High Speed & Flexibility Redefine Amada's FO-3015NT Flying Optics
Laser Cutting System

To address a common complaint among fabricators, namely to more fully realize the speed and accuracy promises of laser cutting, Amada America, Inc. (Buena Park, CA) developed the FO-3015NT Flying Optics laser cutting system. This machine is built around a new, PC-based network control, a cartridge-style lens and a one-touch nozzle, features that support quicker, greatly simplified setup and optimized throughput. The FO-3015NT is big on power and even bigger on productivity. Equipped to handle full 5' x 10' sheets of material, the FO-NT is extremely efficient in terms of floor space—requiring only 290 feet of space.

The FO-NT features a dual-drive rack & pinion gantry, which allows users to achieve precise location at the fastest speed. A Fanuc RF-excited, fast axial flow resonator, with three available power ratings—standard 4000W, optional 2000W or optional 6000W—makes possible the cutting of a full range of materials and thicknesses. A patented Water Assisted Cutting System (WACS®) eliminates the need for time-wasting jumps across the sheet to control heat.

The Fanuc 160iL AMNC-F CNC control puts the power of this entire system in one place and makes information easily accessible. Navigation is simplified by use of the icon-driven touch screen or the operator can choose to use the full-sized keyboard and mouse. The control can be linked to your network or remain a stand-alone system.

By incorporating an AMNC control on all of its lasers, turret punch presses and press brakes, Amada has created continuity which facilitates employee cross-training. When used in conjunction with the vFactory™ feature, shop management is able to check a machine's operating history, observe patterns between shifts, or determine the exact production time required per part or job. With vFactory, shop owners can remotely monitor any of the Amada AMNC-controlled machines in their shop.

Mindful of new demands made on manufacturers for small lot sizes, quick turnaround and lower part costs, Amada offers a diverse assortment of automation options. The FO-3015NT can be combined with the AMS3015 automated material handling system. This combination allows users to put together a manufacturing array to specifically match operational requirements, combining automated material handling, setup and manufacturing information as each job requires. Modular overcarts, undercarts, extensions and towers may also be added as needs require.

Amada's Joe Greeninger, systems product manager notes, "Flexibility is key. Amada's automation features are designed to help users reduce lead-time and cut costs while improving productivity and increasing profits. More than 50% of Amada's AMS3015 system users have added a second laser. Why just be satisfied cutting metal when you can cut time and costs too?"

Amada offers a full range of laser models from 1kW to 6kW that vary in design, configuration and automation options. In summing up the features and performance of the redesigned FO-3015NT, Jason Hillenbrand, Amada's laser product manager says, "Our customer base had a lot of influence in the redesign. In fact, you could say they did redesign it. We know it will have a great impact on our market because it was built around the needs of that market."