5-axis CNC laser drilling machine introduced

Mitsui Seiki has introduced a small, vertical, Nd:YAG laser drilling machine in answer to aerospace companies' wishes for a more accurate system to be used on engine components.

Mitsui Seiki has introduced a small, vertical, Nd:YAG laser drilling machine in answer to aerospace companies' wishes for a more accurate system to be used on engine components.

Mitsui Seiki will be introducing its Laser Drilling Machine and its latest 'Heavy Metal' Horizontal and Vertical CNC Machining Centres at the USA's IMTS 2008 machine tool exhibition.

* High accuracy laser drilling - Mitsui Seiki's VLD-300 is a small, vertical, Nd:YAG laser drilling machine for 12in (300mm) cube parts.

The VLD-300 offers positioning accuracy and repeatability in X-, Y-, Z-axis of 0.00004in (0.001mm).

A-axis positioning accuracy is +/-6 arc sec; repeatability is +/-3 arc sec.

C-axis accuracy is +/-4arc sec; repeatability +/-2 arc sec.

X-, Y-, Z-axis acceleration rate is 1.5G.

This machine was developed collaboratively with several aerospace engine component manufacturers who expressed a need for a higher-speed and more accurate laser-drilling machine than what was currently available on the market.

Some workpieces, primarily jet engine high temperature alloy parts, require about 3,000 small diameter cooling airflow holes - each at a different angle - to be drilled in a non-contact manner.

Laser is often the best option for operations speed and to minimise material stress.

Typical metals are Inconel, Waspalloy, Hastalloy, and nickel-based titanium alloys.

Mitsui Seiki partnered with a European laser company for the Nd:YAG version of this new machine.

The VLD-300 is designed to also work with CO2, diode pump, and fibre lasers for different aerospace and other industry applications, such as certain electronics, medical, and automotive parts.

For rigidity and stability, the VLD-300 has a cast iron bed and linear motor drives.

A dust collection system, combined with an interior work area of smooth, highly sloped surfaces, keeps cutting debris from contaminating the work zone and equipment.

The Nd:YAG system offers a focal length of 200mm or 300mm with a height sensor for scanning and work offset probing.

The machine is 'automation ready' for devices such as pallets and robotic loading/unloading equipment.

A Fanuc 310iM control features the Microsoft Windows-based platform and seamlessly controls the machine, laser, and the auxiliary equipment.

* Machining centres - Mitsui Seiki's line of 'Heavy Metal' CNC machining centres are the result of decades of experience and R and D in titanium and nickel alloy airframe and aerospace engine component machining.

The 4- and 5-axis horizontal machining centers in the advanced product line range from 500mm x 500mm to 1500mm x 1500mm square pallets (20in to 60in).

All the machines are designed for highest volumetric accuracy and stiffness.

The beds use a patented cast metal for rigidity and thermal stability.

Hand scraping is used to achieve the geometrical requirements now being demanded by progressive energy equipment manufacturers.

This, combined with positioning accuracies, measured in microns ensure overall volumetric component precision.

* Milling spindles - a variety of milling spindles are available, from ultra high torque geared units (essential for cutting tough materials in low rev/min, high frequency machining) to high speed direct drive spindles for super finish applications.

These machines are capable of handling large bending moments at the tool taper interface up to 35,000in.lb to increase productivity in roughing operations and stability in finishing operations.

* Mitsui Seiki at IMTS 2008, McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA, September 8-13, Booth 8767.

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