Remote laser welding operations, many of which rely on a laser scanner to deflect the beam to the weld area, require high-beam-quality lasers. Years ago this meant that they were used only with high-power CO₂ lasers. As the beam quality of Nd:YAG, disk, and fiber-optic lasers have improved, these lasers also have become suitable for remote welding, allowing the scanners to be smaller and faster.

Automotive Tier II supplier of ride control components Tennessee Stampings installed an 800-ton transfer press to get to get new business from European customers, and expanded its facility to accommodate the new press, as well as a new underground conveyor system.

As with so many other ventures in life, successfully implementing a laser automation system rests on one key practice: communication.

Several modes of nitrogen assist gas supply exist, but with choice comes the potential of saddling your business with overhead costs that make it difficult to compete. The best approach is to map out a growth strategy, using each option's performance and value, that coincides with monthly nitrogen usage.

The main hurdle to automating American Standard's bathtub forming line in its Salem, Ohio, facility was integrating new material handling tools into the older press line.