9 Reasons Why You Should Use Laser Cutting Method

Laser cutting was first used for drilling holes in diamond dies in 1965. It soon evolved, and people started using it within the aerospace industry, where various types of lasers were produced to cut metals and non-metals.

This is basically a popular method of cutting shapes or designs onto metal sheets or other structural materials. The laser beams can be easily directed in the desired way for the required results. 

Benefits of Laser Cutting

 

1. Flexibility

 

One does not need to have a separate setup of tools for separate cuts, and intricate cuts do not cause any problems. You just need to have one set up and can cut many different shapes of the same material and thickness.

 

2. Speed

 

When we talk about complex cuttings, the laser cutting method is much quicker than a traditional cutting method. For example, if we compare thermal cutting methods like plasma/flame cutting with laser cutting then the cutting slot of the plasma cutting machine is a bit larger than the cutting slot of the laser cutting machine. This machine has a faster-cutting speed that can reach 10m/min, and this speed is much faster than the plasma cutter.

 

And if your metal cutting process is completed earlier than time, then your whole back process will move smoothly. Also, it is easier to do more in a small amount of time when one has all the pieces they need to cut and ready to go.

 

3. Precision

 

While cutting the materials, accuracy is one of the primary features to keep an eye on. And this method provides you with the advantage of accurate cutting compared to any other thermal cutting method. It provides you with an accuracy of +/-0.1 mm. This leads to a precisely shaped cut material in the end. Also, you might need no added tolerances while using this method.

 

4. Repeatability

 

+/- 0.05 mm ensures that every other part replicates the previous one precisely. For such accuracy, you need good quality laser parts like Mitsubishi laser parts, Amada laser parts, etc.

 

5. Automation

 

The laser cutting method is highly automated and needs just a small workforce. It needs an experienced machine operator that will play a big role in the final quality outcome and with a little more manual labor at a lower cost. This way, it is far more affordable than the other cutting methods. Many cutting machines even come with feeding systems and follow-up conveyors. However, such setups surely make for a higher-priced laser cutting machine.

 

6. Consistency

 

With precision comes consistency. Laser programming gives you the same cut every single time.

It’s sure to give you what you’re looking for, no matter how large or small a piece is. This is a great bonus if you’re ordering a lot of metal pieces at once or if you can’t afford to get an order shipped to you with a bunch of errors.

 

7. Quality

 

If you are using the right setup, the laser cutters will only leave a small burr. Usually, it is not necessary to remove it. However, it depends on the quality of the material, its thickness, and many other factors. It also has a small heat-affected zone (HAZ). As the microstructure of the HAZ changes, a smaller HAZ area often results in predictable and more reliable parts. Don't forget to do a quality check regularly. This will help you detect the faulty laser parts to replace them with quality Mitsubishi replacement parts.

 

8. Contactless Cutting

 

In this method, only the beam of the laser comes into contact with the material. Thus, there is no mechanical friction that can possibly wear tools.

 

9. Versatility

 

This method is suitable for many different materials like wood, acrylic, MDF, paper, etc., with varying thicknesses. And only one laser cutting machine can be used to perform different jobs and cut different shapes. However, the ability to cut some of these materials totally depends on the power of your laser cutting machine.

 

Additionally, laser marking is another way to use these machines. And laser marking has a lot of applications while producing everyday products.

 

Lastly, this technology is suitable for a variety of profiles. For instance, tube laser cutting can perform the cutting process on anything from box sections to open channels.

Conclusion

With all the above-mentioned benefits, we come to the conclusion that this method is the modern and popular cutting method. It helps one to cut the most tricky shapes on the most challenging materials easily. Thus, installing a laser cutting machine in your manufacturing company will save you time and cost by providing productivity and precise cutting in return.

 

Make sure you invest in good quality parts like Mitsubishi laser parts for the longevity of the machine and accuracy in the result. Also, for replacing your laser parts, in any case, they malfunction, then you can go for Mitsubishi replacement parts. Such quality parts will match your old machine's requirements perfectly.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/9-reasons-why-you-should-use-laser-cutting-method

Evolution of the Press Brake

Bending a metal sheet is a pretty difficult task and as a fabricator, you might know just how challenging it is. But there are press brakes now. They have definitely made this task a little less difficult.

