Mazak's HyperGear laser stores five torches and seven nozzle tips and automatically changes, sets, and adjusts torch body, nozzle tip, and beam mode.
The HyperGear laser cutter has the speed and precision needed to cut contours on materials ranging from thin, galvanized steel to 1-in. mild steel.
Artificial intelligence is key to an innovative lasercutting-system introduced by Mazak Laser Corp., Schaumburg, Ill. According to the company, its 4,000-W HyperGear system changes its own torch, lens, nozzle, and beam mode in seconds when switching workpiece materials or thicknesses — no manual adjustments are necessary. The system also automatically adjusts the beam and focal point.
The system sports Nanosecond PREview 640 PC control and Hyperlinear drives. These features let it cut at high speeds with the precision needed to maintain perfect corners, tight dimensional accuracy, and roundness on contours.
Mazak claims the control's read-ahead system calculates a part's cutting path with 8 X greater resolution than feedback systems found with other laser controls. In addition, the software automatically calculates the laser's optimum cutting speed and acceleration for each contour of a part's shape. This means the control sends accurate instructions to the Hyperlinear drives.
An intelligent maintenancenotification system spots cutting problems as they happen and automatically makes selfadjustments, such as replacing a dirty lens or reconditioning a nozzle. In addition, sensors throughout the system alert operators in advance of needed maintenance.
Before every cutting job, sensors check to ensure the nozzle is centered and the lens is clean. If not, the system switches the torch or nozzle. It can also grind a nozzle to remove contamination. If cutting problems occur during production, an intelligent sensor signals the HyperGear to recheck the nozzle. The system also checks the focal point and power levels and performs the necessary automatic adjustments or alerts the operator. These automatic features can significantly reduce downtime and the need to reprocess jobs.
The HyperGear automatically processes a range of materials, from thin, painted galvanized steel up to 1-in. mild steel. The flying-optics laser is currently available with a 5 10-ft bed.
