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Laser cutting system

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

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Laser cutting system

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  1. Laser cutting system

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

  3. 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.

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

  5. Applications • Wood • Paper • Leather • Glass • Ceramic • Metal

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  8. 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 • Optics Unit (focusing unit) • mirrors, focusing lens, • Fasteners • Gas/debris removal system

  9. 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

  10. Capabilities • Materials • Steel, Titanium, Paper, Wood, Leather, Wax, Plastic, Fabric • Easily cuts .5 inch stainless steel • Limitations • Reflective materials, highly conductive • Many applications

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. 3D Laser Cutting Applications • The future of laser cutting

  17. 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 ¾” cut thickness • Industries Served • Automotive, industrial, electrical, constructions and aerospace

  18. 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)

  19. 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

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

  21. 5 Words • Laser cutting - Laserski razrez • Crystal Line materiales - Kristalni materiali • Fasteners - Vijaki • Initial Costs - Začetni stroški • Vaporize away material- uparjevanje materiala stran

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