Pictured below is an X-Y stepper system, with this type of
system there will be a rectangular table mounted onto an XY
linear slide. The slide is powered by stepper motors, that
are driven directly from the laser PC. Laser control is
performed directly by the PC, using a DSP2 card set. The
XY system may be used for marking an array of
parts with sequential part marking. Using an arrangement
like this is much faster for the operator than having a single
piece marking system, where they would have to open and close
the door after each part. Another use for the XY system is
in single piece marking when the part size is greater than the
marking area of the laser. In such a system, the XY table
is used to move the part during the lasing process, so that all
of the part is eventually under the laser, and can be marked.
An automatic door is also an option. This feature allows the operator to simply push a button to
start the part marking process. The door opens
automatically after marking is complete. Back pressure
sensors keep the door from opening or closing on the operators
arm.
Indexing Table
The Indexing Table is a very common form of automated part
marking. The concept here is that while one part is being
lased, the next part can be loaded. This type of system
usually has only two positions. When the lasing is
complete the table can be indexed out at the operators command, unloaded
and then reloaded with the next part. When the part being
lased is finished, the cycle repeats. With a typical table
the aluminum rotating table is machined to approx. 5/8" in
thickness, and will have mounting holes that are unique to the
individual customers fixturing requirements. The indexing
table can be driven by various means, but commonly by an
indexing unit with a variable drive. Depending upon
customer requirements, a two hand anit-tie down
control can be mounted to insure that the operator has both hands out of the
path of the indexing table. Light curtains incasing the
exposed half of the index table is another option that some
customers opt for.
Label Maker
Another popular type of automated lasing unit is the
automatic label maker. With this type of machine, the
operator loads a stack of label stock and then closes the door.
A
small pick and place unit with a suction cup, mounted on the end
of a compliancy gripper, indexes into position over the stack.
Picks up the topmost label and places it onto a predefined area
where lasing takes place. After lasing, the lable will
either be wisked away on a conveyor, or picked up by the pick
and place device and deposited into a bin for lased parts.
The customer has the option of an
automatic focusing adjustment, manual focusing adjustment or a
powered focus adjustment.
Part Handler
Some customers require a system that has the ability to
accept a part from either another machine or from an operator
not physically at the laser. The system handles the part going into the laser work area,
marks it, and transports the part to another work area, or
another machine. The system pictured can do exactly that.
It takes a part from one work cell, marks it, and then conveys
it to another work cell. The unit pictured has an internal
mechanism that sends only one part to the laser work area at a
time. Many variations are possible.
