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Laser Cutting Machine Fundamentals

Laser Cutter Configuration Options

There are various setups, or configuration choices for lasers.  The flying optic configuration has an X and Y axis as well as a Z axis.  The object being cut will not move.  Some flatbed laser cutters allow for the optics to stay still but the material being sliced will shift.  Another setup is a machine with flying optics and the surface table with the object being cut moves too.  This is known as a combination of the previous two configurations.  The hybrid machine cannot perform projects that are high-speed but can handle large work envelopes, with some machines performing jobs with an envelope longer than 100 feet.  There are also 5-axis 3D laser cutting machines.  This is a usual machine used in slicing sheet metal such as for developing automobile prototypes.  Its work envelope may be quite wide and entail the size of an entire automobile.  The fast-growing part  of the industry is in the articulated robots with 6-axis 3D laser machining capabilities.  This also is employed mainly in the industry producing automobiles.  In this configuration, the 6-axis robot is combined with an yttrium-aluminum garnet (YAG) laser.  The beam has delivery of a fiber optic beam.  The asset of the delivery of a fiber optic beam is the regular optical-path length.  Two kinds of fiber optics are used, step-index and gradient-index fibers.  Gradient-index tolerates for improved beam focus.

Training

Users will need to be trained in various areas such as in basic usage of the laser cutter as well as methods to enter cutting parameters into the numerical controller.  The user should also know how to use programs for CAD and how they work with the laser cutter.  The better a user understands how to manipulate the machine and its parts, the more money a company will make as the user will keep the workflow moving smoothly and quickly.  Other software instruction in quality management software and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) that handles managing workflows is also useful.  Quality management software can improve workflow through the use of Corrective Action Requests (CARs) and Corrective Action Notifications (CANs) where the software will manage issues and notify the proper users so the problem can be repaired. Options for instruction include interactive multimedia training, lab and classroom training, and online instruction.  Maintenance and operator instruction are often offered to laser cutter customers by the vendor.  Safety measures should also be studied.

Maintenance

One laser cutter seller recommends a machine wipe-down daily.  The dust collectors and cutting beds can be cleaned out with a shop vacuum and once a week a citrus cleaner should be employed to wipe the cabinetry off. Wipe the encoder strip with alcohol only.  Most components on a laser cutter will not wear down but cutting grills will wear down and need to be replaced usually every six months.  Other parts should only be replaced if needed.  Lenses and other optics should be viewed regularly and kept clean.  By keeping all components of the laser cutter honed and clean, it will work at its optimum speed.

About the Author

Marc Anderes is the Vice President of Operations of Maloya Laser which specializes in Metal Manufacturing and Laser Cutting with advanced laser technologies,  servicing aerospace, scientific, transportation, medical and machinery needs.

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