Being a proud owner of press brake, you might know the details of its evolution.

No? 

Don’t worry, because we are going to talk about just that in this article. The evolution of press brake machines.

Technology advancements have brought immense growth and expansion for every industry. Be it automotive, travel, education, metal fabrication, you name it; technology is there.

Digitalizing the automotive industry has helped companies to increase competitiveness among themselves. Additionally, it is even enhancing customer satisfaction and provides them with an excellent quality of service.

Similarly, in education, digitalization helps in making sure that education reaches everyone. Not only this but online learning also benefits people a lot as it makes knowledge easily accessible.

But we are here to talk about digitalization of the metal fabrication industry.

So, let’s look at how the evolution of technology provides ease to a fabricator.

Fabrication technology plays a vital role in changing the metal forming and welding. One tool which has changed a lot is Press Brake. Do you remember the time when you would bend sheets using manual press brake and how difficult it would be? Now there are hydraulic or electric press brakes that increase productivity and decrease costs.

So, let’s see how they evolved and where we stand with press brakes today.

This evolution of press brakes took place in three parts:

• Drive Systems
• Automation
• Coordinated Flow

In this article, we will explore the evolution of drive systems and automation which led to invention portal press brakes.

1. Drive Systems

In the early 1960s, there was mechanical press brake. The system had a motor with clutch, flywheel, eccentric crank and brake and can generate only 30 strokes per minute.

The mechanical press was popular for sheet metal industry’s mass production for a long time but then the needs were changing which, in turn, led to changes in press brakes.

By the time production became the new craze in metal fabrication, fabricators demanded their machines to be flexible in function and to have better capabilities to create custom products for consumers in a short time.

The change in consumer production led to the development of hydraulic press brake. It had controls for ram speeds, stroke lengths, applied force, and angle controls. Despite the slow pace, these brakes were useful until electric press brakes replaced them.

The introduction of the electric press brake was needed because of high demands, needs and constant change from customers’ behavior. It helped in increasing production speed for fabricators.

The electric press brake and the hybrid hydraulic electric drives have the approach speeds of 700 inches per minute (IPM) and bending speed as low as 5 inches per minute (IPM).

The different capabilities of these machines permit better functioning, efficiency, and precision in every bend.

2. Automation

The Industrial Revolution went on for over 150 years and played a vital role in the way we see manufacturing.

Before, press brake operators spent a large amount of time in programming, test bending, inspecting and adjusting the products and machines.

Current press brakes can perform accurate measurements and solve angular errors if any. It offers precise bending and better customization without you having to pay a lot of attention. All thanks to technology and parts like Mitsubishi laser parts and Mazak laser parts.

This revolution has improved the storage and the use of computer programs has made it easy to design and setup machines. It also helps in speeding up the designing process making the fabrication process faster and precise.

3. Ease of Use

Portable press brake comes with improved speed and makes the fabrication process easy. These machines are smaller and occupy little space in shops. Their size makes it easy to transport and use it.

Regardless of the fabrication project, the usage of press brake allows work to finish with less production time and ease. Once the sheets are ready, they are cut into sizable sheets using laser cutting with parts like Mitsubishi laser parts and Mazak laser parts.

Wrapping it up:

Digitalization has always helped mankind. Be it in automobiles, education, fabrication industry, etc. It brings ease to human life. The technology revolution which happened in the fabrication industry made the bending of materials and lives of fabricators easier. Apart from technology, quality parts like Mitsubishi laser parts and Mazak laser parts have also played a vital role in the improvement of press brakes.

Why Laser Engraved Rubber Stamps Are the Best

For any type of business, identity is a mandatory thing. It makes a business unique and more visible to its users. Just like your logo, packaging, uniforms, you need a unique stamp for the manual work which represents your business. 

What’s wrong with regular stamps?

If you are using regular stamps, there is always a threat of other people replicating the stamps and your identity. So, having a unique stamp always goes a long way. When it comes to creating personalized stamps for your business, laser engraving machines can do wonders. The laser engraving machine creates a high-resolution stamp and makes it hard to replicate your identity. You can have a micro-sized inner signature to make copying even harder for others. Plus, it will look good and leaves a good impression on your colleagues.

