A machine for laser cutting needs several things to help it function properly in its environment. One of the things it needs is a computer system to function. Computer aided design (CAD) software is needed as is vector graphical software. CAD software data will inform the laser what to perform. Proper instruction is also needed for those who will be using the laser cutter. Laser cutters additionally need to be properly kept and have a variety of configurations, or setups that they can have.
Laser Cutter Setup Options
There are various setups, or configuration options for lasers. The flying optic setup has an X and Y axis and a Z axis. The object being cut will not move. Some flatbed laser cutters allow for the optics to stay static but the solid being sliced will change positions. Another configuration is a machine with flying optics and the cutting surface with the object being cut moves as well. This is known as a hybrid of the previous two configurations. The machine that is a hybrid cannot perform high-speed projects but can handle work envelopes that are large, with some machines handling jobs with an over-100-foot work envelope. There are also 5-axis 3D laser cutting machines. This is a typical machine used in slicing sheet metal such as for producing automobile prototypes. Its work envelope may be quite wide and entail the size of an entire automobile. The fast-growing segment of the industry is in the articulated robots with 6-axis 3D laser machining capabilities. This also is used mainly in the automotive industry. In this setup, the 6-axis robot is combined with an yttrium-aluminum garnet (YAG) laser. The beam has fiber optic beam delivery. The benefit of the fiber optic beam delivery is the regular length of the optical path. Two types of fiber optics are used, step-index and gradient-index fibers. Gradient-index allows for improved beam focus.
Training
Users will need to be trained in various areas such as in basic use of the laser cutter as well as how to enter parameters for cutting into the numerical controller. The user should also know how to manipulate programs for CAD and how they work 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 keep the work flow moving smoothly and quickly. Other software instruction in quality management software and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) that administers managing work flows is also helpful. Quality management software can improve work flow through the use of Corrective Action Requests (CARs) and Corrective Action Notifications (CANs) where the software will manage problems and tell the proper users so the issue can be repaired. Options for training include interactive multimedia instruction, lab and classroom instruction, and online instruction. Operator and maintenance training are often available to laser cutter customers by the vendor. Safety measures should also be studied.
Maintenance
One laser cutter seller recommends a machine cleanup daily. The dust collectors and cutting beds should be cleaned out with a shop vacuum and once a week a citrus cleaner should be used to wipe the cabinetry off. Wipe the encoder strip only with alcohol. 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 checked regularly and kept clean. By keeping all parts 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 which specializes in <A href=”http://www.MaloyaLaser.com”>Laser Cutting</a> and Metal Manufacturing with advanced <A href=”http://www.maloyalaser.com/capabilities_equipment.php”>laser systems</a>, for machinery, aerospace, medical, scientific and transportation requirements.
Related posts:
- Laser Cutting Machine Fundamentals
- Solid works & Sheet Metal Manufacturing
- Want to save time and money?Use Remote PC Access Software
- Ready To Settle Into A Great New Equipment Career?