Welding Digest

Laser technology continues to adapt to the industry’s manufacturing needs. The literature is also refined for students and users, presenting new laser-based developments.

Robotic Laser Tool Marking Station Brings Flexibility and Time-Saving Benefits

The AutoMarkX by ANCA (anca.com) is an automatic, standalone robotic laser marking station designed to replace manual and labor-intensive processes, freeing factory workers to focus on other jobs. The operator loads as many as two full pallets of tools, then the robot performs the laser marking operations unmanned. The unit accommodates a wide range of tool sizes. Flexible marking means the message can be etched on a single side or on opposite sides of the shank as well as at the end of the tool. The last option is useful for applications in which a unique tool identification code (e.g., Data Matrix) needs to be etched. It is ready for the company's Integrated Manufacturing System.

Laser Cutting Machine Supports Simplified Starting Point

The ByCut Eco 3015 laser cutting machine from Bystronic (bystronic.com) is designed for owners who want to get started in the laser cutting business or desire an uncomplicated fiber laser machine at a relatively economical price. The unit is easy to operate and designed for functionality. It can process a broad range of materials from steel, stainless steel, and aluminum to nonferrous metals, such as copper and brass, in a 3 x 1.5-m (9.8 x 4.9-ft) format. For users whose production range lies in thin-to-medium sheet thicknesses, this could mean faster cutting, lower costs, and higher profit per part. The optional Parameter Wizard ensures the right quality of cut parts is always selected. The machine uses BySoft Cell Control Cut software for programming. This helps arrange the molds for the parts to be cut and minimizes material consumption. The software offers support when creating cutting plans and setting parameters. The device is operated on a 21.5-in. touchscreen.

Book Offers Blueprint for Design and Manufacturing Using Laser Technologies

Laser-Based Technologies for Sustainable Manufacturing (Advances in Manufacturing, Design and Computational Intelligence Techniques), published by CRC Press (routledge.com), provides scientific and technological insights on novel techniques of design and manufacturing using laser technologies. It showcases applications of laser micromachining in the biomedical industry, laser-based manufacturing processes in aerospace engineering, and high-precision laser-cutting in the home appliance sector. It also discusses the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in laser-based manufacturing techniques. The work is designed as a reference text for senior undergraduate and graduate students as well as researchers in fields such as mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, and production engineering. Each chapter discusses a specific engineering problem and its numerical and experimental solution.

Volume Provides Coverage of Laser Materials Processing

The second edition of Principles of Laser Materials Processing: Developments and Applications, published by Wiley (wiley.com), discusses recent advancements and applications in laser materials processing. The text includes solved example problems and explained problem sets suitable for the reader's further understanding of the technology. The book is split into three parts; the first part introduces basic concepts of lasers, including their characteristics and the design of their components. The second part reviews the engineering concepts needed to analyze the different processes. The third section delves into the background of laser materials and provides a compilation of materials in the major application areas, such as laser cutting and drilling, welding, surface modification, and forming, among others. The volume also presents information on laser safety to prepare the reader for working in the industry and provide practicing engineers with the updates needed to work safely and effectively.

Glove Enables Comfortable A4 Cut Protection and Abrasion Resistance

The SmartCut™ BKCR4420 glove by Brass Knuckle (brassknuckleprotection.com) provides ANSI A4 cut protection. It is designed for metal work and stamping in the automotive, oil, and gas industries. The high-density polyethylene knit shell has a strength-to-weight ratio 8-15 times higher than steel. Its water-based polyurethane coating on its palm and finger reduces liquid penetration. A foam nitrile topcoat gives the wearer a firm grip and protection from oils, petrochemicals, fuels, and most acids. Enhanced abrasion resistance and cut protection comes from its sandy grip finish. The stretchable knit wrist fits snug, preventing dirt, debris, and cold temperatures. The gloves are available in red, blue, green, white, and black, each in their own size.