How Does CO2 Laser Cutter Work?

Laser cutting is used everyday by the manufacturing industry for cutting metals. CO2 laser cutters changed the game. These lasers are not only useful for the manufacturing industry but also for the medical field and artists. 

The manufacturing industry uses it for cutting and engraving. The medical industry uses it for skincare, whereas the artist uses it for making art. All these industries have different machines but a common laser, i.e., a CO2 laser.

Here we will learn why industries prefer CO2 laser cutters and how it works. 

Advantages of CO2 Laser

Here are some benefits of a CO2 laser cutter.

1. Lower Power Consumption: These machines have a low maintenance cost. Also, the replacement required is inexpensive.  Fanuc CO2 lasers are popular, and you can easily find the Fanuc replacement parts online.
   
   

2. Contactless Process: The laser beam does not physically touch the material. Instead, it causes the material to melt through the intense heat produced by the beam.
   
   

3. Safe: Laser cutting is safer than other forms of cutting as the whole process is bladeless. The beam is sealed in a tight lightbox, which makes it safer.
   
   

4. Precise Cuts: The cuts produced by the lasers are highly accurate, precise, clean, and smooth. It is unlikely to see this in other cuts.
   
   

5. Applications: Laser cutters have many applications from the manufacturing industry to the medical sector. Artists also use it for engraving purposes.

How does a CO2 Laser Work?

The electricity runs via a gas-filled tube to produce light for CO2 laser cutters. The light produced by the CO2 laser is powerful compared to the usual light.

This light passes through the tube that has mirrors at both ends. One of the mirrors in the tube is highly reflective, while the other mirror allows some light to pass through it. These mirrors usually reflect most of the light when traveling through the tube. Thus, it causes the light wave to build intensity. So when the light becomes bright enough it then passes through the partially reflective mirror.

These mirrors emit the light or laser beam to the material that is to be cut. When the intense heat travels to the material, the light vaporizes the material that is to be cut. Hence, it leaves an accurate and smooth cut.

The gas produced during formation of laser and cutting process is a combination of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, nitrogen, and helium. 

Also, the light produced from the laser is infrared and thus, it is visible to the human eye. The wavelength of these beams is long so it can cut cloth, wood, glass, metal, and paper. 

While forming the cut, the laser somewhat damages the machine as well. And that is why some parts like the focus lens, battery, mirrors, etc need replacement. You can find Fanuc replacement parts online. 

Verify the Settings

There are three important settings that need attention when it comes to laser cutting.

1. Focus: There is a focus lens inside the laser head that is responsible for clean and smooth cuts. The lens needs to be changed at regular intervals. You can buy Fanuc parts online. They are easy to find and are of premium quality.
   
   

2. Speed: The speed determines how fast the laser head will move. Ensure to maximize the speed while engraving or cutting the thinner material.
   
   

3. Power: High power is used for thicker materials, and low power is suitable for engraving or thin materials. Adjust it according to the material. 

Conclusion

Now that you know how the CO2 laser beam works, consider some important points discussed above. The speed, focus, and power of the laser depend on the material. These factors will further decide how smooth and clean the cut will turn out. Also, make sure to replace the parts that need replacement. Choose brand products such as Fanuc.  Search “Fanuc parts online”, and you can easily find it from authorized dealers.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/how-does-co2-laser-cutter-work

Benefits of Using CAD-CAM CNC Control Software

The manufacturing industry has a long history of evolution. From products to tools and the working, everything has advanced. Like, we have CNC to help us carry out various activities effortlessly. The availability of Bystronic parts and Fanuc parts online to ensure the proper working of CNC, etc. 

CNC has become so common that it's rare to see industries not using them. 

Besides, adding CAD-CAM to CNC simplifies tasks and gets them done on time. It is way better than all the manual alternatives available today.

Here are the advantages of including CAD-CAM in your CNC toolkit.

1. Programming Potential

If you add CAD-CAM to your CNC toolkit, you can take on even the most challenging jobs. For instance, 3 axis machining jobs. It can help you create and manage toolpaths for jobs like molds, which are impossible to calculate manually or even via canned machine cycles. The CAD-CAM software will automate the entire process. 

2. Control over Job Programming

Modern CAD-CAM software has CAD Tree functionality that allows job tracking. You can view all the commands and processes from beginning to end.

With it, you will have full control over processing -  stock, work coordinates, material, tooling, operations, and output of NC programs. You can also save and load machining templates and copy and paste operations. Other benefits include reordering the job sequence, associating the toolpath to auto-update all the paths after the edit, etc.

