Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Top 4 Industries Using Laser Cutting Method?

Manufacturers trust laser cutting for its accurate cutting quality. From cutting and engraving precise lines through a thin plate of metal to marking different materials with different degrees of thickness, laser cutting can do almost all the tasks.


You can use this method on a variety of metals. Also, using good quality laser-cut parts such as Bystronic laser parts helps you increase the output's quality. There are many uses of laser cutting in different industries like: 

 

  1. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing)
  2. Construction
  3. Military and defense
  4. Agricultural
  5. Furniture
  6. Recreational vehicles
  7. Manufacturing
  8. Telecom 

How These Industries Use Laser Cutting Methods?

But first, remember that while using laser cutting methods, you need to ensure that you are using quality laser parts like bystronic laser parts to get fine precision and quality.

 

1. Jewelry and Accessory Making Industry


If you are thinking about how laser cutting methods can be used in jewelry and accessories making, let me answer. Think of those small gears in your wristwatch or tiny gears in headphones. With its excellent accuracy, the laser cutting process helps you to make gears with less waste and in less production time.

  

Also, while talking about the uses of laser cutting methods in the jewelry industry, we cannot forget about the fine engraving capabilities of laser cuts. These cuts can engrave any designs and inscriptions on the interior or exterior surface of the metal piece. Laser cutters can cut precise shapes and provide desired thickness. 

 

Creating a ring or any other jewelry of an exact width, depth, and diameter is not easy, but one can do it with a laser. You can use laser cutting methods to engrave designs and inscriptions on the exterior or interior surface of the metal piece.

 

Here, you will need good quality parts and equipment like a focus lens, laser cutting machine, etc. It is advisable to get it from a quality online brand like Bystronic parts. This will ensure that your final output is of the best quality.


2. In Automotive and Manufacturing Industry


As we know, the automotive industry is always in dire need of getting exact replicas of any part with different shapes and sizes. They can apply the laser cutting method and replicate their parts quickly and accurately.

 

The automotive industry can use laser cutting to cut down metals and even plastics for forming any body pieces of vehicles, interior covers, electronic components, etc.

 

Laser cutting processes are also capable of cutting hydro-formed parts. These parts are usually strong tubes that are useful to provide support within the structure of any vehicle.


3. In Medical Industry


One of many impressive uses of lasers includes using them for surgeries in the medical industry. This method helps surgeons to make precise cuts. Similarly, it also promotes fast healing of the patients after having surgery by laser method. Laser-cut parts like valve framers, vascular clips, flexible shafts, stents, etc., are useful in creating these laser machines used for surgery. It is a revolution in the medical industry. This method also improves the quality of surgery.

 

4. In Dye and Tools Manufacturing Industry 


Laser has an excellent ability to cut a variety of depths into the metal and make the dye ready for stamp pieces. These dyes last through many repetitive processes of dye-cutting. And in the tool manufacturing industry, laser cutters are useful for marking, manufacturing simple hand tools, and engraving.

 

As you read, laser cutting is a versatile method that can be used in different industries for different purposes. There are constant advancements coming in this method. And with every advancement, you can have better accuracy and finishing on the final output. I hope this article helped you to know more about laser cutting methods and their uses in different industries. And as said earlier, ensure you are using good quality laser cutting machines and parts like bystronic parts for excellent quality.


Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/top-4-industries-using-laser-cutting-method

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes With Your Plasma Cutting Machine

Any mistakes in plasma cutting can impact cut quality and affect the consumable's life. Thus, avoiding common mistakes can help to control a lot of loss and are also easy to take care of. Additionally, using quality parts like Hypertherm plasma cutter parts will enhance the quality of the output and increase the longevity of the machine. Now, let us see how you can avoid common mistakes and polish the performance and output quality of the plasma cutting machine. 

Tips to Avoid Common Plasma Cutting Mistakes 

CNC Machine Must Have Correct Pierce and Cut Height

Considering pierce height and cut height will save you from many problems like quality damage. For instance, if the pierce height is too low, the torch will come too close to the plate. And this can result in the torch getting splashed by molten metal, thus damaging its quality. If the pierce height is too high, then the torch will remain too far from the plate. And due to this, the arc will not be able to transfer, resulting in consumable damage or even misfire.

Similarly, cut height is equally crucial. If the cut height is too low, then the arc will end up removing too much metal from the bottom of the plate, which leads to a negative bevel. And if the cut height is too high, then the tip of the arc will reach the plate, and it will cause top-edge rounding and positive bevel.

Set the Gas Flow and Pressure Correctly

If the gas frequency is even a bit high or low, it will affect the machine adversely. If the gas pressure is extremely low, then the plasma cutting arc will never be able to cut the metal precisely because the pressure would be too weak. And if the gas pressure is too high, then you will end up having an unstable arc.

Thus, to make the gas flow correctly, you must check the gas levels regularly. This way, you can ensure if the correct amount of the gas is reaching the plasma torch or not. 

