Prima Power Laserdyne begins manufacturing Rapido laser in Champlin, Minn.

Prima Power Laserdyne has begun manufacturing the Rapido laser system at its Champlin, Minn., facility. Previously manufactured and delivered to the North American market exclusively from Prima Industrie S.p.A. headquarters in Torino, Italy, Rapido systems now will also be assembled, tested, and supported by workers in Champlin.

The large-work-envelope, high-speed, 3-D laser processing system is used in a variety of applications, including cutting automotive hot-formed steel and hydroformed components and cutting and welding of components for the appliance, aerospace, and pressure vessel markets.

With a rapid traverse speed of 574 FPM, the system can cut and trim a typical automotive B-pillar body panel in less than 50 seconds. It produces high-quality cut edges that are free from oxide and ready to weld or paint, the company reports.

In addition to bringing Rapido manufacturing operations to the Champlin plant, the company also is expanding its Prima Power Technology Center there. The center provides training for the laser system and supports the company’s network of service reps in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.