Magnetic Levitation for Laser Processing

Abstract The sheet metal industry prioritises speed and efficiency, often at the cost of flexibility in process design. Laser processing, while versatile, is predominantly optimised for speed, limiting its adaptability in manufacturing. This article addresses the need for more flexible systems, evaluating a magnetically levitating table as a novel solution for seamless transitions between processing stages, with the added potential to transport multiple parts simultaneously using individual moving fixtures. Testing compares three process systems robot, galvo, and an experimental magnetic levitation system for forming and engraving applications. The results support the hypothesis that the magnetic levitation system offers a balanced solution in process design objectives, speed, flexibility, and accuracy. With demonstrated capabilities in forming and engraving, it shows promise at higher production scales as an all-in-one platform. By processing multiple parts simultaneously using individual movers, it is well-suited for job shop operations, rapid prototyping, and low-to-medium volume batch production of small components. Combining the speed of galvo systems and the flexibility of robotics, the magnetic levitation approach combines process design objectives and reconfigurable manufacturing principles.