Laser Cutting Machine Fundamentals
A laser cutting machine requires several things to help it function properly in its setting. One of the things it needs is a computer system to operate. Vector graphical software is needed as is computer aided design (CAD) software. Data from the CAD software will tell the laser what to do. Proper training is also needed for those who will be operating the laser cutter. Laser cutters also need to be properly maintained and have a myriad of configurations, or setups that they can have.
Laser Cutter Setup Options
There are several setups, or configuration options for lasers. The flying optic setup has an X and Y axis as well as a Z axis. The object being cut will stay in place. Some laser cutters of the flatbed variety allow for the optics to stay still but the object being sliced will shift. Another configuration is a laser cutter with flying optics and the cutting surface with the object being cut moves too. This is known as a hybrid of the previous two setups. The hybrid machine cannot perform projects that are high-speed but can handle work envelopes that are large, with some machines performing jobs with an envelope longer than 100 feet. There are also laser cutting machines that are 5-axis 3D cutters. This is a usual machine used in cutting sheet metal such as for developing automobile prototypes. Its work envelope may be extremely wide and cover the size of an entire automobile. The fast-growing segment of the industry is in the 6-axis 3D laser machining articulated robots. This also is employed mainly in the automotive industry. In this setup, the 6-axis robot is paired with an yttrium-aluminum garnet (YAG) laser. The beam holds delivery of a fiber optic beam. The asset of the delivery of a fiber optic beam is the consistent length of the optical path. Two kinds of fiber optics are used, step-index and gradient-index fibers. Gradient-index allows for better beam focus.
Training
Users will need to be trained in several areas such as in basic usage of the laser cutter as well as methods to input cutting parameters into the numerical controller. The user should also know how to use programs for CAD and how they interact with the laser cutter. The better a user knows how to use the machine and its parts, the more profitable the company will be as the user will manage the work flow moving smoothly and quickly. Other software instruction in Material Requirements Planning (MRP) software and quality management software that handles work flow management is also useful. Quality management software can advance work flow through the use of Corrective Action Notifications (CANs) and Corrective Action Requests (CARs) where the software will manage issues and notify the proper users so the problem can be fixed. Options for instruction include interactive multimedia instruction, classroom and lab training, and online training. Operator and maintenance training are often offered to customers of laser cutters by the vendor. Safety issues should also be studied.
Maintenance
One laser cutter seller recommends a machine wipe-down daily. The dust collectors and cutting beds should be cleaned out with a shop vacuum and weekly a citrus cleaner should be employed to wipe the cabinetry off. Wipe the encoder strip with alcohol only. Most parts on a laser cutter will not erode but cutting grills will wear down and need to be replaced usually every six months. Other components 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 clean and honed, it will operate at its top speed.
Marc Anderes is the Vice President of Operations of Maloya Laser that is dedicated to Metal Manufacturing and <A href=”http://www.MaloyaLaser.com”>Laser Cutting</a> with advanced <A href=”http://www.maloyalaser.com/capabilities_equipment.php”>laser technologies</a>, targeting aerospace, medical, machinery, scientific and transportation requirements.