With these capabilities, you can get the work done faster. 

3. Accessible by Clients

With CAD-CAM, you can receive models faster than before. You can open the file, set the toolpath, and directly perform simulations. These simulations can then help you identify the processes and plan a quote, such as calculating cycle times. 

You can deliver the products faster and at an affordable price than before. This software would allow you to design, manage projects, test, simulate, and deliver more quickly. 

4. No Guesswork

Using CAD-CAM maximizes the programming efficiency. It removes the guesswork by making operators follow the steps in creating machine toolpaths. It ensures that the operator has set cutting depths, selected tools, chose toolpath style, managed lead-ins and outs, set compensation settings, and other essentials. 

It allows programmers to be faster and handle the operations error-free even in case of high complexity. 

5. High Speed

It provides high-speed machine toolpaths that reduce cycle time and ensures less wear and tear. Instead, it improves the quality of cutting by eliminating the traditional toolpaths' stop and go actions. 

Its circular motion cutting makes the engagement with the material constant, deep, giving a sharp cut. Overall, it can improve productivity by 50 percent. 

6. Less Wastage

CAD-CAM provides simulation that helps inspect processes and catch gouges and collisions before moving to the CNC machine. It alone helps eliminate costly mistakes and waste. 

Simulations provide complete detail of the process. It helps visualize the process, such as cutting a metal sheet before the actual procedure. 

7. Simple and Cost-Effective

Creating NC programs via 4 and 5 axis machining can be difficult. But CAD-CAM makes it easier. It provides a toolpath and special post-processing to index the 4th axis. It also allows operators to customize the posts for 4 and 5 axis machines. 

You can also simulate the full 4 and 5 axes to inspect the machines before the NC program reaches the machines. 

8. Seamless Integration

You can integrate CAM machining modules into your CAD software as a plugin. This would allow you to create machining for the part, simulate, and create NC programs. The best part is that you won't have to re-learn the entire CAD-CAM system. Besides, you would be able to provide better service and programming facilities. With basic training, you can start using the tool. 

To Conclude

These advantages are enough to justify the importance of having CAD-CAM with your CNC toolkit. It will help you stay productive, competitive, and profitable. 

Meanwhile, check out the Bystronic parts for CNC.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/benefits-of-using-cad-cam-cnc-control-software

4 Types of Laser Engraving Machines

Laser machines today have become an integral part of the everyday life of fabricators. Understanding its basics, difference, and use is essential. Let’s discuss types of laser machines and its importance.

1. Fiber Laser:

Fiber laser marking technology is growing in recent times. It is one of the most useful marking technologies in the laser engraving market. Its power level ranges from 20 to 50 watts. 

They are a perfect solution for depth etching or engraving. Additionally, they provide perfect results even on hard metals or high power systems with small spots.

High beam quality and small spot size with large lenses, allows fiber lasers for small batch marking applications. Make sure to use the correct laser parts like Amada parts or fanuc parts online as they play vital roles.

Applications:

• Color marking:

It creates various shades of colors on a material with speed, power, frequency, and pulse width. The best result on color marking happens on stainless steel and aluminum. 

Another form of color marking is removing color. Here, you can mark and remove color on coated materials to reveal an underlying material of a different color. This technology is useful for fittings, labels, and packaging materials.

• Annealing:

It hardens the metal surfaces using a laser which enables production of various types of colors known as color laser marking. In this process we can achieve different colors like green, red, and yellow.

• Foaming:

Here, the targeted area on the material is lighter than the rest of the part of the material.

• Carbonizing:

Carbonizing destroys the carbon bonds which are useful to create shades of dark marked areas. It happens without affecting the surface of material. It is useful for light plastics and organic materials.

• Night and day marking:

Fiber laser technology is useful to deliver marks that are easy to see in day time and illuminate by night. This can be useful for dashboards, reflectors, number plates, watches health and safety, and door signs.

2. Green Laser:

Green laser marking machines designing is useful to mark reflective materials. They work on very sensitive substances like silicon wafers. It exhibits good work with ease and high precision. It operates in the green near IR visible light spectrum and power range of 5-10 watts.

They are best suitable for soft plastics, PCB boards, integrated circuit chips and for marking of solar cells of various materials.

The advantages of 532 nm wavelength includes great intake across many types of materials. It uses mitigated thermal energy which allows it to mark substances which have high wavelength. Green laser markers also provide very tight spot sizes of 10 µm.

