Claimed to be the smallest and lightest CO2 laser on the market, a 4kW model with improved beam quality and stability, can cut sheet metals up to 25mm thick

Fanuc GE has introduced a 4kW laser source with enhanced processing performance. TClaimed to be the smallest and lightest CO2 laser on the market, it offers high speed and high precision for increased productivity when cutting a range of materials, including sheet metal up to 25mm thick. Enhancements applied to the new C4000i-Model B from Fanuc GE include the following.
* Improved beam quality.

* Improved beam mode stability.

* High speed laser control synchronised with servo motor control.

These developments, said Fanuc GE, enable the increase in precision and cutting speed, and deliver an improved cut edge quality at lower running costs.

An optional high-speed control function offers improved precision in synchronisation between the axis command of the laser cutting machine and the ON/OFF command of the laser beam.
It reduces the time delay for the beam ON/OFF command: the distance travelled by the cutting head before/after the ON/OFF command is less than the beam spot size and only 1/16th of its previous size.

* As fast as a turret punch press - Fanuc GE claims that in continuous hole cutting processes, the laser offers the same high speed processing as a turret punch press machine.

The latest model complements the existing C1000i-A, C2000i-B, C5000i-A and C6000i-A models of 1kW, 2.5kW, 5kW and 6kW power respectively.

The full range of Fanuc GE lasers are offered as laser packages.

Laser source, CNC and servomotors are integrated and interfaced as a complete system to optimise the machine performance, offering high speed and high accuracy.

All necessary laser control and diagnostics are integrated into the CNC.

Historical data for maintenance purposes is logged and can be accessed via the CNC screen.

The laser source communicates with the CNC via an optical bus.

No additional controller is required, and no further work is required by the machine manufacturer to link the laser and CNC.

The package ensures quick, faultless start-ups of laser machines, said Fanuc GE in a report to manufacturingtalk.com.

All laser control screens are available on the CNC.

Direct control of the laser source by the CNC allows simplified handling for operation and maintenance purposes.

Control of laser and machine are always synchronised as this is carried out by only one processor.

When used with linear motors, extremely high speed cutting can be achieved.

At the same time, all the usual features of the CNC can be used by the machine tool.

* laser function integration - the package enables the integration of many useful laser processing functions.

These include diagnostic functions, processing parameter controls, and other special functions for efficient processing.

For example, there are the following.

* At a sharp corner the power and feed-rate are carefully controlled to optimise machining.

* Thermal loading is controlled when cutting thin material.

* The gap between the cutting nozzle and the workpiece surface is kept constant.

* Different beam properties can be compensated for on all axes.

* The Fanuc GE laser package can simultaneously control up to 6 axes to enable highly efficient 3D machining.

There is also an Open CNC option enabling the connection of a PC via a serial high-speed optical fibre link, enabling the two-way transfer of large volumes of data.

This enables MTBs to customise machines to suit individual customer demands.

* About Fanuc GE CNC - Fanuc GE CNC is a leading global supplier in factory automation.

These include products and solutions for the machine tool market based on a wide range of CNCs, motion control products, monitoring and control software products, CO2 lasers and services.

Fanuc GE CNC is a joint venture between GE and FANUC Limited and the company’s European headquarters are at Fanuc GE CNC Europe in Luxembourg.

A hybrid-style CO2 laser cutting system for cutting and profiling sheets up to 4m x 2m has a highly rigid, high-precision drive system, which provides precise motion and position control

LVD Company has introduced the Orion 4020 as an expansion to its Orion Series Laser Cutting Systems. The hybrid-style CO2 laser cutting system is engineered for economical processing of large sheets up to 4m x 2m. The Orion laser cutting systems feature a highly rigid, high-precision rack-and-pinion drive system which provides precise motion and position control.
This rigid design permits the machine to maintain high processing speeds without loss of cut quality.

