Mechanical Engineering
Laser Cabin for Engraving Aluminium Components
Realization of a laser-safe cabin for engraving aluminium components of up to 1250 x 530 x 180 mm, from planning and design to assembly and commissioning.
Challenge
A needled code already present on the raw part must be read, extended, and re-engraved onto the part as a DMC code, carrying the identification number from raw part to finished part. At the same time, the laser class of the system had to be reduced.
Solution
Planning, design, procurement, assembly, and commissioning of a laser-safe cabin (laser class 4 to 1) with integrated DMC reader and door interlock. Parts are loaded into the cabin on a drawer; at the push of the start button the existing code is read automatically, extended, re-applied by the marking laser, and verified. An extraction system removes harmful fumes, and a signal light guides the operator.
About this project
For NewAlu GmbH in Delbrück, FxB realized a laser cabin for engraving aluminium components, covering planning, design, procurement, assembly, and commissioning. The cabin marks parts of up to 1250 x 530 x 180 mm and carries the part identity from raw part to finished part: a needled code applied earlier in production is read, extended, and re-engraved onto the component as a DMC code.
The marking laser itself is a class 4 device. On the shop floor, however, the station had to operate as laser class 1: an enclosure that keeps the beam fully contained, with a monitored door interlock instead of personal protective equipment and restricted areas.
Sequence
The cycle keeps operation down to a few steps:
- the operator places the parts in the fixtures of the drawer and slides it into the cabin
- the start button triggers the AI code reader, which captures the existing needled code automatically
- the identification number is extended and engraved as a DMC code by the 3-axis hybrid marking laser
- the engraving is verified directly in the cabin
- a signal light guides the operator through the cycle
The safety functions run on a Beckhoff safety PLC: the door interlock keeps the cabin locked while the laser is active, reducing the system from laser class 4 to class 1 on the outside. An extraction system with 80 m³/h removes harmful fumes directly from the process chamber. The mechanical design was carried out in Catia V6.
Result
Six months passed from planning to commissioning. The cabin was delivered with CE documentation and an operating manual and runs as a regular workstation without additional laser protection measures in its surroundings. Loading, reading, engraving, and verification happen in one short cycle at the push of a button.