LaserCoil Technologies adds coil-fed blanking service for preproduction, prototype runs

Perrysburg, OH – Laser cutting solutions provider LaserCoil Technologies is now providing preproduction, prototype, and low-volume production part runs at its technical headquarters in Perrsyburg. The patented LaserCoil system can process up to 20,000 pieces/run from a variety of coil material, including aluminum, mild steel, advanced high-strength steels (AHSSs), and others, producing surface-sensitive panels as well as structural components in thicknesses from 0.5 to 3.5 mm and up to 1.9 m wide coil at any length. Additionally, the system can achieve complex curvilinear shapes for near-immediate ‘idea to net shape’ components.

Related: First LaserCoil blanking system ordered

Jay Finn, LaserCoil's CTO, notes that the company is seeing high interest in AHSS and aluminum, as their laser cutting process eliminates edge micro-fracturing problems that can lead to splits during the drawing of a blank. The fiber laser and proprietary optics process achieves near-zero dross with a minimal heat-affected zone. This provides consistent edge quality to deliver components that are laser welding-ready, eliminating the need for a reshearing process. This cleaner edge also leads to improved formability.

Finn adds that the system can also help companies facing potential die repair or late die delivery issues, as well as material shortages. As there is no need for traditional press dies, setup requires programming for the new component. This allows for the same part to be cut from a wide range of different coil widths. The company also offers feasibility studies on new components or prototype parts to help ensure that design, materials, and processes are optimal for a given part.