Orion 4020 is part of the Orion product family, cost-effective machines offering the best features and performance available in a value-minded package.

* Fast set-up - Orion 4020 employs a simple beam delivery system comprised of three mirrors, ensuring easy alignment and a stable beam path.

The standard laser cutting head accommodates a 5in or 7.5in quick-change lens.

These water-cooled quick-change lenses can be installed or exchanged easily, using a self-centering system.
Lens calibration is programmable and quick to achieve, said LVD.

A built-in capacitive height sensor automatically maintains a constant distance between the head and the plate, automatically compensating for any unevenness in the material.

For additional ease in set-up and loading, the machine table is positioned at a comfortable working height and offers full access and visibility on three sides.

Standard features include automatic cutting gas selection and automatic cutting gas pressure control with servo valve to further simplify machine set-up and operation.

* Cut quality is consistent - Orion 4020 is equipped with a high-pressure cutting head that produces exceptionally clean cuts, said LVD to manufacturingtalk.com.

A crash-protection system protects the head from damage after collision with the workpiece.

A total power control feature automatically adjusts the laser power in relation to the cutting speed, ensuring an optimal cut at every contour width and minimizing the heat-affected zone.

The machine’s edge function feature processes sharp corners cleanly, particularly in thicker materials.

Laser and CNC are integrated - Orion 4020 employs the highly reliable GE Fanuc RF excited fast axial flow CO2 laser.

The laser, CNC control, drives and motors are fully integrated, providing superior processing speed, high reliability, and low operating and maintenance costs.

The integrated GE Fanuc control provides perfect reproduction of programmed contours, claimed LVD, producing acute angles at high speed.

The laser power is matched to the vectorial speeds to achieve a constant cut width and a small heat-affected zone.

All parameters, diagnostic and start-up procedures are conveniently displayed on a single color screen.

The 32-bit control features powerful mathematical capabilities and an extensive material library.

* More control functionality - the Orion 4020 is also available as a ‘Plus’ version.

The Orion 4020plus provides automatic focal positioning and greater process control functionality in addition to all standard features found on the Orion standard series.

* Offline programming - optional CADMAN-L 3D offline programming software provides a comprehensive laser-cutting CAM package.

This includes an integrated 3D design and unfolding module, which allows easy importing of 2D and 3D designs, automatic unfolding and generation of flat patterns from 2D or 3D files.

CADMAN-L 3D also incorporates fully automatic, semi-automatic or manual nesting and optimizes cutting and machine parameters to maximize sheet utilization.

Advanced features include cutting path optimization, common line cutting and high-speed communications via Windows, networking or DNC link to maximize machine productivity.

* About LVD - the LVD Group is a leading manufacturer of a comprehensive range of sheet metal/plate working machine tools and software solutions, including laser cutting systems, punch presses, press brakes, guillotine shears and mid-level automation systems, integrated and supported by its CADMAN PC-based Windows compatible software.

Automatic handling system for CNC laser cutting/profiling machines allows different materials to be programmed for cutting, ensuring maximum flexibility and minimum non cutting time

A single pallet system or one having up to ten bays in a tower system can be retrofitted to existing CNC laser cutting/profiling machines. Supplied by UK Machine Tools, the company said that its Tower systems provide automated production and increased safety by removing operators from the sheet loading and unloading area.UK Machine Tools told manufacturingtalk.com that with a Tower system, different materials can be programmed to be automatically selected for cutting, ensuring maximum flexibility and minimum non cutting time.

Cut parts are stored in the Tower until they are required or when the cut parts pallets are full.

Automated Systems are available for 3015 and 4020 size machines as standard systems.

Features are as follows.

* Automatic selection of material from raw material pallets.

* Automatic unloading of cut parts into Tower or onto single pallet.

* Each raw material Pallet can carry up to 3000 kg of material.

* Minimum floor space required as single Pallet or Tower system is designed to fit above existing change table.

* Software supplied in package.

* Programmable plate selection.

