The KUKA RV6L-CO2 laser robot has been specially optimized for 3D cutting and perforation with a CO2 laser. It replaces heavy and expensive cutting dies in applications where maximum production flexibility is required.
Changes can be implemented very quickly in a KUKA CO2 laser cell: the robot is simply reprogrammed without the need for complicated modification of workpiece fixtures. The complete processing cells can be expanded for complex tasks – e.g. with KUKA gantry solutions specially for the laser cutting of plastics.
Advantages of the KUKA CO2 laser robot
Integrated beam guide
The laser beam is guided centrally relative to the robot wrist. With the fully encapsulated and integrated beam guide, the robot has unrestricted mobility – for complex geometries.
Continuous monitoring of the lenses
The LCU (Lens Control Unit) provides timely warning if the optical elements are fouled or damaged. Early maintenance prevents undesired downtimes.
Maximum dynamic performance and accuracy
Lasers with an overall weight of up to 400 kilograms can be mounted on the side of the robot axis. The weight-neutral adaptation enables the robot to move with the utmost agility and precision.
Energy-saving and gentle on materials
The energy can be applied exactly and tailored to the specific machining process. An additional bonus: material is not deformed or overheated, as only the required amount of heat is generated.
No wear to tooling
Unlike mechanical cutting processes, the tooling is not subject to wear and tear thanks to the contactless laser machining process.
No finishing required
The KUKA CO2 laser robot produces cleanly cut, burr-free edges. The workpieces can thus be used directly – without the need for additional intermediate steps.
Consistently high cutting quality
The plastic component is not subjected to any forces that could impact negatively on the cutting result.
The KUKA CO2 laser robot: facts and figures
| Type designation | RV6L-CO2
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| Weight of basic device (without controller, laser and substructure) | 960 kg |
| Repeatability | +/- 0.05 mm |
| Laser power | Up to 1 kW possible through side mounting of the CO2 laser |
| Processed materials | - Polyethylene
- Polypropylene
- Carbon-fiber reinforced plastics
- Glass-fiber reinforced plastics
- Wood
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Processed materials
| 3D workpieces with - Material thicknesses from 0.2 to 5 mm
- Dimensions from 50 mm to several meters
- Maximum weight of ...
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Typical applications
| - Cutting: Vehicle body components, such as A, B and C columns, roof coverings, dashboards, armrests
- Perforation: Airbag covers, mirror covers, engine compartment components, vacuum lamination
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Additional module for higher quality: Airbag Perforation Monitor
The Airbag Perforation Monitor (APM) has been developed specially for making holes in dashboards.
Important functions of the APM:
- Monitoring and measurement of laser power and pulse
- Registration of energy loss during beam guidance and focusing
- Quality checks directly on the PC
- Definition of triggering forces for error-free functioning
- Documentation of the entire production chain (important for safety-relevant components in the automotive industry)
