"When manufacturers learned about Messer Cutting Systems' plasma/fiber laser combination cutting machine, the MetalMaster Xcel, they quickly saw the benefits of its state-of-the-art technology and robust design," said a company spokesperson. "With multi-tool capacity, the Xcel features traverse speeds of 3,000 IPM, resulting in less pierce-to-pierce time."
"The market welcome for the new MetalMaster Xcel has far exceeded our expectations," said Joerg Toberna, Director of Marketing. "We knew the demand for combination cutting was big. We wanted to tailor the Xcel to suit all industries, so speed and customization were our driving forces when developing the Xcel."
To fit specific industry cutting needs, the Xcel offers multiple options designed for maximum performance. "Versatility relates to productivity when users pair automated material handling with fast traverse speeds," said the spokesperson. "In these scenarios cutting time increases as non-production time, such as plate loading and unloading, is reduced."
The Xcel is two cutting machines in one and can be equipped with the following:
- One plasma and one fiber laser head
- Two plasmas (one of which can be a bevel head)
- One fiber laser and one plasma bevel head.
"Combination cutting fortifies a manufacturer's bottom line when it comes to piece parts with internal critical cuts," said the spokesperson. "Critical features can be cut with a fiber laser while the external features are cut with a plasma torch - all with one piece of equipment, making it no longer necessary to move the piece from one machine to another.
"When cutting thin materials, the fiber laser provides the best quality, cycle time and cost per piece. When cutting thick materials, plasma provides the best cycle time and cost per piece.
"With the Xcel, internal holes smaller than a 1:1 ratio are now achievable, including sharper corners on squares and cleaner, straighter holes. Previously this was impossible with only the plasma process. Now manufacturers gain better part accuracy than True Hole Technology on .625-inch (15.9 mm) mild steel and below. Parts can be cut using only one process, or both fiber and plasma can be leveraged to maximize production. The unitized machine design provides an accurate machine platform with ease of installation.
"Because fiber lasers utilize a fiber optic cable for beam delivery, the need for mirrors is eliminated, making cleaning, alignment and replacement a thing of the past. The fiber laser process is three times more efficient compared to common CO2 lasers and does not need a resonator, making cost of operation considerably less.
"To accommodate varying plate conditions, high-performance 1,180-IPM lifters are available. The patented Slagger self-cleaning table is also designed to yield good performance by reducing table cleaning time. Cleaning time can be reduced from hours to minutes. Also helpful to machine operators is its controls. The professional menu-driven, feature-rich, Global Control Plus CNC makes every operator an expert.
"When considering a combination machine, additions such as enclosures, shuttle tables and material handling equipment can help ensure a faster, more economical cutting process."
MetalMaster Xcel key features include the following, according to the company:
- Heavy-Duty Zone Ducted Slagger Table: up to 6', 8' or 10' up to 50' long with 3" plate capacity; removable slat frames for flexibility during removal
- Global Control Plus with Virtual Service: embedded cutting database producing repeatable performance
- 8.4 and 4.7 HP Brushless AC Drives: electronic armature commutation eliminating brushes, tune-ups and feedback belts; high acceleration/deceleration rates eliminating corner dross; 3,000 IPM traverse speed
- Precision Linear Ways: smooth motion and good cut quality ways with full capture bearings in both the X- and Y-axis
- Precision Gearboxes: low backlash and low inertia gearboxes increase small hole cutting performance and surface finish of cut parts
- Rugged High-Compliance Dual Drive Gantry: stable platform under all conditions; compliant end truck, low profile and low mass provide the motion stability required for precision plasma.
MetalMaster Xcel optional features include the following, according to the company:
- Digital Camera with quick torch-to-plate alignment: easy three-point touch off plate alignment pointer eliminates the need to move plate after initial placement
- Hypertherm HPR400XD Plasma with Auto Gas: industry standard for cut quality and flexibility; all cut parameters controlled by Messer database insures consistent cut quality between shifts and set-up changes
- Global Rotator Deltae: for contour plasma beveling applications
- Global Reporter: production monitor system designed to provide data to increase arc-on-time; Global Control users can use internal network connections and Internet browser to view status of the machine and to generate production reports
- True Shape Automatic Nesting Package: allows operator to nest CNC programs (non-bevel) and CAD files to Macros on the Global Control, minimizing scrap by nesting parts using complex algorithms
- Remnant Plate Nesting: allows operator to manually digitize remnant plate using a laser pointer or video camera to immediately nest macros, CAD files or CNC programs (non bevel) and manually digitize a shape.
For more information contact:
Messer Cutting Systems, Inc.
W141 N9427 Fountain Blvd.
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
262-255-5520
sales@messercutting.com
www.messer-cs.com