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Compressed air in laser cutting systems: The invisible force

Haimerl Lasertechnik mainly produces sheet metal parts made of aluminum, stainless steel, copper but also steel. The components are normally used in mechanical engineering, but are primarily seen in thin sheet technology. The sheet thicknesses range between 1 and 6 mm. The company in Leonberg has an extensive machine park from Trumpf for a wide range of application processes such as scratch-free punching and lasering, pressing in threaded bolts, bending with very high accuracy requirements, joining processes using laser welding and manual TIG/MAG welding as well as the associated assembly of assemblies.

Challenge

Compressed air is needed as sealing air everywhere in production at Haimerl Lasertechnik so that no dirt or moisture can penetrate the machines and systems. Compressed air is also used to hold the material being cut in place and keep it stable. Automated movements also take place with the help of pneumatic systems. Here, compressed air is responsible, for example, for raising or lowering the cutting head or for moving workpieces between different processing stations.

In laser cutting processes, compressed air also cools the nozzle. The nozzle through which the laser beam is directed can become very hot. Pneumatic systems are used to direct cooling air through the nozzle to prevent overheating and extend nozzle life.

Solution statement

The basis for the new planning of the compressed air station initially formed a compressed air consumption measurement. Only a precise determination of the actual compressed air requirement enables a tailor-made solution for the customer.
The compressed air station at Haimerl Lasertechnik, which is designed to meet the necessary compressed air requirements, consists of a type KAESER SK 25 screw compressor with a nominal motor output of 15 kW and a delivery volume of 2.5 m³/min.
The new compressed air preparation concept according to ISO 8573-1 in accordance with manufacturer specifications for laser cutting is based on an energy-saving KAESER refrigeration dryer of the type TC 31 SECOTEC. This ensures that dry compressed air is always generated.
A cyclone separator and a KAESER microfilter combination (F46KA/KE) consisting of a KAESER fine filter and a KAESER activated carbon filter ensure the reliable treatment of the condensate and compliance with the compressed air quality class.
The high-quality oil-water separator Model Aquamat CF6 is also integrated into the KAESER compressed air station and supports condensate treatment – directly at the point of origin.

Customer value

The close collaboration between KAESER and the FILCOM GmbH team enabled the project to be successfully implemented.
The FILCOM service team independently takes care of the maintenance and service of the system, thereby ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted supply of compressed air.
Communication with FILCOM GmbH always runs smoothly and is very open and humane.
And what is even more important for Haimerl Lasertechnik: The promise of system availability was kept, which gives the customer an all-round good feeling and confidence in the future.

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