AGC AeroComposites adds 15kW fiber laser system to its processing capabilities

AGC AeroComposites (Derby, Derbyshire, England), which manufactures composites and metal structures for the aerospace and defense industry, has acquired a large-work-envelope version of the Laserdyne 795XL 15kW fiber laser system from Prima Power Laserdyne (Champlin, MN) that offers cutting, drilling, and welding capabilities.

The fiber laser system will be installed at the company's facility in Derby that primarily works with high-temperature alloy metals, which are difficult to form and machine. It will allow the company to go beyond its present 38 processing capabilities, adding complex laser hole drilling at angles as shallow as 10° to the surface in uncoated and thermal-barrier-coated, heat-resistant materials. Specifically, according to Alistair Burns, general manager of AGC AeroComposites Derby, the company can now add cooling holes to fabricated products and machined rings for various products, including transition ducts, silencers/attenuators, and combustor chambers for engines and turbines.

The technology is expected to be production-ready by the end of the first quarter of 2016. For more information, please visit http://agcaerocomposites.com.