New laser solution for marking on metals and plastics

GRAVOGRAPH, the world leader for laser engraving solutions, announces the launch of its new laser solution for marking on metals and plastics: the LS100EX YAG. Made up of a platform that can house an object with a maximum volume of 610 x 305 x 145 mm, coupled with a YAG 12W source, it presents the particular advantage of being able to mark hard or reflecting materials (black or stainless steel, etc.) as well as classic materials The LS100EX YAG is aimed at applications involving personalization of objects (business gifts, trophies, etc.) and technical marking applications for industrial parts (tools, name plates, instrumentation, metal parts, etc.).

The laser technology featured in the LS100 EX YAG solution can be used to mark a wide range of materials (ABS, aluminium, black or stainless steel, precious metals, etc.). Its large work area can house bulky objects such as holder trays on which the operator places parts in shaped recesses for concurrent engraving.

Pictures show the LS100EX YAG and a few engraved examples.

The LS100EX YAG solution is controlled using the LaserStyleTM software, an intuitive interface specifically developed by specialists for laser engraving, that features automatic composition possibilities such as integration of lists of names and incrementation of numbers, and this makes it a really productive tool. With its maximum marking speed of 2.5 m/s and its front loading design (Front Loading Concept by Gravograph, the only one of its kind on the market), which cuts operating times between batches of parts, this laser engraving unit provides one of the highest machine use levels currently available.

There are many accessories available as options with the LS100 EX YAG to provide a solution that is perfectly suited to the application and the user´s working environment. To start with, there are integrated filtering and ventilating systems for smoke and dust that enable compliance with working conditions for the user and the machine; these systems have been tried and tested in many cases of applications involving high emission levels of particles and odours. Then there is the wide range of objective lenses available, plus indexing supports for engraving on cylindrical and conical objects 3 to 130 mm in diameter. Lastly, a suction table can be fitted for marking thin, flexible materials.

For further information contact, Fabrice Juszczak, product manager, email: fabrice.juszczak@gravograph.com or view website: www.gravograph.com or in the UK, e-mail: marketing@gravograph.co.uk   

Gravograph´s IS 900 mechanical engraving
machine ensures high productivity for cutting or
milling as well as medium and large engraving jobs 

Gravograph´s new mechanical engraving machine provides many new functions, including ´point and shoot´ and handling of strips without length limits. IS 900 is designed for flat engraving of identification plates or cutting and engraving of sheets of any material, including aluminium.

IS 900 can engrave at up to 100 mm/s over a large 660 x 460 mm area, ensuring high productivity for cutting or milling as well as medium and large engraving jobs. IS 900 stands out by its intelligence, its ergonomics and its many innovations. (Refer to the pictures on the right).

The engraver´s intelligence is provided by its IQ+ electronics. Developed specifically by Gravograph for its engraving machine range, the new electronics increase working speeds by up to 50%, allowing a maximum speed of 100 mm/s. IQ+ also enables the introduction of new functions such as ´Point n´Shoot´, along with plug-and-play incorporation of any type of controlled accessory, such as additional spindle motors, swarf removal functions or lubrication.

Excellent ergonomics are provided by the novel design, registered by Gravograph, of the IS 900 enabling it to handle strips of unlimited length, with a 660 x 460 mm engraving area. Material feed can also be from the open area, via the back of the machine. The engraver can be placed in the middle of a workshop, or against a wall, or in a corner between two walls, and all functions remain available whatever its layout. IS 900 is 100% compatible with Gravograph´s Braille Dispenser Kit, making it easy for the customer to engrave and place metal beads in the plates to generate Braille characters. Large plates can be clamped with just one hand, raising productivity. All clamps are locked in a single operation by one handle. Less than 10 s is needed to install and clamp the plates.

Its many innovations distinguish the IS 900 from other models on the market. First, the ´Terrain follower´ enables the IS 900 machine to engrave accurately even on a non-flat surface, following the shape and height of the sheet with an optical sensor. Second, the ´Point n´Shoot´ function uses a laser pointer for visual positioning of the engraving on the item and simulating the engraving work before executing the programmed task.

