Laser welding cell
- Details
- September 19, 2018
TRUMPF has introduced FusionLine technology with a new cube design, software components, and hardware innovations.
The TruLaser Weld 5000 laser welding cell features the FusionLine option, a laser welding process that uses welding wire supply that allows for the welding of components with gaps.
FusionLine makes it possible to overcome component imperfections in the welding process and to close gaps of up to 0.04 inches wide. At the same time, the welding seam results and processing times offered by FusionLine outperform those of components processed using conventional welding techniques. This means users can take advantage of the combination of laser beam guidance, optics and a weld feed system to perform cost effective laser welding operations even if their component portfolio is not optimized for laser welding.
It is now possible to laser weld an array of parts developed for conventional welding without having to modify them. This enables users to manufacture parts according to the drawing, and laser weld a larger array of parts than before.
Additionally, customers retain full flexibility. Manufacturers can switch between FusionLine and the conventional laser welding techniques of heat conduction and deep welding with no need to reset the machine. That way, they can manufacture one part run that isn’t worth modifying for laser welding using FusionLine, then manufacture a subsequent run using heat conduction or deep welding. Users can also switch between techniques on the same component.
Shield gas is used in laser welding to ensure as oxide-free a weld as possible. In the past, the shield gas was introduced by a four-finger nozzle fixed to the processing optics. This meant that the entire laser head had to turn whenever there was a change in direction. Thanks to the rotary module, the TruLaser Weld 5000 features a movable nozzle that rotates around the optics which results in faster welding times.
This version of TRUMPF’s laser welding cell features a cube design and a swiveling support arm for the control panel, which improves ergonomics and handling. On the exterior, TRUMPF has fitted the TruLaser Weld 5000 with a status light which provides an immediate assessment of the machine’s status.
The laser welding unit operates using a TRUMPF TruDisk laser that can also power other TRUMPF machines such as a 2D laser machine. In a laser network, several machines share a single laser – which can significantly reduce the initial investment cost of a new machine.