CNC laser cutting and profiling machines achieve cutting speeds of 140m/min and head acceleration of 12m/s2, for rapidly profiling a wide range of materials up to 25mm thick mild steel

Prima Industrie UK will demonstrate the speed, accuracy and productivity benefits of its Platino CNC laser cutting and CompactServer work handling technology at the UK’s MACH 2008 international machine tool show. Platino CNC laser cutting machines achieve cutting speeds of 140m/min and head acceleration of 12m/s2, making them ideal for rapidly profiling a wide range of materials up to 25 mm thick mild steel, said Prima.
The machines are available with 2.5, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0kW heads and work areas of 3000 x 1500mm or 4000 x 2000mm.

* Advanced machine dynamics - the Platino’s high dynamics are backed by exceptional precision achieved through a fixed workpiece design and the use of advanced flying optics, said Prima to manufacturingtalk.com.

Consequently, the machine will consistently maintain positional accuracies of 0.03mm across its entire work area, along with a repeatability of 0.03mm.

Its productivity and performance are also enhanced by off-line programming capabilities, optional nesting software and an in-built anti-collision safety device.

* Sheet or tube - suitable for flat sheet or the processing of round, square or rectangular tube, with zero changeover time, the Platino has proved to be equally cost-effective for short batch or extended production runs, with more than 1000 machines sold to date worldwide, reported Prima.
Advanced work handling - the equipment’s versatility and productivity are further enhanced by a series of advanced work handling systems.

Prima’s presentation at MACH will feature the company’s CompactServer system, which enables the Platino, Syncrono and Domino series machines to be operated as independent, unmanned manufacturing cells.

Equally suitable for OEM and sub-contract manufacturers, the CompactServer is designed to integrate with the laser cutter’s pallet changer to provide highly efficient automatic operation, even under ‘lights out’ conditions.

* Small ‘footprint’ - with all components fitting above the machine’s pallet changer, the new CompactServer requires no additional floor space.

It is available as a factory-supplied equipment option or can be quickly and simply retrofitted to existing installations without the need for floor reinforcement or special foundations.

In operation, the new unit uses vacuum cup grippers to transfer unprocessed sheets to the pallet changer during the machine’s cutting cycle, enabling downtime during the load/ unload sequence to be minimised.

The CompactServer is controlled directly by the machine’s CNC system and incorporates a wealth of safety, referencing, sheet separation and measuring features to ensure trouble-free operation over an extended service life.

Suitable for standard sheet sizes up to 1500mm x 3000mm and up to 20mm thick, the CompactServer offers a maximum single shelf payload of 3000kg, with a maximum raw or finished material stack height of 150mm.

In addition, each of the unit’s two shelves can be replaced by guide-mounted motorised pallets to allow stack handling by a bridge crane.

Prima UK’s managing director, Joe Attuoni, said that ability to Prima equipment unattended under ‘lights out’ conditions allows users to dramatically increase their competitiveness, particularly against suppliers from low labour rate economies.

He added: ‘The Platino’s versatility not only allows them to produce high quality profiled products with minimal operator input, it also enables them to meet demanding delivery lead times that simply could not be achieved by sourcing overseas’.

* About Prima Industrie UK - Coventry-based Prima Industrie UK draws on the established track record of its Italian parent organisation, Prima Industrie, a world leader with 30 years experience in the design, development and manufacture of laser cutting machines and automation systems.

Prima UK provides sales, installation and servicing for a wide range of new and pre-owned 2D and 3D cutting machines that are used by customers in industries as diverse as aerospace, automotive, marine and electrical equipment manufacture.

An intelligent 6-axis robot transfers the sheet steel from the laser profiler to its rotary table, sorts the finished parts into predefined load carriers and disposes of scrap

Remmert, the German storage and logistics expert, will be unveiling an innovation exclusively at euroblech 2006: ‘Laser-Sort 06′, an intelligent robot system for sorting finished parts from laser machines. Visitors to the fair are welcome to inspect and try out the system for themselves at Stand B 58 in Hall 15.

