Description
The new ATOM FlashCut TWINS Series Automated CNC Digital Cutting Systems are equipped with a modular tool head and two independent vertical axes slots which allows for sequential working, matching a wide range of cutting, creasing, marking & punching processes. It is possible to perform different jobs using the most suitable tool for every specific requirement on the same shape. In the same cutting session it is also possible to use the ink-jet printer & the camera system to acquire the cutting fiducial reference points.
Developed primarily with the aerospace & composites industries in mind, the ATOM FlashCut TWINS Dieless Cutting Tables perfectly match the most innovative automated solutions to process composite materials. The robust structure, & the state-of-the-art electronics allowed ATOM to develop a modular cutting head capable of processing material up to 2″ (50mm) in thickness, with two main tools and optional devices such as a high-resolution ink-jet printer for piece coding and the edge hardener-sprayer for the shape contour to ease in the picking & handling of cut parts. The new ULTRASONIC Chuck for an accurate & precision cut of pre-preg fabrics, the PRC chuck for cutting aramid fibers (Kevlar), dry textile & glass fibers, and specific tools for cutting foam & honeycomb panels.
The ATOM ultrasonic cutting system have the versatility to cut multi-ply layers in excess of ½” in thickness to precision depth control of single layer materials or for high-speed “kiss-cutting” applications. Because of their superior design, ATOM ultrasonic cutting tables cut faster, more accurately and with better edge quality than any other technology available on the market.
TWINS Modular Devices – To Double Performance & Versatility
High Resolution Ink-Jet Printer
Because of new legal requirements, increasingly higher demands for product safety (e.g. protection against product counterfeiting), or simply branding every piece cut in your factory, the number of necessary product markings and their complexity are continuously increasing. This frequently requires systems which are directly integrated in the production line or production machine. The high resolution ink jet printer used on all TWINS models utilizes thermal ink jet technology that is used & trusted by millions of users. The robust stainless steel housing, intuitive operation & well-conceived print head design makes this coding & marking system suitable for unlimited industrial applications. The use of cartridges cut maintenance costs and allows to quickly change both colors and ink-type unlike bulk systems which require extensive maintenance and cleaning when changing ink-types or colors.
Edge Hardener – Spray Stiffener
With the composite industry as the primary focus, particularly companies that process carbon fibers or loosely woven dry technical textile materials, ATOM developed a spraying device mounted to the TWINS modular tool head to dispense a small amount of an adhesive concentrate to the perimeter of the part or layout prior to cutting. This “edge hardener” when applied creates a rigid surface which after cutting allows for the ease of picking cut components from the web.
Tufting Tool Module
Tufting is a type of textile weaving in which is thread is inserted by a needle sewing the top layer of material to the layers underneath. It is an ancient technique for making warm garments, especially mittens. After the knitting is completed, short U-shaped loops of extra thread are introduced through the fabric from the outside. ATOM developed this “ancient” technique to aid in the cutting and handling of multi-layer materials, particularly carbon fiber, in the production process. The tufting module fits into the standard 40mm tool station, so the process of tufting and cutting work sequentially.
Camera Acquisition
Digital camera, equipped with LED illuminator mounted to the TWINS tool head, accurately acquires the fiducial reference points based on the layout of the images printed on the material, and cuts accordingly.
Material Handling – Feeding Systems
Optional loading & off-loading tables, self-centering cradle unwind systems for elastic materials, multiple material unwinds with expandable shafts & precise tensioning controls, and automatic spreading tables for textile materials, increase the overall versatility and productivity of the ATOM FlashCut TWINS Series CNC Automated Cutting Systems.
