Indicators International Goes High-Tech with New Prima Power Laser

Northern Ireland based Indicators International Ltd have a long history with Prima Power, with both Punching and Punch-Laser Combination machines already installed at their site in Magherafelt. Added to these is now an impressive new Laser Genius+ 1530, 2D Fiber Laser with full automation.

Their new machine comes equipped with 6kW laser power and the very latest, Prima Power fully adaptive cutting head, which boasts advanced AI algorithms for enhanced monitoring and process control. Complementing these are high-tech cutting control suites for optimisation across the full range of material thicknesses and types, and for reliable automated operation.

Designed from the ground-up for high performance and dependability in unattended operation, the Laser Genius+ is also fast – capable of up to 180m/min trajectory speed with 2.8G of acceleration, and accurate to within 0.03mm across the full stroke, allowing it to produce high quality parts with short cycle times and maximum process efficiency.

Taking full advantage of the flexibility of the machines’ modular design, Indicators International were able to specify their preferred installation orientation and process flow, then add automation units to manage material loading, unloading, part-picking and removal closest to the next point for their downstream processes.

The loading of raw materials is taken care of by the Prima Power Compact Server, installed directly above the automatic pallet changer and able to receive up to 3,000kg of raw materials on a single pallet. Processed sheets pass from the Laser and through the Compact Server for part picking, with skeletons then returning for stacking and removal.

Through the consultative approach taken by Prima Power towards the system configuration, Indicators International were able to consider several automation options, including larger storage towers to best suit their production processes and factory space.

Of key benefit, and a major requirement for the investment, was the ability to remove cut parts from the processed sheets and stack them automatically for onward processes. This is achieved via the Prima Power PSR1530 Picking and Stacking Robot, which receives a processed sheet from the laser and removes each part in turn, placing it onto a stacking pallet and completely eliminating the need for manual shake out.

When picking, the PSR automatically verifies that the part has been removed cleanly and will make several attempts should an issue be detected – the machine even gently shakes the part to ensure proper removal. The stacking pallets are placed on two moving wagons, which swap when full or as directed by the program. For smooth and continuous operation, the active pallet is able to receive parts whilst the inactive one is safely unloaded, without interrupting the picking process. As with the Compact Server, the PSR works independently of the Laser Genius+, maximising efficiency and reducing non-cutting time to a minimum.

The primary driver for the machine purchase by Indicators International was a significant increase in business, driven by large expansions in production by their main customers. In addition to the Laser Genius+ system, the company also invested in a bespoke factory extension to make best use of the increased output from the machine and optimise their production further to meet their customers’ requirements.

“Given the demanding nature of our customers, and the high standards of the fabricated parts they expect us to deliver”, says Sean O’Loughlin – Indicators Internationals’ General Manager, “we explored options for an advanced and fully automated laser cutting machine that would enable the production of high volume and high-quality components. Having compared the available machines, we considered a Prima Power machine to be the ideal choice.”

“Our latest Prima Power laser cutting machine purchase will allow our production levels to keep pace with current demand. The machine’s impressive productive ability will ensure that we are able to keep up with future requirements.”