The 6-axis articulated robot transfers the sheet steel from the retrieval station to the laser machine’s rotary table, sorts the finished parts into predefined load carriers and disposes of the waste material.

Used in conjunction with the PRO SORT intelligent sorting software and Remmert’s PRO FMS production system, the new sorting solution is the key to achieving fully automated sheet metal working processes.

The FMS control center provides the connected laser machines with material for machining and issues production jobs.

An additional NC workstation can be easily integrated into the production control center for nesting purposes to ensure optimum cutting.

The FMS system then forwards all the relevant data to the robot’s PRO SORT software, which automatically defines which part is set down where.

The key benefits of using the system are lower unit costs and production sequences that require little if any human input.

‘Unlike other sorting solutions, the ‘Laser-Sort 06′ sorting robot is absolutely perfect for sorting both large and small items with absolute precision,’ explained Matthias Remmert, managing director of the Remmert group of companies.

‘The sorting system can handle sheet metal parts with a thickness of between 3 and 10mm and a weight of up to 300kg without any problems at all.’ The items are picked up using a reliable process based on the use of pneumatic and magnetic standard tools.

Tools can be switched automatically using a tool changer.

Remmert will be presenting the new sorting solution at Stand B 58 in Hall 15.

Of course, visitors will also be able to obtain detailed information about the various storage solutions on offer from the logistics expert - from compact stand-alone systems for straightforward storage tasks through to complex sheet metal machining cells.

* Friedrich Remmert Datentechnik at EuroBLECH 2006, Hannover, Germany, October 24-28, Hall 15, Stand B58.

*About the Remmert Group - with approximately 400 systems installed in various sectors, the Remmert company group is one of the world’s leading providers of storage technology.

Remmert provides tailored warehouse logistics solutions for sheet metal, long bars, pallets and small parts.

Its products and services range from individual, production-integrated solutions based on standard components through to complex total solutions for which Remmert, as the prime contractor, retains overall responsibility.

In addition, the logistics expert’s range now also includes intelligent robot systems for the fully automated sorting of finished parts from sawing and laser machines.

Since as long ago as 1987, Friedrich Remmert and Friedrich Remmert Datentechnik (Remmert PRO for short) have together been offering complete one-stop solutions.

Each system is a perfectly tailored combination of storage technology, software and logistics know-how.

All systems are designed with a common objective in mind: increasing the efficiency of the customer’s production sequences.

All of Remmert’s process control and software systems can be easily integrated into the customer’s existing software architecture - the company has had the necessary interface expertise at its fingertips for years.

From project planning and scheduling through design and installation and beyond to service, all Remmert products and services are one-stop solutions.

Existing customer structures and future development potential are taken into account right from the planning stage.

The company, which is based in Westphalia, offers worldwide 24h customer service for all its products.

This service is provided by in-house personnel.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/frh/frh103.html

Flexible Automation System Uses Machine Vision Guided Laser Welding and Motion Control for Automated Parts Handling, Quality Inspection, Precise Laser Welding and Laser Marking

WILMINGTON, Mass.–Jan. 17, 2008–Automation Engineering Incorporated (AEi), a global supplier of high-precision, flexible automation systems announces FlexLase(TM), its flexible vision guided laser processing platform. AEi’s vision guided laser processing platform includes up to four machine vision cameras to support fully automated component handling plus dynamic vision guided laser welding path trajectory compensation. The new precision automation platform minimizes production downtime and supports greater manufacturing responsiveness to rapidly changing product features and modifications due to its advanced but easy to operate control software. FlexLase eliminates the need for operator expertise and training in CNC programming.

