Laser solution allows full automation

The adoption of a Linx SL302 CO2 scribing laser coder has enabled Hungarian machinery manufacturer Pannon Mechanika to create a fully automated coding station for one of its customers.

Pannon Mechanika provides unique engineering solutions for manufacturing, such as testing equipment, assembly lines and labelling equipment. For this application, the company was asked to create a system for coding onto anodised aluminium name plates, which are then applied to automotive components. The customer had been coding with a manually-controlled CO2 laser but required a fully automated solution.

The Linx SL302 is being used in conjunction with a robotic arm to automate the process. The arm moves the blank name plates to under the laser coder, where special software creates the correct template from the data in the customer’s SAP system. Data coded onto the plate includes weight, dimensions, pressure and stress information, plus logos and an EAN128 barcode.

After laser marking, the code is checked by a high precision camera, then foiled and placed in a receptacle ordered by the SAP system.

Key to the success of the Linx SL302 is its ability to produce high quality codes at fast speeds. The machine also has the flexibility to meet changing requirements, such as line speed, code quality or material types, with no additional investment needed. Running costs are minimised thanks to a tube life of up to 45,000 hours and no need for factory air for cooling.

The LinxVision® colour touch screen allows intuitive message creation and preview for fast, easy and error-free set-up.

The complex installation to link the laser with the SAP system and PLC was carried out by Linx distributor Printec BB Kft.