Available from Norfolk-based Kingsland Engineering Co is the Haco FL series of fibre laser machines (www.haco.com). Offered in three capacities — 3,000 x 1,500mm (FL 3015 LU), 4,000 x 1,500mm (FL 4015 LU) and 4,000 x 2,000mm (FL 4020 LU) — with laser powers of 2, 3 and 4kW and an integrated loading and unloading system, these machines offer unmanned operation within a footprint of less than 11 x 6m, including the safety area.

A particular feature of these machines is the patented Compass system, a kinematic assembly (pictured) that allows rapid acceleration in the ‘X direction’, as the total acceleration of the cutting head is the sum of the relative movement of the Compass and the movement of the work-table (to which the sheet is secured by four retractable grippers) in the X axis.

The CNC system divides the movement of the cutting head between the Compass and the X axis using a special algorithm; and to ensure both lightness and rigidity, the Compass assembly comprises materials that include carbon fibre and 7075 aluminium alloy.

There are several advantages offered by this configuration, including high acceleration of the cutting head and minimised mechanical stress on the gantry (part of the acceleration is generated by the Compass, the other by the table); and because the gantry is not moving in the X direction, there is less movement of the fibre cable, maximising its operating life.

The fibre cutting head features a motorised focal lens controlled by the CNC system; it is also liquid-cooled and does not require a cooling gas.

As standard, these machines are fitted with a Rofin FL030C diode-pumped YB-fibre laser.

Control is via an ALC59 laser control that features a 19in colour TFT display (touch panel), PC-based hardware, a Windows-type user interface, and graphical simulation of the production process.