Prima Power, a pioneer of 3D laser cutting since the 1970s, calls the Giga Laser Next, developed for the high performance requirements of the automotive industry, a “revolutionary leap in 3D laser cutting”.
With four synchronized laser heads cutting the same part and a two-station layout that enables parallel loading and unloading, the Giga Laser Next multiplies productivity while reducing space requirements and setting new standards in space-time efficiency, according to the manufacturer. Designed for giga-factories and high-throughput production of high-strength steel (HSS) automotive components, the Giga Laser Next is an answer to the industry’s most pressing needs.
Since the 1990s, high-strength steel (HSS) has revolutionized vehicle construction by offering an unmatched strength-to-weight ratio, enabling safer, lighter and more sustainable vehicles. However, its strength makes it unsuitable for conventional processes, creating a natural synergy with 3D laser cutting.
As automotive OEMs increase throughput in gigafactories and demand for electric vehicles, previous generation laser systems, while still effective in less intensive applications, cannot keep up with the demanding productivity requirements.
Giga Laser Next is a solution developed by Prima Power that directly addresses the industry’s most pressing needs: maximizing space utilization and machine uptime for optimal production efficiency, minimizing direct labor, managing market volatility and multiple vehicle models, and ensuring short lead times.
From the once ground-breaking Optimo and Rapido to the ultra-fast Laser Next, Prima Power has continuously driven innovation in 3D laser systems for the automotive industry. With almost 50 years of experience and a worldwide installed base, the Italian company has shaped the standard – and now wants to redefine it.
Giovanni Negri, CEO of Prima Power and Prima Industrie Group, commented at the launch: “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in 3D laser processing. The Giga Laser Next embodies the essence of our strategy: development through integration. We have integrated the productivity of four machines into a single compact unit, achieving something that was previously considered impossible. This is not only a technological achievement, but also the result of listening to our customers and translating their ambitions on a Giga scale into a concrete solution. I would like to thank the team at Prima Power for their dedication and incredible innovation, as well as our partners and customers whose insights have been invaluable in designing and optimizing this groundbreaking solution to meet their real-world production challenges.”
Giga Laser Next is characterized by three strong reasons that directly address the requirements of high-volume automotive production (typically >200,000 parts/year) while maintaining the flexibility to process multiple part codes:
– 280 percent higher productivity per m²
– 75 percent fewer cutting stations and less production changeover time
– One-piece throughfeed, fully autonomous automation, complete integration into the production line
These advantages are made possible by a series of technical innovations. At the heart of Giga Laser Next is a configuration of four synchronized laser heads working simultaneously on the same part, enabled by an advanced anti-collision system and a robust Cartesian structure with powerful retractable arms. The machine operates with a typical idle time of approximately two seconds, thanks to parallel loading and unloading while the process is carried out at the other station. The compact footprint of 10 × 10 m is achieved by integrating auxiliary equipment such as laser sources and coolers on an intermediate level, maximizing space efficiency.
Designed for full automation, the Giga Laser Next supports embedded solutions for loading, unloading, quality control and marking with the flexibility to connect directly to punching or assembly lines. It also features a simple fixture change system, digital twin validation and a machine architecture optimized for long-term reliability and minimal maintenance, making it suitable for high-volume production of stamped and cast parts for the automotive industry.
Web:
primapower.com