3. UV Laser:

Ultraviolet represents a band of electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths from 10 nm to 400 nm. They are shorter than those of visible light but longer than x-rays. Long wavelength UV is bad at ionizing radiation, because photons do not have the energy to ionize atoms.

But, they can cause chemical reactions that make substances glow or fluoresce.

As a result, the chemical and biological effects of UV are wider than simple heating. Most applications of UV radiation happen because of its interactions with organic molecules.

Gas lasers, solid state lasers, and diodes are useful to make machines which emit ultraviolet rays. The lasers are available which cover the entire UV range. Since the discovery of the laser machine, it is possible to avail intense ultraviolet light.

Researchers explored the unique properties of this new light and optimized practical applications.

4. CO2 Laser:

CO2 laser marking machines usually have sealed tube laser marking systems. They are galvo-steered beams for marking nonmetal surfaces like wood glass, quartz, and ceramics. 

They can also mark fabrics and other organic materials, operating at wavelengths of 10,600nm.

These machines are useful to produce barcodes, serial numbers, and logos on metals and other surfaces. When laser marking bare metal uses CO2 laser, it uses a special marking agent and is useful to treat the metal before engraving.

Once the laser beam applies the heat from laser bonds the marking agent to the metal, resulting in a high contrast permanent mark.

These machines are fast, affordable, oldest types of engravers, markers. They even mark organic materials like wood, ceramics, and many more. Additionally, you can use CO2 laser machines for Windows and Linux.

Pro tip: Try to use laser engraving machines which have  amada parts or fanuc parts online as they are easy to replace.

Source: https://altparts.mystrikingly.com/blog/4-types-of-laser-engraving-machines

Laser Cutting: Tips and Practical Processes that Work!

Laser cutting is becoming popular in the manufacturing industry. It has even paved its way in industries such as medical, aerospace, electronics, automotive, etc. Its uses and benefits even caught the attention of the education sector and small business enterprises apart from the industrial sector.

Laser cutting has its various advantages to offer like higher edge quality, faster speed, less noise of the equipment and so on. The laser machinery by manufacturers like Prima Optics Laser, Fanuc Parts, etc. provides a comprehensive product range with all these advantages.

It is necessary to keep a check on the efficiency of the cutting process to avail these benefits to the highest extent.

Discover the tips to improve laser cutting efficiency.

Reduce the Cutting Head Lift

Generally, after working on one profile, the machine will lift to a certain height and then move to the next profile. This prevents the collision with the cut pieces. By optimizing the cutting path, you will be able to reduce the cutting head lift and this, in turn, will increase the efficiency of the laser. 

Use Quality Materials

Earlier it was difficult to cut thick material in a consistently smooth edge. Today, with the help of technology, it is easy to cut thick materials. But sometimes the edge quality gets compromised. To deal with this problem, using laser-quality, mill-scale materials is advisable. Quality materials will help to process thicker materials.

Use the Right File Format

In laser cutting .dxf or .dwg files are common. Hence, it is necessary to choose the correct file for better efficiency. Many software and applications are available that will help you. With the help of those you can convert PDF, .eps, .svg, and other file formats into .dxf or .dwg files.

Keep a Check on Spacing

When cutting multiple parts on the same metal sheet, spacing plays a significant role. If the parts are too close or you cut the features too thin then there is a risk of the burning down the material. Therefore, it is advisable to keep the appropriate spacing. 

Better Nozzles

For machines to effectively cut thicker materials it is necessary to make advancements in cutting nozzles. For this, popular technologies like oxygen cutting, and nitrogen cutting are available. They have a high-powered ability to cut at high speeds in thin materials.

If you need help in increasing the efficiency of your machines, you can search for manufactures online. Manufacturers like Prima Optics and Fanuc parts use functions and methods that help to improve laser-cutting efficiency. 

Updating to New Technology

Over the years the laser beam quality has improved thanks to new technology. One of the recent developments is a fiber laser. It has a lower maintenance cost, simple operation, and can cut the metal at a higher speed. By adopting such technologies, you can make the cutting process simpler and quicker. 

Now let’s discuss a few practical processes that increase the efficiency of laser-cutting.

Automatic focusing

The first step in metal cutting is to set the focus on the surface of the sheet. The laser focus varies depending on the material. Earlier manual focusing method was used which was replaced by auto-focusing due to advancement in technology. By using an auto-focusing function, machines can adjust the focus to a suitable position. You can even adjust it according to material type and thickness. This, in turn, increases the laser-cutting efficiency.