Ensure That You Are Following the Operator's Manual Seriously

While using any plasma cutting machine, you must double-check the operator's manual. This will help you to ensure the correct amperage for metal and the thickness you need to use for cutting. Also, you should follow the instructions and notes given in the operator's manual because that will help you to enhance your output's quality, increase the longevity of the machine, and promote safety. 

Also, incorrect CNC settings often lead to many problems. Like if the cut speed is too slow, then the cut pieces will start developing at the low-speed dross. This will form a large bubbly accumulation of trash along the bottom edge. Additionally, slow speeds can also cause a widening of the kerf with a lot of top spatter. And if the cut speed is too fast, then the arc will lag, which will cause a beveled edge with a narrow kerf and a small, hard bead of dross gathered at the bottom edge of the cut pieces. 

Thus, if you follow the operator's manual and set the cut speed accordingly, then it will give you a clean edge cutting with minimal dross. 

Other tips to avoid common mistakes that you can follow also includes:

  • Keeping the record of consumable's life.
  • Regularly check the torch and consumables to ensure there is no rust gathered and if the equipment is working fine or not.
  • Assembling the torch to align the cut parts correctly.
  • Use quality parts and spare parts like Hypertherm plasma cutter parts and Hypertherm spare parts for enhancing the performance of your machine.
  • Ensuring the number of consumable parts matching in the operator's manual will save you from maximum dross. 

From now on, whenever you encounter a poor consumable or plasma cut quality, remember to check if you are not doing any of the common mistakes and ensure that you are following the tips given above. If you do not see any improvement after applying these tips, then you should contact the equipment manufacturer to troubleshoot them with the issues. They will suggest to you the ideal solution for fixing the problem. As mentioned above, make sure you have spare parts for primary machine parts so that you do not have to waste time till it gets repaired. Investing in quality spare parts like Hypertherm spare parts will give you the same quality as the original.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/tips-to-avoid-common-mistakes-with-your-plasma-cutting-machine

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

All You Need to Know About Laser Cleaning

Laser dust removal is an important process of removing dust from a surface. It is also referred to as laser ablation. Laser ablation is basically the process of removing material from a solid surface simply by irradiating it with a laser beam. You can remove any type of dust with this method, like plastic, metallic, and organic dust. In this process, the laser beam irradiates the surface by which burnt off dust gets vaporized and extracted by using a proper dust extraction nozzle.

Here you also need to know that dust is not the only element that needs to be removed from a laser surface. There are various thin oxide layers and debris present on the surface which might be created after a few days of storing a part in intensely different environments. 

However, the laser cleaning system removes all types of unwanted elements like stainless steel oxide, powder coating, rust, aluminum oxide, etc., from the surface. There are several laser cleaning solutions available like rotary tables, on-the-fly cleaning machines, handheld lasers, robot arms, etc. Also, consider replacing parts with quality trumpf laser parts when required. And for emergencies save trumpf spare parts for each laser part. After knowing the basics about dust removal methods from the laser surface, let us take a deep dive into dust removal applications, more methods useful for removing dust, tips for the same, etc. 

Common Dust Removal Applications

Laser dust removal is popularly useful to ensure that laser surfaces are perfectly clean before any process like power coating, welding, adhesive bonding, etc. takes place from it. For different results, requirements, applications, one needs to adjust the cycle of the laser cleaning process. 

For instance, some manufacturers may require a textured surface for improving adhesion before coating. So how can they adjust the laser cleaning process? They can modify the roughness of the surface while cleaning it. This process is known as laser texturing. 

Especially for welding applications, the laser usually does not smoothen the roughness. Instead it leaves the metal surface unharmed to make sure that the integrity of the part is preserved after welding. 

Methods for Removing the Dust 

Here we will talk about traditional methods of cleaning. This includes manual surface cleaning, ultrasonic baths, and burn-off ovens to clean the dust from the laser surface. 

1. Manual Surface Cleaning

In this method, you need to clean the laser parts with a clean cloth dipped in an adequate amount of cleaning solutions such as acetone. This method provides required results if you skip on mistakes like using dirty clothes, lacking precision, touching the cleaned surface without wearing sterile gloves, and forgetting to clean specific parts.

2. Ultrasonic Baths

Ultrasonic baths include alcohol or acetone. These baths emit ultrasonic waves. This wave then travels through the liquid in order to dislodge dust. This is an effective method, but you need professionals to handle it. Additionally, it is also a long and time consuming process.

3. Burn Off Ovens

Burn off ovens helps in getting rid of organic residues by decomposing them in the form of gases and vapors. These ovens remove powder coating, dust, and other residues. Burn off ovens are high in cost and are expensive to run. But these ovens make laser cleaning much more manageable. 

