Electric Motor Repair Case Study Part 3 - Laser Cutting

10/11/2022

After drawings are approved for production, our experienced setup operators will set the machine parameters to cut the first lamination. These parameters include cutting speed, beam power, lens focus, and gas type. Once the first piece is cut, it is then brought into our inspection lab to be measured on the optical CMM. If even a single dimension is out of tolerance, the part will be rejected. Occasionally, the operators will need to adjust the cutting parameters in order to produce a part that meets the print 100%.

After the first laminations passes inspection, the operator will then continue to cut the balance of the order. On longer running jobs, additional inspections will be performed throughout the production cycle to ensure parts are accurate.

Once the laminations are cut, the machine operators will lightly sand one side of the laminations to remove any burrs or dross that are created during the laser cutting process. Depending on the requirements of the job, laminations may have C-5 or C-6 coating applied as well. The laminations are then carefully stacked in the same direction and staged for the next operation.

For jobs with larger center drops, the unused material can be repurposed for small cores on future jobs. If this is possible, customers will be credited back for that saved material. This is one more example of the sustainable practices we use in the manufacturing process that saves money and reduces waste.

In the next step, we’ll see how stacking and welding the core is completed.