-engraving 3D chip groove
Polycrystalline diamond cutting edges (PCD cutting edges) are very difficult to machine due to their inherent hardness. Spark erosion or grinding with diamond grinding wheels are only suitable for sharpening. However, if precise chip grooves for controlled chip breaking and high surface quality are to be introduced into the material, laser machining is the only solution. This is because PCD is the hardest cutting material of all, with a Vickers hardness of 6500 HV compared to around 1800 HV for carbide. With the help of laser micro-engraving, 3D geometries in PCD can be realized wear-free and with high precision.
Laser texturing
In functional terms, laser texturing helps to improve friction properties and increases the wear resistance of components. From an aesthetic and design point of view, the texturing of surfaces enables the creation of graphic details, for example the laser texturing of injection molds. ACSYS laser systems, combined with our many years of expertise, impress with their ability to process a wide range of materials. Customized surface textures are increasingly used in specialized applications, especially in tool manufacturing, to improve performance and tool life.
Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP)
DLIP uses the interference of two or more laser beams to create precise patterns on the surface of a material. These patterns are created by superimposing the laser beams, creating areas of high and low intensity. In this way, the surface properties of tools can be improved or specific surface structures can be created that improve adhesion or are liquid-repellent, for example. With their unique combination of hardware, software and processes, laser systems from ACSYS enable optimum integration of DLIP technology.
Products and solutions
CUSTOM
From individualized laser systems with a wide range of options to tailor-made laser solutions: Customer-specific adaptations are almost always possible with laser systems from ACSYS.
PIRANHA
Engraving, marking, structuring, welding, cutting: The PIRANHA® masters all disciplines of laser processing. This is what makes it so versatile and flexible in use.
SHARK
Fast, powerful, effective and highly precise: this is how SHARK® works – the innovative laser cutting system from ACSYS.
MULTISHIFT
The MULTISHIFT® from ACSYS is versatile, ergonomic, automated, full of high-tech and an eye-catcher. If only because you can watch the laser at work here.
ORCA
ORCA® is the XXL laser center from ACSYS. The system scores with space and stability for voluminous workpieces. The result is precision on a grand scale.
BARRACUDA
The BARRACUDA® from ACSYS combines numerous laser processing methods with plenty of room for individual requirements. This provides maximum flexibility.
Improve Your Machining with Modern Laser Technologies
- Laser marking and laser engraving can let you clearly mark logos, branding, and product information, protect yourself from counterfeiting, and facilitate easy part traceability
- Laser structuring alters the optical, mechanical, haptic, or biological properties of your tooling or products, opening the door to completely new functionalities
- Laser cutting uses a contactless approach to create complex geometries on everything from metals to plastics to organic compounds
- Laser welding lets you produce precise welds on both metals and plastics, enhanced by flexible power and pulse designs that can create custom pulse shapes
Contact ACSYS
Our team is ready to provide you with reliable laser systems that can augment your processes and streamline operations. Contact us today to talk with one of our laser experts and we can make a recommendation for your facility.