THE MICROTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION PORTAL/THE SHOW
10.04.2018
A - Machines
Laser processing machine Neo
Sometimes the perfect solution for a challenge lies beyond the edge of the plate. Agathon has shown that the most efficient method of processing superhard materials such as polycrystalline diamond (PCD) or polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) is a combination of laser and grinding. Let’s take an example of an indexable insert with a PCD tip. To produce this part, the PCD tip is first lasered with the Neo. In doing so, we take advantage of the fact that the Neo removes around 100 times more material per time unit than would be possible with a grinding machine. In order to achieve the required precision, however, the part is then finished with a grinding machine. Thanks to this combination, the part can be produced around 60 times faster. The user does not only save time but also money, as the wear on consumables on the grinding machine is reduced by up to 75 percent.
In designing the Neo, the Agathon developers not only focused on the technology itself, but also on the factory-like environment that is characteristic for the machining of PCD and other superhard materials. For this reason, the Neo is extremely compact with a footprint of around one square meter and is easy to move. The Neo is also suitable for workshops where space is a little tighter.