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This can be a real game changer if you are processing thin material. Integrating lasers and material handling is also


improving. Lasers are becoming more stable and able to run untended. Process monitoring can verify the cutting process and stop the laser from making scrap parts. Furthermore, there are many methods of automating the setup so untended operation is more practical.


In addition to adding more power and features


Cincinnati Laser Cutting System piercing heavy plate material. Courtesy of Cincinnati Inc.


the cutting head with an optical fi ber. Three different laser technologies are available: fi ber, disk and direct diode. Fiber lasers can be delivered using a small- diameter fi ber core with high beam quality. The laser energy can be focused to a very small spot providing high-power density at the workpiece. Disk lasers are similar in performance. Direct-diode lasers do not have the same beam quality as fi ber or disk, but this is improving and they are also starting to be used for laser cutting. All three forms of solid-state lasers start by generating energy using laser diodes. Fiber and disk lasers use diodes to excite another laser medium that generates a specifi c wavelength of light. Direct- diode lasers generate laser light directly from the diodes. All three solid-state lasers are more reliable and affordable to run than CO2 lasers. For a fi ber laser, the focusability and wavelength


allow machines to cut very small kerf widths in thin material. Cutting with a small kerf requires less ener- gy, and so, for a given power level, fi ber lasers can cut thin material much faster. If you purchased a 2000-W CO2 laser in 2007 to clean cut 20-gage steel, the feed rate is about 290 ipm (7 m/min). A 2000-W fi ber laser using air assist gas can cut the same material over fi ve times faster at 1615 ipm (41 m/min). In addition, the hourly operating costs of a fi ber machine are less.


LF8 MfgEngMedia.com


to machines, many manufacturers are also looking for ways to reduce the cost and complexity of their lasers. Some lasers today have improvements in pro- ductivity, reliability and operating costs at a price that is lower than just a few years ago. Some companies also offer machines with less power, slower drive systems and fewer options for customers with budget constraints.


Cincinnati Laser Cutting System. Courtesy of Cincinnati Inc.


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