When it comes to laser systems for demanding three-dimensional welding or processing applications in areas such as industry or research, the manufacturer's engineering expertise is paramount. The beam source must be precisely matched to the materials and the desired processing task. The workpieces must be optimally fed, clamped, processed and inspected. Cycle time and retooling flexibility are among the key aspects for processing efficiency. Training, advice, maintenance and service are also relevant to the success of turnkey automated 3D complete solutions. Arnold Maschinenfabrik has developed from a specialist welding shop. With its expertise in welding and clamping technology, the company is familiar with the machining of complex part geometries. The processing of components weighing several tons and the manufacture of fixtures and special machines are also part of the portfolio. The manufacturer of fully automated laser systems for demanding production tasks with three-dimensional beam guidance specializes in turnkey solutions; this includes all necessary devices and accompanying processes such as pressing, heating or cleaning stations as well as quality inspection, for example using ultrasonic technology. Customers from the fields of vehicle construction, mechanical and plant engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace and research value the systems due to their conversion flexibility for different tasks.

Customized special designs

Almost every system is a customized special design. Arnold is not restricted to one brand of blasting source, but sources the most suitable units from leading manufacturers. There are indeed system solutions in which several different blasting sources are integrated. There is also a wide range of process and automation technologies and long-standing supplier partners. Thanks to close cooperation with research institutes, the feasibility and optimization of customer projects can be clarified.

The Flexline 3D laser system can weld, cut, powder weld, harden, 3D print or solder, among other things. © Arnold

The tasks at Arnold go far beyond standard welding on steel and aluminum. Various new materials are also processed. Deep penetration welding, powder deposition welding, soldering and hardening are just some of the methods used. One special system even deburrs cut edges by briefly melting them, while others solder new materials in a vacuum chamber, harden precisely defined surface areas or polish glass components using a laser. Particularly sophisticated special solutions include, for example, the treatment of grain-oriented electrical sheets for transformer production and the creation of extremely fine hole patterns in machine components for paper production. Arnold also mentions the development of high-precision beam guidance for the continuous welding of cladding sheets to tubes within the narrow gap between tube and sheet during winding as a special task.