- Applications: from cutting excess off large plastic parts to branding
- Roechling Automotive uses laser to cut costs and improve quality
- The growing market of customization
The American automotive industry recently discovered the potential of casket 2D laser systems. Originally designed to engrave caskets and granite monuments, such laser systems can offer higher profit potential in automotive manufacturing, customization, and branding than 3D printing.
Applications: from cutting excess off large plastic parts to branding
2D laser originally did not catch the auto industry’s attention because a traditional “boxed-up” laser machine allows only small, lightweight objects to be engraved or cut. Which means they have limited applications in the automotive industry where most parts are heavy and bulky. The 2D laser systems of company AP Lazer have changed the game.
The auto industry has found a multitude of uses for this “casket laser” system, from cutting excess off large plastic parts, customizing engine covers to branding small parts such as belts or gas caps. Now with AP Lazer’s open architecture for virtually no limitation on size or weight, parts such as engine blocks, transmissions, car doors or even the seats can be engraved by a laser beam.
AP Lazer’s open architecture allows the laser beam to engrave and cut large and heavy objects. (source: AP Lazer)
Roechling Automotive uses laser to cut costs and improve quality
Roechling Automotive in Akron OH, a branch of German Roechling Group which manufactures high performance plastic components, adapted AP Lazer system in their plastic manufacturing plant. A radial robotic arm is integrated with the AP Lazer system to take the large plastic part from the injection mold, placing it under the laser, then move it back to production line after the excess of the plastic is being cut by a 100 watt CO2 laser beam. Originally the plastic parts were cut manually, thus the integration of the laser system not only improved cutting quality but also reduced the production cost.
Roechling Automotive USA integrated AP LAZER with a radial arm robot to cut excess off of large high performance plastic auto parts. (source: AP Lazer)
The growing market of customization
Customization for car enthusiasts is another growing market, according to AP Lazer. Branding not only differentiates one manufacturer’s product from others, engraving a logo on a product will make it easier for customers to find the manufacturer and place their next order.
For example, XYZ Machining, Inc. found that the laser system gives them great flexibility and versatility on customization and branding which increase their image, reputation therefore driving the orders up.
“We can now etch anything we want into the parts that we create. As a result, our company’s reputation, orders and credibility has increased in a few short months.”, according to Mr. Tim Norman, owner of XYZ Machining, Inc.
