ACSYS Multishift laser processing system

Acsys Multishift

Everything new: the cut, the glass front, the door kinematics. The manufacturer Acsys sets new standards with the Multishift laser processing system. Lasers of the Pico and Femto class combine minimum exposure times with high-precision and gentle material removal - this not only has a surface effect, but is also capable of creating reliefs several millimeters deep. Multishift was developed for decorative and functional marking, engraving and structuring.  Multishift is produced in small quantities in a customer-optimized way and requires high investments from the customer - therefore the design should also emphasize the value and precision of this unique system.

Control panel with material interplay

Multishift is controlled via an external, roll and height adjustable control panel. The dynamically angled column picks up the cut in the front of the machine, and the handle running across the entire width makes it easier to position the panel while work is in progress. Here, too, a rear-lighted glass surface with capacitive buttons for central functions is presented. All further input is via keyboard and mouse, whereby the keyboard is not embedded in glass but in a warm, user-friendly material. Ergonomics has many aspects.

Full glass front - despite laserbeam

Meanwhile, the idea of front doors made entirely from glass proved to be complex. As a result, no manufacturer of laser machines has yet dared to tackle the issue - for good reason, since it must be ensured that no laser beam can escape to the outside. With the Multishift, defortec achieved this by directly connecting the laser protection glass with the grey, external mineral glass. This ensures a precise surface effect, scratch resistance and easy cleaning. In addition, an illuminated touch sensor for the safety-controlled unlocking of the doors could be elegantly integrated in the lower section. The design cut in the front makes it easy to reach behind the door edges, making additional handles obsolete and keeping the overall appearance clean.

 

In any case, the fronts usually remain closed, the parts handling within the system is carried out by a robot, and the parts are fed by trays via the loading tower, uncoupled from the processing. The machining area only needs to be accessible for maintenance work - at this point at the latest, the advantage of larger openings is obvious.

Industrial design for differentiation

Defortec's design concept translates this technological leap into a visually concise appearance that clearly distinguishes it from its competitors. While the majority of system suppliers focus on curves and soft shapes, the design of the Multishift has a clear edge. At first glance, two design elements in particular stand out: the large glass surfaces and two bends running across the entire front and tapering to the left. In this way defortec dynamises the front of the actually cubic system. The differentiation into white and grey areas corresponds to the functional areas of the loading tower (white) and machining area (grey), the latter making up around 90 percent of the machine volume - including the solid granite bed. The dimensions were fixed so that the system could be shipped by container. For example, the height limit could only be complied with by means of a non-load-bearing ceiling, the entire statics and bracing of the plant is provided by the side walls. A construction method that in turn had an influence on the kinematics of the door opening.

Special door mechanism from defortec

Nothing would have been easier than to install standard side-hinged doors. Firstly however, this solution did not appear to be adequate for the high-tech machine; secondly, it should also be possible to open the door without any problems even in tight spaces. Now the right-hand door elegantly retracts inwards thanks to a door kinematics system specially developed by defortec. Challenge 1: Due to the non-load-bearing ceiling, the guide of the heavy double-glass door had to be supported laterally. Challenge 2: The laser-tight closure required numerous deflections in the door folds. Together with Acsys engineering and glass processors, defortec was able to develop a solution that combines functionality with the desired visual uniqueness.

Systemic design

The design language of the Multishift is created in such a way that it can be transferred to other systems of the manufacturer. defortec is already working on the continuation of the characteristic cut and glass fronts in the sense of a brand-specific recognition and market differentiation.

"The system was one of the most complex projects we have implemented in recent years," says defortec boss Stefan Grobe. Also because there was comparatively little time available until the first delivery to the first customer. "We handled the construction of prototypes for Acsys with one of our proven partners. This meant that we had not only costs but also the timeline under control".

The defortec services at a glance

 

• Design specific market analysis

• Development of a brand-shaping design that is

  transferable

• Realization of a fully glazed front with laser

  protection glass

• Conception of a suitable operating panel

• Coordination of prototype construction

Project overview

Weitere Rubriken

Good to know...

A small glossary intended to
simplify the understanding of design Glossary
"materialgerecht"

Ein materialgerechtes Design, ist ein Design, dass Form und Material verbindet. Eine materialgerechte Gestaltung ist somit ein Produkt-Design, dass dem verwendeten Material erfüllt, dass dabei kein verschwenderischer Energieverbrauch, sowie Materialverbrauch, oder ein Qualitätsverlust dabei auftritt.