Laser pre-processing of superhard materials
Processing of indexable inserts on periphery, clearance angles and chip breakers
100 times greater material removal rate compared to grinding
Available with either automatic or manual loading and unloading
Neo = Increased productivity due to laser pre-processing of superhard materials


Laser roughing of superhard materials
Pre-processing the periphery, clearance angles and chip breakers on PCD and pCBN indexable inserts and other superhard materials.

Innovative concept
6-axis machine. Developed and optimized for laser processing.

Compact and reliable
Small footprint. Integrated particle vacuum and machine cooling. Designed for thermal stability.

Matching automation
The Neo uses the same tools, attachments and trays as the Agathon grinding machines. Space provided for two trays.

Convenient and ease of use
Same HMI as the Agathon grinding machines. The Neo can be set up and operated from different angles using the hand-held panel.

Ergonomic design
Convenient and safe side loading and unloading.
The Neo concept
Combined process
Tungsten carbide workpieces, in particular indexable inserts with superhard tips (PCD, pCBN etc.) are lasered near to the final dimension and finally processed on the grinding machine. Compared to grinding, the Neo laser has an approximately 100 times higher removal rate when processing superhard materials.
Advantages of the Neo concept
- Ideal combination of tremendous machining speed and perfect surface quality
- The combined process of laser processing and grinding is faster than other established processes
- Considerably reduced costs for consumables when grinding the superhard material tips
- Reasonable investment costs for laser processing
- The Neo is extremely compact with a footprint of about 1 m2 (with automation unit around 2 m2)
Neo - the details
Neo - the complete machine
- Laser Roughing machine for superhard materials (pCBN, PCD)
- Processing the periphery, clearance angles, chip breakers and laser marking on indexable inserts
- Greater efficiency due to automatic loading. Also available without automation unit.
- Compact and open design for best accessibility and ergonomic comfort
- The Neo can be set up and operated from different angles using the hand-held panel.
- Three mechanical axes and three optical axes
Technical data
Axes Machine _ Automation unit |
3 mechanical axes (Z, A, B) 3 optical axes (X, Y, Z) 6 mechanical axes |
Application | Periphery, clearance angle, chip breakers & laser marking |
Dimensions Machine Automation |
(L x W x H) 1.40 m x 0.76 m x 1.60 m 1.47 m x 0.91 m x 1.58 m |
Weight | 600 kg | without automation 1200 kg | with automation |
Clamping device | B3 clamping device W25 clamping chuck |
Suction device | integrated |
Cooling unit | integrated |
Number of trays | 2 |
Type of trays | All current trays |
Options
- Clamping system HSK E25 (manual loading)
Unmatched advantages – greater benefits
Highly productive and matched to one another
- The machine concept ensures efficient laser processing and can be combined with tried and tested automation
- Significantly faster processing of carbide inserts with superhard tips (pCBN, PKD)
- Reduction of the effective processing time up to 40%
- Handling, handling tools, attachments and HMI are industrial Agathon standard
Set-up and operation made simple
- Easy to use without prior knowledge in laser processing
- Short set-up and changeover times due to intuitive HMI and functional hand-held terminal
- Easy programming with largely standardized Agathon User-Experience
- Outstanding accessibility for easy loading and unloading as well as maintenance
High autonomy and outstanding results
- High production autonomy through efficient automation which can be fitted with up to two trays
- After processing, the workpieces can be stored in the initial tray as well as in the alternative tray
- Optimized for high thermal stability and thus for a stable production environment and perfect quality of parts
- High production reliability thanks to its industrial laser source
Compact and flexible
- Neo with the automation unit together require just about 2 m2 of floor space
- Only power and pneumatic connections (with automation) are required for the operation
- The Neo concept integrates itself perfectly into today’s production environment
- The automation unit can be attached at a later time