New 5-axis CNC laser drilling machine for high-speed precision holemaking

Mitsui Seiki introduces 5-axis CNC laser drilling machine for high-speed, precision holemaking in tough alloys [FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ APRIL 2008] Mitsui Seiki has launched VLD-300 a small, vertical, Nd:YAG laser drilling mac......Mitsui Seiki introduces 5-axis CNC laser drilling machine for high-speed, precision holemaking in tough alloys [FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ APRIL 2008] Mitsui Seiki has launched VLD-300 a small, vertical, Nd:YAG laser drilling machine for 12-in. cube parts (300 mm x 300 mm x 300 mm in X, Y, Z axes). This machine was developed collaboratively with several aerospace engine component manufacturers who expressed a need for a higher-speed and more accurate laser-drilling machine than what was currently available on the market. Its common for some workpieces, primarily jet engine high temperature alloy parts, to require about 3,000 small diameter cooling airflow holes each at a different angle to be drilled in a non-contact manner. Laser is often the best option for speed and to minimize material stress. Inconel, Waspalloy, Hastalloy, and nickel-based titanium alloys are the typical materials. After three years in research and development, the VLD-300 offers positioning accuracy and repeatability in X, Y, Z-axes of 0.00004" (0.001 mm). A axis positioning accuracy is 6 arc seconds repeatability 3 arc seconds. C-axis accuracy is 4arc seconds repeatability 2 arc seconds. X, Y, Z-axes cutting feed rate is 0.004 ~ 787" (0.1 ~ 20,000 mm) X, Y, Z-axes acceleration rate is 1.5g. Mitsui Seiki partnered with a European laser company for the Nd:YAG version of this new machine. The VLD-300 is designed to also work with CO2, diode pump, and fiber lasers for different aerospace and other industry applications, such as certain electronics, medical, and automotive parts. More information...