Blohm + Voss |
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Laser processing in shipbuilding |
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The laser has enabled Blohm+Voss to engage in lightweight construction - an important prerequisite for economical cruising speeds. (picture: Blohm+Voss GmbH) |
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Alfred Kahl, head of production at the Hamburg shipyard, was delighted as he explained everything about the new facility, which reflects 10 years of development work, to journalists and guests, "We are now in a position to introduce extremely lightweight construction to shipbuilding and build lighter ships, without compromising stability or structural safety." Laser technology has numerous advantages. In the high tech facility containing two TRUMPF TLF 12000 lasers, perfect-fit part families can be manufactured for the inner structure of the ship. Laser-beam welding requires far less heat then conventional welding, and even sheets as thin as 3mm no longer warp. All the extensive refinishing work required until now is no longer necessary, and the machined sheets can then be sent straight to assembly for mounting."It`s a huge savings of time, when you remember that dressing and refinishing work generally requires 25,000 hours," explains engineer Thomas Minks. |
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Blohm+Voss is the world`s first shipyard to work with a laser welding and cutting facility. The power behind it is provided by two TLF 12000 lasers. (picture: Blohm+Voss GmbH) |
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The laser welds and cuts 90 percent of all the steel a ship require The laser enables the precision cutting of sheets for weld-seam preparation. Laser beam cutting and laser beam welding are combined here in an automated production line. Apart from welding and cutting, the facility also marks the steel and removes paint and coatings from the steel plates. The laser facility, which was installed by Messer igm Robotersysteme AG, Steigerwald Strahltechnik, welds and cuts around 90 percent of all the steel a ship requires - and with unheard-of precision.
Herbert von Nietzsch, chairman of the Thyssen-Krupp shipyards, says,"It makes one realize what savings can be achieved with the introduction of this high technology." Moreover, the new method is twice as fast as the conventional method - and the shipyard is expecting a productivity boost of over 30 percent as a result. |
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