With split-cabin, sliding pallet design, RAPIDO 3D laser cutting system offers continuous part cutting without any idle time during unloading/reloading process. Machine structure, laser, CNC, and electro mechanics are integrated into cantilevered, compact architecture. Operating with Cenit Software's v5/LaserCUT technology, machine also employs automatic Focal Position Control, Safe Impact Protection System, and Laser Piercing Monitor.

CHICOPEE, MA (February 7, 2005) - PRIMA LASER TOOLS new RAPIDO 3-D laser cutting system features a versatile, compact, unique design for increased cutting speed, work accessibility, automation and safety.

RAPIDO has many advanced features designed to automate the production process. For example, RAPIDO's Focal Position Control (FPC) provides the greatest degree of quality, control and flexibility. It automatically manages the laser's focal position according to the specific application and controls the head position throughout the entire production process. This special FPC functionality delivers high and uniform cutting quality, and no production setup changes are necessary when alternating material types and thicknesses.

An exclusive split-cabin, sliding pallet design allows RAPIDO to continuously cut parts without any idle time during the unloading/reloading process. While the laser is cutting in one cabin, the operator can easily unload the finished part and reload in the other, saving production time. A sliding pallet solution maximizes the usable cabin space, allowing larger parts to be cut. In addition, a highly accessible structure supports RAPIDO's easy integration with a variety of robotic solutions, from the simplest to the most complex, according to the application.

Operating with Cenit Software's powerful, easy to use v5/LaserCUT technology, RAPIDO provides many progressive capabilities, including automated functions such as math data cleanup and 3D fixture builder for holding fixtures with unfold/nesting and 2-D tool path creation. The Windows/PC-compatible software has automated programming/simulation tools that provide full control over machine motions to create smooth, collision-free tool paths. Fast, simple tool path manipulation features overcome machine tool or process-specific constraints, such as travel limits or variance between actual part and math data. In addition, the software's reverse engineering features enable uploading of G-Code or RML-Code back into CAD/CAM software for further manipulation or to provide feedback to engineering.

RAPIDO's machine structure, laser, CNC and electro mechanics are integrated into a cantilevered, compact architecture. The cabin fully encloses the work area, ceiling included, for maximum safety and the most efficient dust and fume exhaustion. The automatic door slides into the roof area, providing complete accessibility to the part from three sides.

"The new RAPIDO design is highly versatile. Its ability to cut, weld and treat part surfaces with a Cartesian, unitized, cantilevered structure and fully retractable arm make it the ideal machine for a diverse number of industrial applications," comments Mr. Thomas Burdel, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at PRIMA LASER TOOLS.

Featuring a patented Safe Impact Protection System (SIPS), RAPIDO's cutting head is protected from the possibility of damage to the head, nozzle or sensor due to any errors that may cause interference between the head and the work piece. Laser heads can be reattached and operational within minutes after interference.

The quick Join-It(TM) system allows the 5" standard cutting head to be easily reconfigured from cutting to welding applications with a 7.5" cutting kit, B-axes for welding with 8.7" and 11.2" parabolic mirrors and B-axis for surface treatment. RAPIDO can also be equipped with a family of CO2 lasers with different power levels: fast axial flow lasers (2500W -3500W -4000W).

The system's Laser Piercing Monitor provides a significant reduction in cycle time. It analyzes the reflected radiation and automatically calculates the best parameters to be used for the piercing process, immediately stopping the piercing when the material has been perforated. In addition, RAPIDO features an innovative rotary axis that enables tubes to be processed.

PRIMA LASER TOOLS, a division of PRIMA North America Inc., has been an innovator of state-of-the-art systems for laser cutting of 2D and 3D parts, used in a broad range of industries worldwide since 1977. Lasers, machines, software and material handling systems are all designed, developed, made and serviced by PRIMA with the latest technology, providing users a single-source solution for quality laser cutting. PRIMA North America is headquarted in a new 68,000 square-foot facility, located in Chicopee, MA USA. The new facility with its design, manufacturing, application, training and demo capabilities is designed to support the company's commitment to the North American Market.