TPT March 2012

T echnology N ews

Specimen manufacturing system

PLANTOOL Oy is introducing a new automated fibre laser-based specimen manufacturing system. This new system is the next generation of the concept, which was introduced seven years ago by Plantool’s partner company. This paper explains how the use of laser processing has provided a more cost effective and less labour-intensive way to produce specimens for material testing. Manufacturing a large number of the specimens of various shapes traditionally involves a combination of manual cutting and CNC machining, but this does not provide the automatic tracking of individual specimens of test material, except within individual test sheets. The improved ASMS method involves the use of laser technology to: (i) automate the manufacturing phases; and (ii) integrate the automated laser system for the entire quality assurance process. The ASMS provides individual specimen tracking by reporting, for example, specimen production rates, problems in specimen production or

specimen marking and cutting times. By following up the information available in reports, quality assurance personnel are able to control the entire process. Non-contact laser processes are fast and precise. High repeatability in specimen cutting tolerances ensures reliable tensile test results. Clear and machine vision readable laser marking (text, logo, 2D-code, raster) provides individual traceability for test specimens. Operator intervention is minimised, removing the possibility of the human error in making the specimen. A laboratory is able to receive straight and flat specimens for tensile testing. The geometry of the specimen is symmetrical, because no machining jigs and re-clamping are required. The laser process without CNC machining does not cause strain hardening and increase in the grain size of the specimen material. By laser cutting the heat-affected zone or thermal effects are minimised and damage to surrounding areas of the work piece

is prevented. Laser technology provides the flexibility to manufacture multiple test sample geometries. The manufacturing system allows the rotation of the specimen geometry (for example 45 or 90 degrees) related to the rolling direction. The ASMS specimen manufacturing process includes test sheet loading, identification, laser marking, laser cutting, specimen sorting and scrap removal phases. After loading the test sheet into the entry section of the ASMS, the bar code is identified from the test sheet. Simultaneously the specimen manufacturing information is downloaded. After identification phase and prior to laser marking, the width, length and thickness of the test sheet is measured. This information is also downloaded. The setup of the test sheet contains marking data, different geometries and quantities of specimens. Plantool Oy – Finland Email: heikki.saariluoma@plantool.fi Website: www.plantool.fi

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M arch 2012