LAP Moveable Line Lasers, Now With Ethernet/IP Interface

The SERVOLASER tireXpert laser system from LAP unifies high precision, optimum visibility, and certified robustness

The advantages that the new generation of SERVOLASERS from LAP offers do not just extend to extreme robustness and optimum visibility. The latest version of the SERVOLASER tireXpert  features an Ethernet/IP interface to make connecting to the PLC even more convenient. Tire manufacturers also benefit from the low Ethernet/IP error rate. All of this makes LAP unrivaled in the laser-assisted production of tires.

Unlike other manufacturers, the LAP tireXpert accuracy specifications actually do refer to the position of the laser lines. What the competition refers to as positioning merely makes a statement about the accuracy of the stepper motors or the position of the laser modules. However, they make absolutely no reference to the projection accuracy on the tire building drum. So there can hardly be a mention of exact positioning here. The exact position of the lines may be distorted because the rail that the laser modules move along on is twisted or bent. However, in tire manufacturing, an accurately projected line is crucial for positioning the individual rubber plies.

Another unique feature of the tireXpert series are its long rails. Providing a projection accuracy of up to +/- 0.5 mm, the laser can be delivered with up to 2600 mm of travel range. 'Shorter rails,' with a travel range of 400 millimeters and above, even provide a +/- 0.2 mm accuracy.

Another highlight is the positioning speed. The laser modules on the new SERVOLASER tireXpert move at up to 1000 millimeters per second.
Unlike products from other manufacturers, the robustness of the closed housing on the SERVOLASER is certified to protection class IP54 (dust and splash-proof). This serves to protect the optics and mechanics, whilst ensuring the long service life of the SERVOLASER. One more reason why leading manufacturers of tire building machines rely on laser technology from LAP.

LAP is also unique when it comes to quality tests. Every single SERVOLASER is put through a 48-hour test prior to delivery. During the test, the parallelism and straightness of the laser lines are controlled continuously. This is important, because they are used to control the position of the individual rubber plies during tire building.

Further key technical features:

• More flexibility in programming with the EtherNet/IP Interface
• Up to four separately movable modules across the entire width provide for maximum flexibility. Fixed centerline as an optional extra. 
• Various colors (red, green, blue). Deliver optimal visibility in varying lighting conditions.
• Analog dimmable laser power via PLC. Allows for adjustment to ambient light. Operator can select best visible brightness for his working conditions.

The difference between positioning accuracy and projection accuracy
Positioning accuracy indicates the accuracy with which the travel process positions the laser module on the travel guide rail. However, it does not define where the projected line is positioned on the object surface, for example, six feet away. All factors are ignored except for the positioning.

Besides the positioning error, the projection accuracy even takes possible angular error in the module or by the travel guide rail into account. It indicates where the laser line is projected.

High positioning accuracy is still a long way from very good projection accuracy.