According to AEi Chief Technology Officer Andre By, “Using machine vision as an integral part of our FlexLase station process control architecture enables our customers to easily define even the most complex laser welding and laser marking patterns and locations without the need for CNC or other traditional programming. This reduces setup time for new or modified products, which is important for job shops, contract manufacturers, and product development groups, as well as volume manufacturers with high product mix. Our use of machine vision also supports more precise laser welding, even if the component tolerances vary over time and from cycle to cycle.”

The FlexLase platform is part of AEi’s industry leading family of standard precision automation platforms. AEi customized and configured its most recently deployed FlexLase station to precisely laser weld and mark stainless steel casings for high-power density batteries used in deep-sea and space applications.

“While this particular FlexLase station welds and marks battery casings, this same FlexLase configuration can be used for processing other cylindrical shapes with a fairly wide range of heights and diameters without swapping out fixturing and tooling. Our use machine vision as well as our automatically adaptable fixturing and tooling makes this possible.” By added.

About AEi

AEi is a leading supplier of high-precision, flexible automation systems across the optoelectronics, medical devices, consumer products, aerospace & defense, and other worldwide markets. AEi provides comprehensive design for manufacturing, process development, and pre-production build services, in addition to complete turnkey automated manufacturing stations and lines.

http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/539332

Sheet metal working subcontractor has added a fifth CNC laser profiling machine with better cutting speeds and sheet loading systems and providing extra flexibility

UK sheet metal working subcontractor, Evenwood Industries, has purchased another Trumpf TruLaser 3530 2D laser cutting system. The machine will allow the company to ensure that it is able to meet future demand, as well as providing capacity to take advantage of new business opportunities. ‘We have four lasers currently, and this new machine mirrors one we bought last year,’ said Stewart Maudsley, Joint managing director of Evenwood.

He said: ‘We have found that the new generation of machines from Trumpf has provided us with the very latest technology available.

With their better cutting speeds and sheet loading systems, the new machines give us extra flexibility to meet our customer demands going forward’.

He continued: ‘We now have two identical machines sitting side-by-side.

The two machines together can perform ‘lights-out’ operations and this means we can eliminate our requirement for a nightshift, with obvious benefits.

De-nesting is done off-line the following morning and the parts can then flow efficiently through the plant during the day’.

The company has a long association with Trumpf, extending back to the early 1980s when Evenwood acquired its first CNC punch press.

‘We did consider other makes and models but to be honest, the TruLaser 3530 was the best fit for our business and the best machine for the type of components we produce,’ added Maudsley.

‘Our oldest Trumpf laser machine is still going strong, despite working 24 hours a day for the past 12 years’.

Installation of the TruLaser 3530 2D was completed at the end of November 2007 and the machine has been set to work producing mostly mild steel flat components of 2-15mm thick.

* Additional axis - on the TruLaser 3530, Trumpf has mounted an additional fast, 300mm travel Xp-axis on the Y-axis gantry.

This superimposes a high speed 300 by 1500mm cutting zone on top of the normal X-axis travel of 3000mm.

The effects are particularly marked when machining thin sheets (up to 3mm) featuring many positioning points/contours.

Control software automatically records the most effective processing approach, taking the geometry of a part into consideration and guiding the respective axes.

Trumpf told manufacturingtalk.com that its ‘pierce-on-the-fly’ technology was another influencing factor for Evenwood, which produces plenty of thinner gauge components with hole/slot features.

Typical industries supplied by Evenwood from its 10,000m2 facility include the major OEMs in the UK off-highway sector, but the company also services other industries in the transport sector.

Batch sizes range from 1- to 100-off.

‘We have an excellent working arrangement with Trumpf,’ concluded Maudsley.

‘Regular investment is critical to a company such as Evenwood Industries.

The new TruLaser 3530 will become an essential part of our manufacturing process, significantly improving our reliability, quality and efficiency.’

