Powder bed machines in the Lasertec SLM series can additively build tool bodies with lightweight structures or with internal cooling channels, for example, while PCD cutting segments are separated from blanks on the Lasertec 20 Precut. The Lasertec 45 Shape is used in the machining of chipbreakers. For carbide press tools or new cutting tools like micro tools, the Lasertec 50 Shape Femto is the suitable machine. Especially, the finishing of tipped diamond tools has been successfully implemented by DMG Mori for many years: Here, the Lasertec 20 Precisiontool and the new Lasertec 50 Precisiontool are sought-after models and are the benchmark with regard to the quality of cutting edges as well as low unit costs for the end product.

Lasertec 20 Precisiontool is the best known and most popular laser machine for finish machining of diamond tools with PCD, CBN and CVD cutting edges. Compared to wire EDM, DMG Mori achieves up to 210% higher speeds and up to 56% lower unit costs with this machine. Lasertec Precisiontool technology is a revolution that allows tool manufacturers to increase tool quality and profits at the same time.

With nearly 300 Lasertec 20 Precisiontool machines installed, DMG Mori is the clear market leader in laser machining of PCD, CBN and CVD tipped diamond tools. Compared to grinding and EDM, which are the conventional diamond machining methods, Lasertec Precisiontool technology produces cutting tools with maximum sharpness. "With our newly developed High Speed Mode 3.0 technology, we halve cutting edge chipping compared to conventional technologies. Machining time is reduced by a factor of three," explains Markus Bäumler, Sales Director at Lasertec. Nearly every major diamond tool supplier worldwide is already using this groundbreaking laser technology from DMG Mori.
    
Since Lasertec Precisiontool machines offer almost unlimited possibilities in cutting edge design, DMG Mori is a partner to a wide variety of customers: automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace are among the target industries as well as woodworking and optics. Almost any type of brazed diamond tool can be produced, says Markus Bäumler: "From small, simple cutting inserts to HSK-based combination tools or complex woodworking tools." Lasertec Precisiontool is the perfect technology for any type of tipped diamond tool.

"We are continuously developing to optimize customer benefits," emphasizes Markus Bäumler. With machines in the Lasertec Precisiontool series, he says, it is even possible to define the radius of the cutting edge. "You can select a super-sharp edge radius of 1 to 2µm, but you can also round it in a defined way with 6, 9, 12 or 15µm." Applying defined edge radii extends tool life by up to 40% compared to conventionally ground or EDM-machined tools, he said. "This advantage is an important USP for our customers to win orders."

Lasertec 50 Precisiontool: the world's largest laser machine for precision tools

Until now, this technology was limited to a maximum tool diameter of 200mm. Now DMG Mori is following up with a further development of this successful model with the global premiere of Lasertec 50 Precisiontool. It is the world's largest and most productive laser machine in this field of application. It offers a maximum tool diameter of 355mm and is perfectly suited to the new requirements of the electromobility industry. "There, large tool diameters are required for the machining of stator housings," Markus Bäumler explains. The combination of a much larger tool diameter with the highly efficient High Speed Mode 3.0 also opens up other new markets such as the production of woodworking tools, he adds. Lasertec 50 Precisiontool can machine any type of diamond-tipped woodworking tool such as chipper blades, saw blades, jointing cutters or form cutters. Tool manufacturers are thus able to tap into new markets, says Markus Bäumler: "Switching from conventional diamond tool machining to our Lasertec 20 Precisiontool or Lasertec 50 Precisiontool allows users to take the quality of their tools to the next level and significantly reduce the cost per part."

Future-proof laser machining technology

In reference applications, DMG Mori has been able to demonstrate the superiority of Lasertec Precisiontool technology over wire or disk EDM machines. "A speed increase of up to 210% for woodworking applications is one of the compelling factors for using DMG Mori laser machining," says Markus Bäumler. Apart from commercial reasons, however, there are other unique selling points, he adds: "The quality of the cutting edge results in two to three times less chipping than with EDM or grinding." In addition, he said, flexibility in tool design increases. "Laser machining allows more cutting edges for the same diameter without limiting machinability." More cutting edges lead to an increase in productivity in the subsequent use of the tool. "While erosion of coarse-grained PCD, low-cobalt PCD or CVD tools is extremely difficult or nearly impossible, Lasertec Precisiontool is proving to be a viable technology for the future that will allow our customers to strengthen their market position," says Markus Bäumler looking ahead.

Lasertec 50 Precisiontool is also an essential part of the process chain in the area of tools for electromobility. The tool shown here was additively built on the Lasertec 30 Dual SLM. The lightweight structure provides a weight reduction of up to 50% and offer internal coolant supply through the body. The tool was then finished on the Lasertec 50 Precisiontool at a cutting speed of 2.85mm/min. Users benefit from 30 years of experience in laser machining, which enables DMG Mori to offer an ideal combination of established mechanical engineering and innovative laser technology.

In addition to the machine hardware, users of Lasertec technology have access to numerous parameterized software solutions, for example for producing shank tools, turning tools and indexable inserts or chip grooves. The basis is software that is very familiar to the user and is used for EDM. Machine projects that are already available from EDM can be transferred without any problems in some cases. This makes the changeover to the new laser technology much easier.

Automation in laser processing

Attractive, easy-to-use automation solutions are becoming increasingly important. Markus Bäumler points out the added value: "Unmanned processing overnight or over the weekend guarantees additional productivity. We offer our customers a wide range of different types of automation and guarantee a perfectly coordinated solution for our customers from a single source.

Unbeatable product quality with low edge chipping and high tool life, unbeatable unit costs due to High Speed Mode 3.0 technology and maximum flexibility due to a tool size up to 355mm in diameter - Lasertec Precisiontool machines from DMG Mori are based on revolutionary technology and offer groundbreaking advantages compared to conventional machining methods.

Source | DMG MORI