Murata Machinery USA (Muratec USA) has introduced the LS3015MC, a new manufacturing automation platform that combines fiber laser cutting and machining operations within a single machine and shared coordinate system. Designed to eliminate secondary handling and set-up requirements, the LS3015MC enables manufacturers to cut, drill, tap, countersink, counterbore, ream, and deburr parts in one uninterrupted process.
"Traditionally, fabrication shops produce a laser-cut part and then move it to a machining center for secondary operations," said a company spokesperson. "While common, this workflow adds labor, set-up time, material handling, and opportunities for positioning errors. The LS3015MC eliminates these challenges by enabling cutting and machining operations without removing or repositioning the workpiece."
Matt Ward, Fabrication Business Unit Manager for Muratec USA, noted: "After you have cut the part on a laser, you have to transport it, set up workholding, indicate parts in, load or write a program, touch off tools, run a test program, remove parts, measure, offset, and rerun. With the LS3015MC, those additional steps are eliminated. Shops can complete laser cutting and machining operations in one quick set-up while maintaining accuracy throughout the entire process."
The LS3015MC is equipped with an 8-kW fiber laser capable of processing mild steel up to 25 mm (1") thick on sheets measuring up to 5" x 10". Integrated machining capabilities are provided through a rigid 4,500-RPM spindle and a 20-tool automatic tool changer, enabling the machine to perform multiple secondary operations directly after cutting.
By maintaining a single coordinate system from the first cut through the final machined feature, the LS3015MC helps improve positional accuracy and repeatability. Because the part never leaves the machine, manufacturers can avoid re-referencing errors that often occur when components are transferred between separate cutting and machining centers.
The system is particularly well-suited for applications that require laser processing and precisely machined features, including agricultural equipment, construction and heavy equipment components, material handling products, data center infrastructure, and other fabricated metal parts produced from medium-to-thick plate.
To support these demanding applications, the LS3015MC incorporates features designed to enhance machining and process reliability. Pin-style supports, motor-controlled plate-holding mechanisms, and slat-shifting technology help maintain part stability throughout production. Oscillation cutting, integrated vacuum extraction, and air-blow systems assist with chip removal and work area cleanliness during machining operations.
In addition to improving accuracy, the machine simplifies workflow by reducing material handling and minimizing operator intervention. Instead of scheduling work across multiple machines, manufacturers can process completed parts in a continuous sequence within a single system. This streamlined approach can help reduce bottlenecks, shorten lead times, and improve overall throughput.
The LS3015MC is also designed to support automated manufacturing environments, enabling integration with upstream and downstream automation systems and extended unattended operation. For manufacturers seeking to increase productivity without expanding floor space, combining laser cutting and machining in a single machine offers a practical alternative to traditional multimachine workflows, the company reported.
For more information contact:
Murata Machinery USA Inc.
2120 Queen City Drive
Charlotte, NC 28208
800-428-8469
info@muratec-usa.com
www.muratec-usa.com