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moldmakingtechnology.com 23 bit, then micro-TIG welded it to fine-tune things. Then, once it was completely cold, we laser-welded around everything on the outside to reduce sink." Mourouzis expects the shop's future workload to involve more laser as requirements become more stringent, the technology becomes more accessible and customers become more educated about the process. "We'll probably be buying another machine before too long," he says. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Wicked Welding 937-454-9023 / wickedwelding.com facebook.com/wickedwelding LaserStar Technologies 401-438-1500 / LaserStar.net the shop's larger 7700 series machine, which features a joy- stick for X- and Y-axis control and a foot pedal for Z-axis con- trol. Instead of manipulating the part, operators can direct their attention to setting the right voltage, power, pulse rate and other parameters for the job. Although it does require setup, this larger machine is quite versatile in its own right, Mourouzis points out. For one, LaserStar offers various motion control accessories, such as rotary fixtures for shafts and pins. Additionally, the 7700 features a "uni- versal jig"—that is, a gantry-type system that enables swinging the laser head out over the part. In contrast, comparable models often use X- and Y-axis tables to move the part underneath the laser head. "It's great because we're not lim- ited by Z height," he says. "In another laser with a stationary head and motor- ized table, we have a 12-inch part size limit. The way this is set up, I can put a part that's more than 3 feet tall under- neath the head." One Tool in the Toolbox Despite the advantages of laser, the shop won't be divesting in its other welding capabilities any time soon. For one, customers often pay a higher rate for laser, so micro-TIG can be a more cost-effective option for jobs that don't require extreme precision. (Mourouzis emphasizes that the shop often charg- es the same rates as micro-TIG for quick laser work, such as many of the jobs performed with the 1900 series LaserStar.) As a faster process, micro- TIG is also more useful for larger parts or welds that require building up a lot of material. Other jobs call for both types of welding. "We just had a block where we used all three," Mourouzis says. "We pre-heated the block, con- ventionally TIG-welded it, let it cool a As one of the early pioneers developing CAD/CAM software for manufacturing, Cimatron will continue its 33 year legacy going forward as part of 3D Systems. Look forward to new opportunities for MANUFACTURING THE FUTURE! Cimatron is now part of 3D Systems THINGS ARE GETTING BIGGER AND BETTER For more information go to: www.3dsystems.com | www.cimatrontech.com