Concentrated Perforation

It is the processing technique of the laser-cutting machine. The cutting process using traditional perforation technology includes 2 stages:

• Perforation and cutting contour 1

• Perforation and cutting contour 2

While the concentrated perforation process aims at completing the perforation of all contours and then moving forward to the cutting process.

This method increases the length of the machine’s trajectory, avoids burning and adds up to the effectiveness of laser cutting.

Common Edge Cutting

When two parts have a common edge, you can separate them with the help of a single cut. This is known as common edge cutting. It offers the following benefits:

• Reduce the number of perforations

• Reduce the length of the cut 

• Minimize material waste

• Save cutting gas

• This can significantly improve efficiency.

Automatic Edge Finding

With the help of automatic edge finding function, the machine can sense the angle of the sheet and the cutting process automatically adjusts itself to suit the position of the sheet. This will reduce work intensity; time consumed and improve the laser-cutting function.

Conclusion:

Efficient laser-cutting saves material, reduces waste and provides economic benefits as well. Technological advancements in the laser industry have given rise to methods and functions that help increase the competence of laser-cutting. 

If you are an enterprise dealing in this space and require assistance, solutions by brands that offer Prima Optics, Fanuc Parts and other leading manufacturers can be fruitful.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/2020/08/21/Laser-Cutting-Tips-and-Practical-Processes-that-Work

Fiber Laser: An Economical & Effective Choice for A Perfect Edge

In the laser cutting, there are two main types of lasers used in producing exceptional machinery parts. CO2 lasers and fiber lasers. While CO2 lasers have the advantage of producing superior edge quality, Fiber lasers are rising as innovative cutters in the industry. They are beneficial in metal cutting due to their non-reflecting beam. They cut quicker than their alternatives.

One of the major benefits of using fiber lasers is the clean, oxide-free edge you get as an end result. You can obtain it with nitrogen assist gas. As there will be no oxidation, it improves the downstream processes such as welding and powder coating which in turn helps achieve better adhesion and weldability.

You can further improve Fiber Laser's cut edge by making optimal changes in the assist gases and nozzle technologies.

Here is how to start!

Nitrogen Purity

Purity levels play a major role in the quality of edge and other parts. If you want to buy new ones, try searching for Amada Parts or Fanuc Parts online for quality products. If you know and understand what kind of expectations to set from purity levels, it can help achieve the desired quality for any part and other end goals. If you are working for industries such as medical and food-grade equipment which require a bright silver finish, then you need to set the purity levels to 99.9 percent.

If your targeted market is agricultural implements and powder coat adhesion in which your main focus areas include producing parts per day, then a lower nitrogen purity level between 98 to 99 percent will suffice the requirement. It is important to understand what you need in terms of level. This helps in sizing your nitrogen generator properly, at the beginning itself, to avoid edge quality glitches which later affects the overall performance. Moreover, using quality laser parts like Amada parts would also benefit in the longer run. You can also search for Fanuc parts online which fall into the same quality parts category.

Nitrogen Consumption and Costs

While operating any laser cutting machine, be it fiber or CO2, the consumption of nitrogen is always high. Several factors cause this issue. With the fiber’s upgraded technology, you have higher wattage ratings available which can easily process most of the materials. It might have been possible that your CO2 laser had a limitation in cutting mild steel with nitrogen assist gas at 3/16-inch-thick, or 7-gauge material. For example, A 4-kilowatt CO2 laser may have used 1700 SCFH (standard cubic feet per hour) to cut 3/16-in-thick or 7-ga. mild steel. And to cut ⅜ in-thick material, the gas consumption will double to 3,400 SCFH.

And with the Fiber’s technology, this limitation will no longer be a limitation as it can help expand the mild steel nitrogen procession range.

Nitrogen Consumption & Cut Edge

Nitrogen-generation systems reduce the cost of nitrogen and eliminate gas supply contracts. If you purchase your own nitrogen-generation system, it becomes easier for you to take advantage of the capital equipment depreciation which accelerates your ROI.

You can generate nitrogen by separating air into argon, oxygen, nitrogen, and CO2. It might come as a surprise, but the air we breathe contains only 21% of oxygen, a whopping 78% of nitrogen, 0.9% argon and some traces of Carbon dioxide & other gases.

Here are the most commonly used gas separation systems: Pressure swing adsorption, cryogenic fractional distillation (used to separate liquid air), and membranes.

