Laser cutting system

Background

Laser cutting has been used in industry since the 1970's. The first common application was for signmaking, mainly cutting acrylic. It is now a significant process in every manufacturing economy.

Introduction

Laser cutting is a technology that uses a laser to cut precise patterns in most all types of materials such as metal, ceramic ,paper and so on.

Introduction

There are two types of lasers used for cutting: the gaseous CO2 laser the solid-state Nd:YAG laser.

Applications

Wood Paper Leather Glass Ceramic Metal

Benefits

The flexibility and precision cutting of simple or complex parts; A non contact cut which means no marks or contamination of the material; A high quality cut with no extra finishing required; The ability to cut almost any material.

Drawbacks

Material limitations (including crystalline and reflective materials) Producing a piercing hole that can make the pattern design more difficult. Reflected laser light can present a safety hazard The cost of laser cutting machine is much higher than other cutting processes

Components of System

Control Unit (CNC program) Power supply (120 or 240 v) Work piece positioning table

may be fixed or move in up to 2 directions May contain fastening devices scrap removal system
mirrors, focusing lens,

Optics Unit (focusing unit)

Fasteners Gas/debris removal system

Optical Unit

Mirrors direct the beam from the source down to the lens the lens then focuses the beam into the desired geometry finally the assist gas is added to remove the molten metal

Capabilities

Materials

Steel, Titanium, Paper, Wood, Leather, Wax, Plastic, Fabric

Easily cuts .5 inch stainless steel Limitations

Reflective materials, highly conductive

Many applications

Examples Use

Hobby shop
Small production runs Used for prototyping and hobbies Generally use a Moving Optics configuration Connected to fume hood for ventilation May be home made

Production Machine

Medium to large production runs Used for producing production components Can be one of all 3 configurations Connected to fume hood for ventilation Contain production line facilitators

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80-ZIWDNfIE

Processes and Practices

Laser Cutting Results

Majority of applications are in 2D Extreme precision can be achieved Capable of providing high tolerances and providing high quality surface finishes

Results on the Material

May affect hardness Possible change in grain size Narrow heat-affected zone

Laser Applications

Laser Welding
More accurate, reliable and fast than

traditional welding methods

Laser Marking
Similarly accurate, reliable and fast in

comparison to traditional marking methods

Current Uses of Laser Cutting Systems

Primarily 2D Systems Either melts, burns, or vaporizes away material Used to cut flat-sheet metal and piping/structural materials

3D Laser Cutting Applications

The future of laser cutting

About 3D Laser Cutters

6-axis rotary head to allow beveled and mitered cuts Capable of cutting round, square, channel, angle and other structural shapes Up to cut thickness Industries Served
Automotive, industrial, electrical,

constructions and aerospace

Economics of Laser Cutters

High

Initial Costs, some machines $300,000 + Protective glass, gas nozzles, dust and particle filters need replacement High use of cutting gasses 500-2000 L of O2 or N2 (.36 $/L)

Efficient use of Laser Cutters is very material and application dependent Initial startup costs are high, but the larger cost is the gas used to expel the material out of the cut Creates very precise cuts with little to no finishing work required

Safety Hazards

Contact with hot workpiece Hand/eye contact with beam Inhalation of fumes Smoke, Fumes, dust particles have environmental risks

5 Words

Laser cutting - Laserski razrez Crystal Line materiales - Kristalni materiali Fasteners - Vijaki Initial Costs - Zaetni stroki Vaporize away material - uparjevanje materiala stran

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