Tips for Laser Dust Removal

As we know, a perfect process of dust removal is not only about cleaning the laser surface and removing dust. It is a process where you need to be careful about how you are cleaning the surface as it will eventually affect the quality of the laser parts and its surfaces. Thus, you should consider some important tips while cleaning the laser surface: 

  • Once you have cleaned the laser parts with all the precautions, handle them with care and avoid touching them with bare hands. Always have gloves on your hands, otherwise, it will hamper the performance of the laser.
  • Do not forget to perform the post-process treatments. Doing this right after cleaning the parts will help prevent dust and oxidation.
  • Use an efficient dust extractor having a proper airflow for the cleaning purpose otherwise, you will end up having dust collections on the surface.
  • Do not forget to clean the surface regularly after certain required intervals.
  • Cover the unused areas of the surfaces.
  • Make sure you are replacing your laser parts with quality parts like trumpf laser parts, trumpf spare parts, hypertherm parts, etc. when required  

There are numerous benefits of laser dust removal, like offering speed, automation, accuracy, and consistency. Without any of this, your final output would not come as desired. Thus, the cleaning process is important to make sure that the quality of your output is not hampered but enhanced. Additionally, cleaning laser parts with laser surfaces can help you to increase the longevity of the laser machine. It will directly affect how precise and clean the output would be. Thus, make sure you follow the given tips and clean your laser surfaces regularly.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/all-you-need-to-know-about-laser-cleaning

Friday, January 7, 2022

7 Tips to Maintain Your Fiber Laser Cutting Method

Maintenance does not mean learning how to fix things; rather, it means keeping things in a manner that does not need any repairing or fixing. And proper maintenance is exactly what one should do for successful Fiber Laser cutting machine maintenance. Not all fabrication managers realize the importance of it, however, the truth is that a successful fiber laser maintenance schedule is a significant factor for a successful fiber laser operation.

Fiber laser cutting machinery repairs can be a costly reminder to perform proper maintenance. Because we know that if one machine does not work well, it will hamper the entire process and the final output. Thus, to avoid the repair cost of laser cut parts, let us look at some tips to maintain it.

1. Train Your Employees

Never skip on this part. No matter how trained employees you hire, training them regularly according to your business necessities, goals, and products is essential. Training your team is a necessary investment that will pay you dividends in the form of customer satisfaction. Training will also save you money in the long run. Because if you don’t train your employees properly, then they might use the laser machine part in the wrong way, which can lead to loss of tons of material, and you would not be able to see perfection.

2. Maintain a Maintenance Guide

With every Fiber Laser Cutting machine, the manufacturer offers a recommended guide for maintenance. You should practice following it regularly and be very keen while doing activities like cleaning. Go as per the guide because it is solely written for your machine model. Overlooking it might turn into disastrous encounters.

You should keep a maintenance log and fill it with each maintenance interval. This machine parts and maintenance log can help you to avoid disastrous encounters and will help you to know your machine and its requirements better. Also, let your employees know about the same and train them for maintenance too.

3. Know Your Options

No matter what you are purchasing, you should know that part's quality, reliability, and its lifespan. This will help you to calculate your production cost. This directly means that investing in quality parts like trumpf laser parts, amada laser parts, etc., can serve you quality outputs and longevity, thus making your investment-worthy. Even replacing consumables when needed, like nozzles with quality trumpf laser nozzles, will enhance the quality of the final output.

4. Consider Replacements 

What is MRO? Maintenance, Repair, and Operating (MRO) are critical for your maintenance schedule of the fiber laser cutting machine. If you operate and maintain your machine parts regularly and adequately, then you might know the importance of replacing them at intervals.

There can be times when your laser cut parts need a replacement due to various reasons, and avoiding replacing them can result in damaged output. For this, you need the right and functional parts in their place. Thus, consider checking on all the machine parts on time and replace them if required. It will promote the longevity of your machine.

5. Monitor Machine Parts

A service team and trained operator can predict machine failures by monitoring machinery parameters like hours of use of each consumable, its precision ratio, etc. Monitoring the machine parts closely can be an easy and effective way to detect any issues or damage and predict when things such as lenses and nozzles likely need a replacement. 

6. Extend the Warranty Period

On buying any new equipment, you can also get an extended safe warranty. Talking about a fiber laser cutting system, it is wise to take the warranty card. Because any error in the fiber cutting machine will cost you a lot to fix without a warranty on used machinery. And on top of that, taking a warranty card is often not an option.So, then how can you save your machine parts and money both? You can have a setup with a preventive maintenance package. From where? Either from your OEM or an aftermarket service company. But make sure that it specializes in your specific machine model.

7. Care for Your Key Accounts

Almost all shops have a few significant customers or, as we say, "key "accounts that provide the company with the majority of their fiber laser cutting projects. You as a company can know their production schedule and align your machine's maintenance schedule accordingly. 

This will be of great benefit to both the parties. It will allow you for more uptime when the demand is high, and in the other downtime, you can schedule your preventive maintenance. Knowing their projects can also help you to order the necessary materials and schedule any urgent necessary maintenance.

With all these tips, you can maintain your fiber laser cutting machine and prevent resolving it before it is created. Regular checking of the machine and keeping a record of its functioning will help you to know more about your laser cutting machines and provide it with what it wants before the situation worsens. Also, replacing laser parts like nozzles or other consumables with quality parts like trumpf laser nozzles or trumpf laser parts will help promote the machine's longevity and provide quality performance. 

Remember: A preventative maintenance practice is a great way to minimize cost and maximize perfection.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/7-tips-to-maintain-your-fiber-laser-cutting-method