Above: Prima Power’s new 2D Platino Linear 1530 fiber laser is a compact, reliable and affordable cutting solution
September, 2024: LEGO brand awareness and usage grew by more than 2 percent in 2023 among toy and online shop users. Despite design variations over the years, LEGO bricks produced in 1958 still interlock with pieces from the more than 36,000 themed sets available today.
Prima Power also continues to raise brand awareness for its 2D laser cutting machines with features like machine modularity and compatibility.
“Our technology is almost like a LEGO set,” says Ryan O’Connor, marketing manager for Prima Power North America. “It’s a design feature that is especially attractive to both smaller job shops and larger contract manufacturers that want to invest in a fiber laser but also have an eye toward future growth and expansion. Our entire portfolio of products fits together, communicates together and works together.”
The company is a sheet metal machine tool brand of Prima Industrie. Prima Power recently introduced its newest fiber laser cutting machine, the entry-level 4kW to 8 kW Platino Linear 1530. The machine was engineered for low maintenance, enhanced cutting performance and a 50 percent reduction in energy costs.
MARKET DEMAND
“We talked with our customers and identified a gap in the marketplace,” explains O’Connor. “We didn’t have an introductory fiber laser for fabricators and manufacturers interested in affordable and flexible cutting technology.”
Prima Power is known for its legacy Platino line and for the Laser Genius+, which can run at higher speeds while saving space and manhours. Market analysis underscored the need for an entry-level machine with the same reliability historically demonstrated by the company’s high-end fiber lasers.
According to machine specifications, the 2D Platino Linear 1530 fiber laser sets a new standard in compactness, efficiency and affordability. It caters specifically to small-to medium-sized businesses and dynamic production operations. The new technology will make its North American debut at Fabtech in October. Its compact size occupies 22 percent less space, enhancing operational efficiency without sacrificing productivity. Equipped with a maintenance-free linear drive system, downtime and associated costs are minimized, ensuring maximum operational uptime.
“Linear drives are typical of higher-end machines,” says Simone Bonett o, 2D laser sales manager for Prima Power. A frictionless and maintenance-free linear drive enhances machine uptime reducing operating costs and increasing productivity. “It was a key component to achieving our goal to make the new fiber laser accessible price wise yet very reliable.”
Prima Power offers a range of dynamic automation tools to boost Platino Linear’s throughput and minimize manual intervention.
The second priority for Prima Power was the design and layout of the Platino Linear fiber laser. Its cantilever architecture and open cabin gives operators complete access to the work area. The frame provides exceptional vibration absorption and thermal stability. A cast aluminum carriage minimizes the weight of moving components without sacrificing rigidity and accuracy.
“Most fiber lasers on the market have an enclosure that doesn’t open,” says Bonetto. “Without a means of entry, it makes it difficult for an operator to perform a rush job, for example. Because our cabin opens all the way, an employee can easily load any sheet directly from the cutting area and start making parts.”
“Modularity was important because we want customers to have the option to add automation,” Bonett o continues.
MORE FOR LESS
Prima Power offers automation tools that can enhance Platino Linear’s efficiency and productivity by minimizing manual intervention and optimizing space. Compact Server automatically loads raw materials and unloads processed parts. Combo Tower Laser automates material flow with shelving groups and customizable loading units. The PSR 2D system ensures precise sorting and stacking for uninterrupted operation. Night Train FMS is a comprehensive solution for metalworking factories that need automated operations. It can serve as material storage and as buffer storage for punched, sheared and laser-cut parts.
Extensive testing helped Prima Power determine speed, resonator power and cutting applications for the Platino Linear. The fiber laser’s 1.7G acceleration rate exceeds that of other entry level machines on the market. The Platino Linear efficiently cuts a variety of materials and thicknesses to produce quality results, even up to 1-in. thick.
The Platino Linear’s 1.7G acceleration rate and versatility in cutting various materials make it an ideal flexible solution
“The Platino Linear uses the same cutting technology as our high-end line and can pretty much cut anything,” says Bonett o. Like the equipment, software systems for the fiber laser line are developed in-house along with tooling.
“Prima Power offers one comprehensive ecosystem for the entire production flow,” Bonett o notes. “The Prima Power Tulus interface is common for the entire product line, making it easier for customers to integrate Prima Power 2D laser cutting machines in their existing process.”
In-depth application analysis and time studies help customers determine which fiber laser will best suit their needs. For companies that need the flexibility of a fiber laser, Platino Linear is an efficient, and easy-to-use laser cutting machine designed to process any material and shape with high cutting quality and reliability.
“It is a durable and long-lasting machine that delivers flawless results thanks to its robust and sturdy design,” Bonetto adds. “Prima Power customers who wanted to upgrade their old CO2 laser have been able to replace it with the new Platino Linear, and it fits in the exact same spot with no need for a special foundation. It’s been an incredibly productive machine.”
Prima Power North America, 847/952-6500, http://primapower.com/
