Speedy laser cutting

Amada America Inc. (www.amada.com) says its FOL 3015NT model is the fastest laser-cutting machine in the world. The system features linear drives in the X, Y and Z axes; a high-speed, dual linear-drive gantry capable of moving the laser-cutting head at 13,386 inches per minute (ipm) along an X-, Y-axis vector of 45 degrees; and a gravitational acceleration of 5 (5G). The motion control system has an X axis (9,450 ipm) driven by dual high-speed linear drive motors on both sides of the gantry, as well as linear drives in the Y and Z axes (9,450 ipm and 4,725 ipm, respectively).