JEC World 2019 preview: LAP Laser

LAP Laser (Lüneberg, Germany, 5/F5) is featuring flexible applications of the DTEC-PRO camera system, showing how laser-based composites fabrication in the aerospace, automotive and other industries can be faster, safer and more flexible. LAP is demonstrating live how DTEC-PRO reduces the calibration time for the proven CAD-PRO laser from minutes to seconds. With a combination of ring flash and infrared camera, DTEC-PRO detects reflective targets and sends their position to the PRO-SOFT software. Workpieces known to the system are identified and automatically calibrated for a substantially faster process in manual composite layup.

LAP is also showing how companies with mobile applications can benefit from the system's flexibility. Regardless of whether the workpiece or the camera are moved, the laser projection is immediately shifted into the correct position. Matthias Lange, product manager for CAD-PRO laser projection systems at LAP, says, “The modular system concept shows its key benefit here. In addition to stationary mounting over workpieces, the DTEC-PRO camera system can also be used in mobile applications, like on a stand’s support arm. This makes the IR camera system also ideal for positioning in tight spaces, like interior work in the aviation and automotive industries. Connect the system, start it, project.”

PRO-SOFT control software supports the “Place & Start” approach: the DTEC-PRO camera function is supported by all current and future PRO-SOFT 5.1 software versions. For existing installations with LAP laser projectors, users can continue to use the interface they are familiar with. A software update is all that is required. 

Also featured is the new CAD-PRO Compact, a smaller version of LAP’s established CAD-PRO product. Compared to the CAD-PRO, the the CAD-PRO Compact has no fan and light weight. With dimensions of 24 by 11 by 11 centimeters, and a weight of 2.8 kilograms, the CAD-PRO Compact fits in many workspaces.