PRIMA’S PLATINO HS LASER SYSTEM FEATURES NEW CUTTING HEAD, PROVIDING EXPANDED CUTTING CAPABILITIES.

CHICOPEE, MA  USA (October 5, 2006) – Today PRIMA North America, Inc., a leading manufacturer of innovative laser cutting systems, announced their PLATINO 1530 Two-Dimensional Laser System now features a new 3-lense cutting head that greatly expands its cutting capabilities.  

PLATINO’s new laser cutting head gives users a choice of a 10 inch focal length in addition to the standard 5 inch and 7.5 inch lenses.  The 10 inch lens enhances the application flexibility by increasing the depth of focus and enlarging the spot diameter for high- and uniform cut quality of thick stainless (5/8 in), thick aluminum (1/2 in) and thick mild steel (1 in).  The 10 inch lens is incorporated into the PRIMA “signature” cutting head with capacitive sensor, true auto focus, rapid lens change and crash protection system. 

Offering a compact footprint along with a Cartesian, Cantilever structure that provides three-sided access, PLATINO is a cost-effective machine that is easy to operate and quick to program. Its revolutionary mineral cast frame reduces vibration by about 6 times compared to cast iron and about 10 times compared to welded frames. Its low heat conductivity results in much higher thermal stability compared to traditional cast or steel frames.   

PLATINO integrates the machine frame, CNC controller, laser resonator, beam-delivery system, axes of movement, and laser head all into one highly compact structure that delivers X-axis length of 120” (3048 mm) and Y-axis length of 60” (1524 mm), despite the machine’s small footprint. Using a “flying optics” beam delivery system, the work piece remains stationary during the cutting process.   

With a cutting table design that minimizes part tip-up, PLATINO offers reliable, unattended operation. Its high-speed piercing technology – the latest in automating pierce-to-cut dwell time – delivers turret-press-like throughput that also allows a dramatic reduction for piercing thick plate.  

A high-speed 64-bit PRIMA PRIMACH 20L CNC Control incorporates the latest technologies and advancements in laser processing and diagnostics to make job input fast and easy. Switching materials or thicknesses can be done instantly with PLATINO’s unique CNC focal axis with a capacitance sensor that accurately and automatically maintains the standoff distance from the work surface while adapting to material and thickness, without the need to make any manual adjustments. A magnetic breakaway system is also featured for the laser head, protecting it from damage. In the event of an obstruction, the head safely releases and the machine can be operational again in minutes.

PLATINO is an excellent machine for high productivity, ideal for laser job shops, fabrication shops, and diversified manufacturers. A “building block” concept for the PLATINO 1530 allows adding automation, such as a PRIMA Tower Server Material Handling System, to the standard machine, permitting it to grow when workloads increase.

The PLATINO system is available with a 2500W, 3500W or a 4000 W CO2 laser resonator.  Positioning accuracy and repeatability is 0.001” (0.03mm). Other features include: fumes collection, exhausting and filtering system; fiber-optic-connected digital servo drives; 15" flat-screen monitor with touch-screen functions and incorporated trackball; off-line programming software PICAM with AUTONEST; quick lens change from 5" to 7.5" and vice-versa; automatic sheet referencing system and high pressure programmable assist gas. 

 PRIMA North America, Inc. is the North American subsidiary of PRIMA INDUSTRIE S.p.A. based near Torino, Italy. With approximately 120 employees, PRIMA North America, Inc. is the largest subsidiary within the PRIMA Group and is dedicated to serving the US, Canada and Mexico market needs for laser sheet metal cutting machinery, and worldwide needs for laser drilling systems and industrial lasers. PRIMA has been an innovator of state-of-the-art 2-D and 3-D systems for laser sheet metal fabrication and drilling of parts used in a broad range of industries worldwide since 1977. Lasers, machines, software and material handling systems are all designed, developed, made and serviced by PRIMA with the latest technology, providing users a single-source solution for quality laser sheet metal cutting.   

For more information about PRIMA North America, Inc., call 413-598-5200, fax: 413-598-5201, or visit www.prima-na.com. PRIMA North America’s address is 711 East Main Street, Chicopee, MA USA 01020.