Why Laser Technology for Stamps?

Stamps are for the public identity. Hence, they must be high resolution. With laser cutting technology, you can cut rubber with a precise resolution and finish. Even if you are okay with low-resolution stamps, it might take a long time and effort to finish the job. Plus the lasers containing Mitsubishi machine parts or Amada spare parts will last longer and save a lot of your money.

The Benefits You Get with Laser Cutting Machine

A Neat and Clean Impression

If you are pitching your business to potential partners, they always look for the details that make your business look like its one step ahead of you. When you use laser technology, it helps you leave a great impression. These small things would make a big difference. Having a laser which has Mitsubishi machine parts or Amada spare parts can give help you neater finish to the logo.

Increase Efficiency

When you have a laser cutting machine in place, it becomes easy to try different things. You can always revise your work in no time and manufacture more products according to your convenience & requirement. This way it helps you increase your efficiency.

Competitive Advantages

When it comes to laser cutting, it has set a benchmark in the industry for some time now. It is cost-effective as if you are producing products on your own time & have no other costs to bear. When you have other cutting methods, you will have to calculate every single millimeter offset in the large design stage for the better cutting stages. It might lead you to messy and frustrating situations. But laser technology is not only better in cutting, but it is cost-effective, easiest and adjustable.

Saves Time

With this machine in your ownership, it becomes easier for you to create art. The rubber-stamp process is as easy as printing a picture from your regular office printer. These machines save a lot of time in cutting and engraving rubber stamps.

Reduces Production Times

You can automate laser cutting technology for producing a large number of stamps. It helps you get your job done much faster. As with the laser machine, you will never need to work for an extra hour.

Steps to Create Your Own Stamp with Laser Engraving

Step 1: Gather the Materials

• Laser rubber sheet
• Wood for mounting
• Glue
• Laser engraver

Step 2: Design

Draw a rough idea for an idea about how your stamp would look. If you scan it, make sure that it is a high resolution; around 600DPI.

Step 3: Engraving Preparations

• Export your art into Corel draw.
• Once you have an image, draw a “hairline” box around the art.
• Choose your engraving type “stamp’ and enter dimensions.
• Select the engraving effects. Majorly there are two options: Mirror and Fence.
• Use a sharp blade with a straight edge.

Step 4: Start Engraving

• Position your rubber in the laser cutter.
• Focus the machine and turn on the fab.
• Wash your rubber with soap and water.

And ready!

Conclusion

Laser engraving technology is the fastest growing technology. If you are running a design company/agency, you will definitely need this technology as the world is changing and nobody would want to pay high rates for small productions to the production companies.

All About Laser Engraving: Applications, Benefits, and More!

Laser engraving is a sister practice of laser etching and laser marking. It is done in a slightly different way where there is no use of inks or tools that contact the surface material. There are CO2 laser engraving machines which primarily release low-powered laser beams. And then there are high-powered lasers which facilitate the high-volume laser marking and engraving applications.

Here is how it works:

Basically, laser cutting machines have three common components: the laser itself, the  control system, and the marking surface. You, as an operator, can set the software program to modify settings on the laser cutter. You can change these settings whenever needed. When it comes to laser engraving, you need to choose standard parts like Mitsubishi laser parts or trumpf laser parts to ensure the smooth working of the system. Images chosen for the engraving onto a given material should be from graphics editing software like Illustrator, Inkscape, AutoCAD. In short, you need vector files. Because images in the vector files maintain the clarity and proportions when adjusted to any size.  

Further, you have to upload the image into the cutting software. The machine will then translate it into numeric data. The software would capture that data and use it to program the laser machine’s controller apparatus to produce the provided image. 

Laser Engraving Applications:

• There are aerial vehicles by major contractors in the construction industry which incorporate thousands of parts. They travel through a complex global supply chain from their point of origin to the manufacturing units. In order to promote quality and accountability throughout the supply chain, vendors leverage laser engraving machines to mark products with barcodes and serial numbers which shows their traceability.

• Apart from the aerospace industry, it is popular in the jewelry manufacturing industry. It can be useful to create various artwork. 