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/tru/tru283.html

A powerful 5.2kW laser cutting/profiling system, when fitted with an automatic load/unload system, can increase by up to 50% with typically only an extra machine investment of 20%

A leading supplier of sheet metal working equipment, Bystronic UK, will be exhibiting a wide range of equipment from its extensive portfolio of products at the forthcoming MACH 2008 exhibition. Among the exhibits will be five products previously unseen at an exhibition in the UK. Two of these were launched as recently as late 2007.

* CNC laser cutting and profiling - the Byspeed 3015 machine will be equipped with a powerful 5.2kW resonator and the all new ByTrans automatic load/unload system.

ByTrans has been specifically designed for those companies that produce predominately medium to large size batches with a limited selection of raw materials.

It is a portal system providing vibration-free handling of the cut sheets and the choice of model is dependent on individual requirements and space constraints.

Bystronic told manufacturingtalk.com that production can increase by up to 50% when a laser is equipped with ByTrans, for typically an extra machine investment of 20%.

* Compact design - the ByVention 3015 laser has a compact design, which makes it the smallest laser cutting machine for full-sized 3m x 1.5m sheets, claimed Bystronic.

The machine requires just 6m x 6m of floor space and therefore customers can utilise even the smallest of spaces.

The control cabinet and the system’s laser source are integrated in the machine frame and form a single unit.

Additionally, the cooling unit and the used air filter have been combined in a compact, powerful unit.

The ByVention is equipped with an innovative Bystronic designed materials flow concept, which makes all parts instantly available and ensures flexibility when using various sizes of material and partially used sheets.

Cut parts are continuously and automatically transported from the cutting area and are immediately available to the user even during the cutting process.

The removal area is fully accessible; therefore removal of cut parts is simple and convenient.

The machine is offered at a fixed price with the cost including the Bysoft CAD/CAM software package, commissioning and basic training as well as the two year warranty and preventive maintenance.

Thanks to the ‘everything included’ concept, the customer knows exactly what the investment cost is.

* Water jet cutting - the ByJet Pro, launched at the end of 2007, is Bystronic’s latest waterjet cutting system to meet the stringent demands in parts production without causing thermal effects in the material.

The machine is encapsulated for a cleaner and low-noise working environment and the new ergonomically designed shuttle table maximizes machine productivity.

The system on show will be equipped with four independently driven slim Z-axis cutting heads and this, when combined with the shuttle table concept, positioning/cutting speeds and axes dynamics, is said to be able to produce up to five times as many parts per unit time.

Additionally, the efficient programming software, Bysoft CAD/CAM, and the control and monitoring of the cutting processes by ByVision, ensure that non-productive time and material usage are kept to a minimum.

* press brakes (brake presses) - of two new press brakes to be shown, the Bystronic Beyeler Xpert press brake is said to deliver the highest repetition accuracy on the market.

This machine features an extensive and expandable database which is available at the touch of a button.

The control panel, with its intuitive user guidance, allows for ease of programming and operation.

Pressure reference (PR) bending technology, with hydraulic-dynamic crowning, continuous compensation of the side frame deflection, pressure control and protection of the tools against overload ensures maximum angle accuracy to satisfy the highest of bending demands.

In addition a Bystronic AFM EP 31-100 press brake with a bending length of 3150mm and a press capacity of 100 tonf (1000kN) will be on show.

The machine provides an economical and flexible press brake requiring minimal set-up and programming times.

With its 2D visualisation of the bending cycle and hydraulic crowning system the AFM EP range is the perfect introduction into CNC press braking.

* Software forum - there will also be a software forum where the range of Bystronic software will be demonstrated.

At previous exhibitions this has attracted great interest from visitors.

* CNC punch press - in addition to its own range of products, Bystronic UK is a supplier of the Pullmax range of punching machines.

The latest Pullmax 520 CNC punching machine, equipped with automatic load/unload facility for unmanned production will be on show.

The machine is capable of handling sheet sizes up to 2500 x 1250mm and has a tool capacity of 200 with a 20 station auto-indexing.

