The system is integrated with a noncontact laser sensor plus software that processes and evaluates the sensor data and transmits results to the robotic controller. The sensor's measurements are unaffected by the nature of the surface, the presence of oil or paint, or electromagnetic interference. All manufacturers seek to reduce maintenance, and many have little space for their machining operations. The K500 was designed without moving parts other than a shutter, thereby minimizing maintenance. The resonator is sealed and permanently aligned, preventing contamination of the laser gas and optics.
Operators control the pulse width or repetition rate by an analog input voltage.
Light-emitting diodes on the control box and power module indicate system status, and provide diagnostic information of component function. Two K500 systems are going to companies that scribe ceramic substrates for the electronics industry. The K500's low maintenance, sealed profile, and compactness have prompted interest from automotive manufacturers concerned about using a laser on gritty production lines with little space, according to Dave Lunan, marketing manager at Convergent Energy. When even minor changes need to be made to a manufacturing process, people need to teach the new process to the robot by guiding it manually through each motion and orientation in the operation. Besides being time-consuming and expensive, this process can also be inaccurate.