• As an added advantage of its depth, this technology is popular for making stamps, dies, and moulds. Hence, it is popular in industries like automotive, electronics, semiconductor manufacturing, etc.

• Apart from that, retail vendors can leverage engraving to make several customized products like wooden key chains, coasters, kitchen products, and so on.

Benefits of Using Laser Engraving

Cost-Effective:

Laser engraving machines consume zero inputs besides the power it takes to run. That means it only has low and predictable costs for manufacturers. Whereas, there are companies which use a chemical etching as a substitute for engraving. But, they need adequate wastewater treatment or a certified third-party company to dispose of the chemical water. Plus, each image requires a brand new stencil. Now, that won’t give you any cost benefits for your projects.

Less Damaging

As the laser beam won’t be touching the material, there are lesser chances of causing damage. It is majorly relying on the heat to produce expected results. The only portion that laser will be targeting is the targeted spot. The surrounding area would be left untouched.

Permanent Markings

The aim of the engraving process is to remove a portion of the material. As laser systems offer so much control, a range of depths used by the machines ensures permanent markings.  For example in the defense industry, it is important for the manufacturers to establish parts throughout the supply chain with unique identification numbers. These markings should be permanent even in extreme conditions or other environmental hazards.

Highly Efficient

It is efficient as it can easily switch between materials and a range of depths. It offers longer service life and with high-quality parts like Mitsubishi laser parts or trumpf laser parts, it will have lower maintenance costs compared to other traditional methods.

Supports a range of Materials

It is capable of working with different materials which include metal, ceramic, plastic, and glass. Most industries utilize more than one material in manufacturing. If you have a facility that deals with multiple materials then it could be a nifty solution.

Do you use laser engraving for your project? If yes, then share your experience with us in the comment section.

How to Find The Perfect Material For Your Laser Project

It is important to consider the material for your metal project. At the time of execution, there are various things to examine like weight, aesthetic, finish, exposure to the elements and even the usage. It doesn't matter what the purpose of the project is, whether you want to hang the product outside of your house or workplace or an art piece you want to shape and hang on the wall. It is important to make a wise choice in the selection of material as well as the laser parts. Like Trumpf Laser Consumables or Mitsubishi Laser Parts are the best among the available laser parts in the market.

But before choosing the laser parts, you will have to decide on the metal for your project.

To help you make an informed decision, here's a guide to common metals you can use in laser cutting projects:

Stainless Steel:

The idea behind the creation of this metal was to create metal with corrosion resistance. And after adding chromium, you as manufacture can create a metal which encompasses the best quality. It is non-corrodible, beautiful, and strong as a metal. Here are the major benefits of using steel in your laser project:

Benefits of Steel:

• Strong and big
• Great for outdoor use
• Washable and sanitizable
• Welds easily
• Cost Effective
• Perfect decorative, durable parts

Brass

Brass is a copper-zinc alloy which comes with many uses apart from being used in the loudest section of an orchestra. Because of its gold looks, its aesthetic qualities come in use of many things like jewelry and wall art. As an added benefit it's low friction point, makes it perfect for all the types of functional uses such as locks, door fixtures, and ammunition.

Benefits of Brass:

• Lightweight
• Malleable
• Great for Outdoor Use (with a protective top layer)
• Low Friction point
• No additional process needed

Aluminum:

One of the major benefits of this metal is that even if it's in the purest form, it is very light in weight, yet strong. Plus, it is easy as you can make any shape out of it without losing its strength. And it's reactive and forms a natural corrosion resistance when exposed outdoors.

When you use it for commercial use, it is important to mix it with a few other metals. There are various industries including aerospace which rely heavily on aluminum.

Benefits of Aluminum:

• Suitable for Prototypes
• Lightweight
• Perfect for outdoor use.
• Easily shaped, brushed

Copper:

It is easy to excavate this directly from the earth. And you can also use it in its purest form. Around 8000BC, it was the first metal used by humankind. This metal comes with various advantages. It is conductive, as a result of that, it is great for pieces like bus cars and other electrical parts. It is perfect for plumbing and pipe as it is non-corrosive.

