TPT March 2009

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March 2009 38
Technology Update
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BLM Group UK Ltd has launched the new
BLM Adige LT 722D Lasertube, described
by the company as ‘the future of laser tube
processing’. The LT 722D can process
round, square, rectangular and flat-sided
oval section tube up to 152mm in diameter,
and lengths up to 6.5m or 8.5m.
The machine uses offline programming
software specifically developed for the
machining of tubes. This software creates
new programs quickly and easily, while the
Siemens Sinumerik 840D CNC allows the
operator to manage all the main functions,
including program downloads.
The LT 722D has fully automated bar
handling throughout the entire sequence of
load, measure, feed, cut and unload. Fast
set-up and changeover times means short
batches can be managed as cost-effectively
as longer production runs.
The machine is claimed to be up
to 80 per cent more productive
than its predecessors – and
the more complex the part the
greater the productivity increase.
It incorporates a number of
hardware improvements that
contribute to faster processing
of tube. However, the greatest
change is to the software,
which has been configured
to make optimum use of the
new machine’s processing
capabilities.
The proprietary Artube CADCAM software
is dedicated to the tube fabrication
process, ensuring that the transition from
design to finished component typically
takes less than five minutes. This includes
components with open profiles and special
tube shapes.
Changeovers, which are performed
automatically, can be completed in less
than two minutes, and once the operator
has selected the cutting program the
system manages the set-up operations
according to the size and type of material.
To reduce reliance on individual know-
how, a database of ‘ready to use’ cutting
parameters is provided as standard, taking
account of different tube sizes, shapes,
thickness and material to minimise waste
and set-up times.
Raw tube is measured automatically prior to
processing and supported during the entire
cutting sequence by numerically controlled
universal supports located upstream and
downstream of the 2,500W Rofin CO2
laser cutting head. This ensures optimum
part accuracy and consistency, while the
diffusion-cooled laser combines high cut
quality with low running costs.
Laser tube cutting system
takes processing to a new level
 The 8th generation BLM Adige LT 722D Lasertube tube processing
system