1. Adsorption system is the best method when higher delivery pressures and flow rates are a necessity. This system uses a carbon molecular sieve to absorb the oxygen molecules and produce the desired nitrogen assist gas. It can deliver higher gas pressure as well as higher SCFH flow rates.
2. In the process of cryogenic fractional distillation of liquid air, the separation of gases takes place by cooling the air until it liquefies. These are the bulk tank systems that provide assist gases to the lasers and can deliver high purity levels. But these are usually energy-intensive.
3. The membrane system contains hollow fiber membranes for creating a mechanical process to separate the air. It is possible because of the molecular-sized variance of the nitrogen and oxygen molecules. The structure of the membrane polymer allows the fast-moving water vapor and oxygen molecules to distribute through the membrane. And then captures the nitrogen as the product gas.

 Generating your own nitrogen may accelerate your ROI. In most cases, you can achieve the ROI in less than two years. For the manufacturing units using multiple machines or running multiple shifts, achieving such ROI will be in less than 2 years. And once the company achieves ROI, they will be saving a lot on delivery fees, equipment rental fees, etc.

Not only an economical choice but for better results also, Fiber Lasers have it all. Also, using Amada Parts for your machines would maximize its productivity. There are cost advantages, superior quality and are safer than CO2 lasers.

11 Perfect Laser Cutting Gift Ideas

Gifts are the expression of feelings. And every time when we look for a suitable gift for our loved ones, those available in the market might not best be suited. One of the major reasons is that they have a missing element. Something personal. That special touch. Probably a personalized name, a symbol which expresses your feeling towards that particular person. Good news! With laser cutting, you can craft some amazing pieces. It provides you a freedom to create thoughtful gifts.

Here are the 11 fantastic gifts you can make with the laser cutting:

1) Custom Leather Journals

Leather journals have been in the market for a long time now! It can be the most suitable gift for writers and travelers who would want to document their latest adventures or write-ups in that. They can also be a good fit as a guest book for weddings, a sketchbook for budding artists, etc. You can engrave leather with modern cuts and can give it a realistic look to the final product using laser cutting.

2) Engraved Rolling Pins

The best gift for cooking enthusiasts! Be it cookies or pies, the person who receives it would be delighted when rolling pins of their choice is engraved with their name. With the laser cutting process, you can turn any inexpensive rolling pin into a great gift with a customized print on it.

 

3) Engraved Wine Glasses

People who love wine will definitely appreciate engraved wine glasses. These can be great wedding gifts, anniversary gifts or even birthday gifts. Wine glasses with the initials engraved.

4) Custom Recipe Cutting Boards

Nowadays, wooden recipe cutting boards are in trend which makes it easy for cooking enthusiasts to chop vegetables. With LVD strippit parts, you can make a wonderful personalized gift which would last long and can be passed down to generations. 

5) Slate Cheese/Charcuterie Tray

These gifts are for those who love entertaining. In order to set up your laser cutting set up, you can find the best Fanuc parts online. With the help of it, you can make a stylish charcuterie tray which makes a great host or hostess gift for holiday parties or as a thoughtful present. 

6) Wooden Clock

How about a wooden clock with a personalized message for the special one? Using laser cutting tool you can easily make a wooden clock which stands out-of-the crowd in the market.

7) Bookmarks

A perfect piece of gift for the book worms. Now when it comes to giving away these, you would find many of them in the market. Hence, you can engrave that may be with a Starbucks picture or a design of your favorite web series character.

8) Earrings

What’s better than giving a set of earrings to your wife, friend or sister? LVD strippit parts are known to be performing well for such products. Just place a design of your choice and you would be able to create a perfect set of personalized earrings.

9) Personalized Door Mat

Let your visitors know that they’re at the right place and pass the message of a warm welcome at the same time! Plus, the benefit is that the laser beam actually burns the fibers in the rug. Hence, it would never get ruined.

10) Cellphone Cases

Giving a laser engraved mobile cover would be the perfect gift for people who love their cellphones. Because you will be giving them a gift they would take everywhere. And you will have an open canvas, where you can craft any type of design to make it more attractive.

11) Wall Art

This is the perfect gift for people with more artistic flair. It can be a simple, easy, an inexpensive piece of lasered wall art. It will be an excellent addition to anyone’s home and serve as a fantastic conversation piece.

A laser cutting machine allows you to craft some amazing piece of art which you can gift to any of your friends, family, and colleagues which they would remember for life! You would find LVD strippit parts, Fanuc parts online which are sure to help you produce attractive results from your laser machine.