Until now, Bihler has implemented laser welding processes specifically for the production of connector contacts individually and custom-made on Bihler systems. Accordingly, the development effort for the manufacturing solutions was high, as they had to be newly created for each application case. Against this background, Bihler has now developed the new laser welding module LSM 250. 'The LSM 250 module is a standard concept for laser welding of connector contacts that users can repeatedly access, relieving them of a lot of work,' explains Marc Walter, Head of the Construction & Development Department at Bihler. 'It ensures all necessary functionalities required for point or seam welding of connector contacts. This includes guiding the strip as well as centering, piloting, and clamping the component. At the same time, the module ensures that the welding fumes are extracted and that the laser welding zone is safely enclosed.'
Up to 500 strokes per minute
Constructed in the typical Bihler grid dimension of 250 millimeters, laser welding modules implemented with the LSM 250 can be easily placed on a LM 2000-KT/-NC or a BIMERIC. On these machines, the solution can then fully utilize its strengths for connector manufacturing: 'The laser welding module LSM 250 is designed for particularly high speeds and performances of up to 500 strokes per minute,' says Marc Walter.
'It also ensures stable process conditions, delivers reproducible results, and is characterized by generally high availability.' If a disturbance should occur, it can be quickly identified and resolved thanks to the easily accessible design. The module also includes all geometric interfaces to the machine bed. The integrated quick clamping systems ensure particularly short setup and changeover times.
Custom designs
With the new standard concept, Bihler manufactures finished laser welding modules that can then be integrated into Bihler systems and are immediately production-ready. However, the solution is also available as a design template for custom designs. The template must then be adapted by the customer to their respective connector application, fully constructed, manufactured, and put into operation themselves. In this case, Bihler's welding experts naturally support all users comprehensively with their bundled process know-how in the field of laser welding of connector contacts. The new laser welding module LSM 250 will be available from mid-2025.
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