Benefits of Copper:

• Great for outdoor use but it will patina after a while
• Suitable for electrical parts
• Malleable
• No additional process required

Carbon Steel

It's an alloy made of iron and carbon. Its ductile strength makes it a go-to metal when it comes to construction of buildings, bridges, and machinery. For Trumpf laser consumables you would have a couple of options to choose from. For example, hot or cold rolled steel.

Hot Rolled Steel

Elaborating that in detail, hot rolled steel is formed when you roll steel at very high temperature. It makes steel easier to form, which makes the product easy to work with. The finished steel would have a thin layer of magnetite known as "scale". It can be reduced with a pickling and oiling finish which would leave the surface of the steel nice and smooth.

Carbon Steel Benefits:

• Creates indestructible parts.
• Welds easily
• Easy to thread, machine, drill, etc.
• Suitable for cutting thick pieces.
• Looks great painted, powder coated, or clear coated

Mild Steel

The process of making Mild Steel is a bit complicated. They roll up the steel hot, then roll it up more after it cools down at room temperature. This process allows the metal to take shapes of a thinner sheet. In comparison with hot rolled steel, it does not require further processing for a smooth, finished surface.

Benefits:

• Strong (especially in 11ga thickness).
• Welds easily
• Simple to thread, machine, drill.
• Easily Etched and cut

What have you considered for your next laser project? Do let us know in the comment section below. If you are looking to replace or change your parts, consider Trumpf laser consumables, or Mitsubishi laser parts for the quality results.

Source - http://tiny.cc/4j1j8y

What Products Can a Laser Cutting Machine Produce?

Laser metal cutters are a life of any material production company as they can provide accurate and finest cuts. If you want metal outputs without excessive distortions irrespective of the thickness of metal, they are a ‘to go’ equipment. Even if these machines get old, the manufacturers often buy Bystronic laser parts and replace them with new ones so that they can start working like before.

Manufacturers also choose laser metal cutting over CNC punches because CNC machines use physical force for shear metal cutting due to which, there’s often some mechanical deformation in the final product. Today, we will try to know about the types of metal products that laser cutting machine can produce. So, here we go:

Cut-Out Parts

When you want to make small cut outs from large metal sheets, laser cutting works the best. Several industries make use of these cut-out parts for different purposes. It is possible to make mini fan blades, computer drive mounts and other flat aviation parts using CNC press brake or other metal cutting machine. The companies that sell Mitsubishi laser parts often sell CNC press brakes. So, it is easy to find it online.

Engraved Sheet Metals

If the laser cutting machine works at lower settings, you can use it for cutting a piece of sheet metal and give it a smooth finish with a groove on its surface. Through laser engraving, manufacturers can leave a distinguished and fine mark on the sheet metal. For example, if your customers want to create customized cake molds to place in the ovens of a particular size, the operators can make use of this functionality and engrave the metal of molds accordingly.

Sheet Metal Baskets

Some restaurant industries require wire mesh baskets for washing and frying food materials successfully. In some cases, they also need a strong sheet metal with holes inside it and several steel wires arranged horizontally and vertically. For cutting such intricate shapes and creating sturdy baskets, nothing but laser machines can come of use. However, the makers of these baskets need several years of experience to build them according to the defined standards.

Sheet Metal Tags

So, how do manufacturers recognize similar products/baskets from others? This is where metal tags come of use. Using metal tags, it becomes easy for basket users to identify one basket from other especially when they look similar to each other.

Why Should You Make Use of Laser Cut Parts?

The first and the biggest reason as to why you should use laser cut parts is that the parts get a professional finish. They don’t look like the operators have made them using mechanical stress. Not just that, the heat zone of the cut metal also looks quite small and cut metal piece looks as good as a new one. Also, when you do not expose the workpiece to heat, it keeps the property of the metal intact and minimizes the waste.

Some modern manufacturing shops need CNC punches when it comes to producing metal parts. At times, it is possible to create products like bent sheet metal perfectly by using CNC punch machines. It also helps with producing metal sheets rapidly.

Do you want to know more about laser metal cutting and Mitsubishi laser parts? Feel free to ask us. You can also read about sheet metal fabrication in detail and find out more about it.