Sensor system with RFID lens

Farmington, CT - Trumpf has enhanced its LensLine sensor system for 2D laser cutting machines by combining it with a radio frequency identification lens for greater accuracy, process reliability and user friendliness. The LensLine condition monitoring function improves the reliability of cutting processes and reduces the frequency of lens cleaning, Trumpf claims.

When cutting sheet metal with high-power lasers, dirt particles accumulate on the focusing lens in the laser cutting head. The machine operator must regularly check, clean or replace the lens to ensure process reliability. With a visual inspection, transparent deposits are not easy to detect. The enhanced condition monitoring function of the LensLine sensor system analyzes the degree of contamination faster and more accurately.

The new RFID lens is a standard feature of all Trumpf TruLaser Series 3000 machines with a CO2 laser. The RFID chip attached to the lens records condition monitoring data and other information, such as when the lens has been cleaned. The condition monitoring test can also be carried out automatically, at predefined intervals. The test results indicate exactly when the lens needs to be cleaned so operators can optimize the cleaning cycle without time-consuming visual inspections or preventive maintenance.