For further information contact, Fabrice Juszczak, product manager, email: fabrice.juszczak@gravograph.com or view website: www.gravograph.com or in the UK, e-mail: marketing@gravograph.co.uk   

The Technifor range of pneumatic micro-percussion marking machines

With marking fields of 100 x 80 mm and 200 x 80 mm respectively, the XF510Sp and XF510Dp models further enrich the Technifor range of pneumatic micro-percussion marking machines. They are the fastest in the world in their category, and they can mark up to 10 characters per second, twice as many as the previous generations. They are compact and they feature multiple communications interfaces, which makes them even easier to integrate. The XF510Sp and the XF510Dp provide ideal solutions for precision marking applications in series production: mechanical engineering, motor vehicle manufacture, metalworking, pneumatic components, electronic components, sensors, etc.

From the design stage on, the marking speed was the main priority set for the XF510Sp and XF510Dp models. Firstly, latest generation electronic components were selected to reduce calculation times. Secondly, the marking head shuttle trajectory was optimised. Lastly, a new motor control system was installed. New micromechanical components were also integrated. The XF510Sp and XF510Dp marking machines can mark up to 10 characters per second, and they execute a DataMatrixTM code in under 5 seconds.

The XF510Sp and XF510Dp machines are easy to use. Their UC500 remote control unit is designed for use all over the world. Its interface currently features 20 languages; it handles 14 types of keyboard, and it is powered by a universally compatible system for supplies ranging from 90 to 250 V. A production line designed in one country can thus be exported anywhere in the world without any modifications. The control software is also very user friendly; it is based on pictograms, and it provides multiple marking possibilities: fixed texts, variable texts (dates, counters, teams, variables, etc.), logos, or DataMatrixTM codes, with flat, angular, radiating markings, etc.

Lastly, the XF510Sp and XF510Dp marking machines are particularly wide-ranging. They feature boards with 8 inputs and 4 outputs as standard, and RS232, USB and Ethernet ports. They can be controlled via Ethernet or RS232 links as required (exchanges of information concerning marking start, cycle end, cycle stop, machine ready for marking, marking in progress, etc.). The USB port is used mainly for backups, software updates, transferring marking files, logos and fonts, saving marking files, and so on. For further information, e-mail: beauregard@gravograph.co.uk   Refer to page 123

Industrial monitors engineered for extreme environments

Pepperl+Fuchs introduces VisuNet DM, specifically designed monitors to deliver reliable operation and long life in harsh application environments. Fully configurable to suit specific application requirements they are true industrialized monitors, delivering the highest MTBF in the industry at over 550,000 hours. Vusunet DM monitors carry both the UL and CE mark, and are available for general purpose or Class I/Div 2 environments Touch screen and transflective options are available.

VisuNet DM monitors are available in 10», 12», 15», 18» and 19» sizes, and are rated for use in temperatures ranging from -10° C to 60° C. They accept standard VGA or NTSC (or PAL) inputs from a PC or video camera source. Additionally, they can multi-sync to any standard video mode from 640x480 to 1280 x 1024 at scan rates from 60 to 75 Hz, without image distortion or flicker.  The VisuNet DM monitors are 12 V DC powered, from an external power supply to keep heat away from the monitor, maximizing reliability and operating life.

Pepperl+Fuchs´ family of rugged flat panel monitors are made with only industrial grade components. No consumer grade electronics are implemented in the product to cut costs. This differs with other monitor manufacturers that package steel around a commercial grade LCD, and sell it as an industrial device.

Additional ruggedizing attributes make Visunet DM range a true industrial flat panel display solution: heavier gauge metal & wiring, corrosion protection, internal bulkhead wiring, gold plating, latching/tie downs, shock absorbing gaskets, brighter back lamps (up to 600 nits) and wider viewing angles, etc...

Pepperl+Fuchs industrial grade monitors are available with an optional resistive touch screen. This is a UL Listed, 5-wire resistive touch screen suitable for general purpose, and Ex-hazardous Class I/Div 2 environments. A resistive touch screen provides mouse emulation by applying a small amount of pressure on the desired location of the monitor screen. This allows the operator to use a finger, glove, stylus, etc. to initiate the touch screen functionality. For more harsh environments, there is also a hardened resistive touch screen available. A self-calibration tool is provided for precise adjustments. For PC interface, our touch screens have both a USB and Serial output to be connected to the host PC.

An additional option is a hardened resistive touch screen, where a thin glass layer is bonded to the front user surface providing superior protection against long term surface wear and incidental scuffs. This glass layer also protects against the effects of corrosive chemicals and provides shatter protection from frontal impacts. For further information contact, Stéphane MALARD, e-mail: stephane.malard@amphenol-socapex.fr   Refer to page 113