Cut, bend and weld right the first time.

Cutting, bending and drilling demand millimeter-accurate positioning, yet many machines have no mechanical stop to rely on, which raises the risk of costly errors. Changing parts make every setup complex and time-consuming, while welding and forming need quality checks during the process, not just at the end. Production lines are also expected to work directly from CAD data, with no time lost on templates or manual measuring. Clear laser guidance meets all of these demands by showing operators exactly where material, tools and components belong. The solution starts at the machine, with a precise laser line that takes the place of the missing stop.

Exaktera positioning lasers project clear lines and cross marks that show exactly where material should sit and where the tool will work. On saws and cutting machines, they are especially useful where there is no mechanical stop, or where slabs and long sheets need to be cut. On flame, waterjet and laser cutting systems, a positioning laser marks the start point on the material. After rolling, laser lines help align plates on the roller conveyor for the next process step.

For free bending without back gauges, a laser line is what makes accurate results possible. On drilling and punching machines, a cross line laser helps place the sheet correctly and position each hole. In hot and cold hydraulic forming, lasers give repeatable placement of the component in the press.

Exaktera laser projectors display target positions directly from CAD data, so operators can tack components accurately when building complex 3D frames and structural parts. During machine and tool setup, the projector guides operators step by step, showing the positions of supports, clamping devices and components.

For measuring and inspection tasks, the projector shows each test step in the defined sequence and highlights the correct measuring tool in the tool magazine with an arrow or frame. Because every step comes from digital data, changes in geometry or components are handled by loading a new file.

After cutting, a laser projector highlights each nested part so operators can remove parts in the specified order and send them to the next process. In automated bin picking, laser triangulation sensors scan randomly loaded mesh containers before each pick and pass the updated part arrangement to the robot. A laser projector can also show the correct pick compartment and quantity to operators.

Exaktera LED lighting helps vision systems locate parts for robot picking and check label position and alignment in automated metal and composite production.

Using laser triangulation, Exaktera machine vision lasers help inspect weld seams on curved surfaces, so vision systems can check seams for weak points. For bent and formed parts, a laser projector displays the target contour on the part, making deviations immediately visible.

Reflective metal surfaces are difficult to image because they mirror the light source back into the camera. Exaktera LED lighting, with the right geometry and strobed at high intensity, helps vision systems reveal scratches, pits and coating defects on sheet and machined parts. Laser line modules also give measurement systems a profile line for checking flatness and shape.