AGC AeroComposites Enhances Laser Processing Capabilities

AGC AeroComposites, the composites and metal structures manufacturer for the aerospace and defense industry, announced today that it has acquired a large work envelope version of the high-accuracy LASERDYNE 795XL laser system from Prima Power Laserdyne.

The system will be installed at the Derby, UK site which specializes in manufacturing complex, high-precision, fabricated and machined metallic components and assemblies for the aerospace and power generation industries. Derby primarily works with high temperature alloy metals which are difficult to form and machine. The acquisition of the LASERDYNE system will allow AGC Derby to go beyond its present 38 processing capabilities, offering customers unparalleled quality and processing. AGC Derby is the first and only metal fabrication facility in the UK to possess this technology.

“There are a number of unique capabilities with fibre processing that Laserdyne has demonstrated,” said Mark Barry, Vice President of Sales for Laserdyne. “For example, the 795XL LASERDYNE system outfitted with a 15kW QCW fibre laser which AGC Derby is acquiring adds capacity for complex laser hole drilling at angles as shallow as 10 degrees to the surface in uncoated and thermal barrier coated heat resistant materials.”

“The acquisition of this new high-speed, high-precision percussion drilling, cutting and welding technology is a result of our never ending effort to procure the best manufacturing solutions for our customers,” said Alistair Burns, General Manager of AGC AeroComposites Derby. “The LASERDYNE system is a fantastic addition to our existing 5 axis laser technology. It is four times faster and gives us the ability to add cooling holes to fabricated products and machined rings. This enhanced capability, along with its’ welding capabilities, can give us a competitive advantage on a variety of different products including transition ducts, silencers/attenuators and combustor chambers for engines and turbines. We look forward to introducing this new capability to our current and future customers.”

The technology is expected to be production ready at the Derby facility by the end of in the first quarter of 2016.