In addition there is the facility to press flanges up to 75mm.

Commenting on the company’s presence at MACH 2008 Bystronic UK’s managing director, Dave Larcombe, said: ‘This exhibition is going to be one of the most exciting for Bystronic and visitors to the stand with so many new products on show.

The message we are conveying is clear, Bystronic offers an optimal solution for every manufacturing application’.

He added: ‘We are in constant close contact with our customers.

With our very open approach and by listening to our customers, Bystronic is able to understand their requirements and produce and supply products to satisfy their needs’.

* Price deals on the MACH stand - where companies are having to come to terms with increased interest rates, Bystronic is addressing this issue by offering a number of fixed price deals and special price package deals to visitors to the stand.

Further details will be available on the stand.

Larcombe concluded: ‘This pricing system was introduced with the launch ByVention laser and has proved popular amongst customers.

The pricing includes delivery, assembly, start-up and training, software, maintenance contract and in the case of press brakes, standard tooling’.

Bystronic UK at MACH 2008, NEC, Birmingham, UK, April 21-25, Hall 4, Stand 4610.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/pll/pll114.html

CJS Industries, Topeka, Kansas’ has recently installed a new Amada Gemini 4,000-watt laser cutting system.

The 12-year-old precision fabricating firm works with mild steel, stainless, aluminum, copper, brass and some plastics up to 1/4″ thick.

“We needed the new laser (the company’s third) to keep up with our growth and keep up with our customers’ demand,” stated CJS’ Jim Lee, VP of manufacturing.

The wide range of Industries served by CJS includes: electronics; agriculture; transportation; communication; medical equipment; office equipment/fixtures; storage cabinets; computers; marine; railroad; printing; toys; retail fixtures; air equipment; lawn & garden and general industrial equipment.

The company’s 33 employees operate in a 28,000-sq.-ft. facility in the North Topeka Industrial Park.

Steve Overbey, president, noted that the company works to keep up with new technologies to improve CJS’ speed and efficiencies.. “We still have the ’small company’ responsiveness, but we are big enough to get the job done,” he commented.

Other equipment in the company’s facility includes: a Finn-Power “Shear Genius” CNC turret punch with right-angle shear; CNC panel benders, CNC press brakes, and CNC shears.

The company also offers secondary services including: welding; spot welding; assembly and installation of PEM fasteners.

Other available operations include: powder coating; liquid painting; machining; polishing and packaging.

A.C.C., Inc., Russellville, Arkansas, has recently installed two new Trumpf 5,000-watt laser cutting systems, a new 120-ton press brake and is observing its 10th anniversary.

The CNC cutting and fabrication shop did all this to continue its commitment to short lead time a and customer satisfaction.

“We needed the two new lasers to maintain the two-week or less turn time we promise to our customers,” stated Ron Johnson, A.C.C.’s owner. “The new press brake (with 10′ capacity) lets us expand the services to our customers. We can cut, bend and weld entire assemblies.”

The two new lasers feature 5′ x 10′ shuttle tables.

Other equipment at the company includes: two other laser cutting systems, a Flow 50 hp, 6′x 12′ CNC abrasive water jet cutting system; a 60-ton brake press and a Geka 60-ton ironworker. The laser systems operate with oxygen, nitrogen or “Shopair.”

The company can cut a wide range of materials from .005″ to 6″.

A.C.C. operates in a 20,000-sq.ft. facility.

Besides Ron, four other members of the Johnson family are included in the company’s 30 employees. His wife, Kathy, handles all administrative duties; his son, Shawn, takes care of all quoting; his son, Paul, manages the laser department, and his son Josh supervises the second shift in the laser department.

Noted Ron, “When you call A.C.C. you will talk to one of the owners That’s why we have made it through our first 10 years.”

The company can produce parts from blueprints, scanned artwork or files in a wide range of formats including: DXF, DWG, TIF, BMP, IGES and WMF.