8 Core Components of Laser Cutting Machine

Laser cutting machine outputs high density and high energy laser beams that concentrate on the workpiece. Thus the spot where it concentrates melts while the workpiece moves forward on the track making the cut. 

Laser cutting has replaced the traditional mechanical knife with an invisible beam. It has become popular because of high precision, faster and smoother cutting, unlimited patterns at low cost, and more. 

Thus, a laser cutter needs three things to complete the task namely machine, light and electricity. The machine is composed of the different mechanical parts, generator, CNC, lenses, etc. 

Let us discuss some of the essential components of the laser cutting machine.

Laser Cutting Head

The cutting head in the laser cutting machine is the output for the laser. It consists of a nozzle, lens, and a tracking system. The cutting head will travel on the cutting track to make the cut. You can adjust the height of the head and control it depending on the material, thickness, and various other parameters. 

The shelf life of the nozzle will also depend on whether it is properly placed and is cleaned on a regular basis. A good quality nozzle will last long. The trumpf nozzles, amada nozzles, prima nozzles, etc. are of good quality. Trumpf eco nozzle is also a good option to go with. 

Lenses

Laser lenses are the most used component in the laser cutting machine. The lenses used are of different types like full reflex lenses, focusing lenses and semi reverse lenses. They all have distinct functions.

As lenses work as one of the most important parts of the laser machine, the quality of the laser directly affects the performance of the machine.

These lenses are usually made domestically or they are imported. But the quality of the domestic lenses are not as good as the imported ones. But then when we compare the prices, domestic lenses are cheaper.

Motor

Motor is one of the core components of the laser machine. So, the performance of the motor directly affects the production efficiency of the machine.

Presently stepping motor and servo motor are the two types of motors configured in the laser machine according to the product and industry of the object. 

Stepper motor has fast starting speed as well as sensitive response to engraving and cutting processes. They are low priced. Whereas, the servo motor is for smooth movement, high load, and fast cutting speed. These are suitable for products and industries with high processing requirements.

Water Chiller

As the name suggests, water chillers are used for cooling laser generators. Basically, a laser generator is a device used to convert electrical energy into light energy. For instance, the CO2 laser has a conversion rate of 20% and the remaining energy is converted into heat. So the cooling water will take the excess heat away to make sure that the laser generator is working properly. 

The chiller also cools the external optical path reflector and the focus lens. This way, you will have stable beam transmission quality and prevent the lens from getting excessively hot, leading to deformation or crack.

Laser Cutting Frame

The frame makes sure of the movement across the X, Y, Z-axis during the cutting process. The only requirement here is that they must be highly stable. This high stability of the tools help you in improving the cut precision. 

There are three types of tools in the market namely gantry type, beam type and cantilever type. These tools have different functions like beam type is used for material cutting of large manufacturers. Automotive industry highly uses this tool.

CNC System

Computer Numeric Control (CNC) system is a leading OS of the fiber laser cutting machine. It mainly controls the tool to detect the movement of the X, Y and Z axis. It also controls the output power of the laser machine.

The quality of the system determines the stability of the laser machine. By controlling this software wisely, you can achieve accurate cuts. 

Air Cutting System

This system is composed of an air compressor, air dryer and filter devices. There are two kinds of air sources namely bottled air and compressed air. When we talk about the cost, air cutting is more economical than gas cutting. The reason behind the low cost is that air cutting saves gas consumption cost when compared to Nitrogen. 

Dust Extractor

The smoke and dust released during the fabrication process will be filtered and treated to match the environmental protection standards. And this makes dust extractor a critical component of the laser machine.

Conclusion

So, while considering laser components, do not only consider the properties of product material, but also make sure to consider the performance of the laser components. The quality of these components must be high so that it can deliver best performance for a prolonged period. Also, ensure to buy excellent quality consumables. For this, you can consider trumpf nozzles, trumpf eco nozzle, trumpf lens, amada nozzle, prima lenses,  etc.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/8-core-components-of-laser-cutting-machine

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

Laser Engraving: The Best Solution to Mark Medical Equipment

Medical equipment, devices, and tools are the most important assets for any hospital. As each one of them has a specific purpose, bifurcating and marking them with the correct data is also critical.

Apart from identifying their use, it is important to label them according to their use. Additionally, it helps the service team perform the maintenance activities, helps the procurement team to procure the right equipment and many more. To mark the equipment, out of all the available methods, Laser marking can be the best way as it does not affect its chemical state.

Let’s understand why laser marking is essential:

In 2013, the Food and Drug Association (FDA) made marking of the medical equipment compulsory. The major reason behind this was to identify and trace the equipment. They also require marks like logos, alphanumeric, codes, etc. to be clear and readable.

They even added that all medical equipment should have a Unique Device Identification (UDI). This UDI consists of the manufacturer's name, make or model of the product, expiry date or other attributes if any.

Further, the government also issues guidelines on marking equipment with unique identifiers. This means these marks are compulsory for all medical equipment from tiny devices like implants to large equipment.

How to Laser Mark

You can easily do it on the selected area especially on prepared plastic surfaces, metallic or delicate materials like foil or laminate. Unlike other labeling methods, laser marking does not involve direct contact. Consisting of different laser parts like Trumpf nozzles and Precitec nozzle, here are its major types:

1. Foaming:

This type of laser marking melts the material and is often done on the dark plastics. After the process, the marked area becomes lighter than the rest of the material.

2. Engraving:

This popular way for laser marking melts, evaporates, leaves the impression of design, logo, numbers, and text.

3. Carbonizing:

Carbonizing is useful in wooden or leather surfaces. It leaves a dark mark after the use.

4. Staining:

This type of laser cutting machine causes the heat effect and changes the color of the marked parts the same way when something burns.

5. Annealing:

After exposure to the laser beams, the surface of the material undergoes oxidation and changes because of the heat. This method is useful when working with metal materials.

6. Removing:

To get rid of the topcoat of the material this marking method can be the solution. One can perform this type of marking preferably on laminates, foils, coated metals or aluminum.

Benefits of Laser Marking Medical Equipment:

1. It becomes easy to track the devices in cases of malfunctions, emergencies, maintenance, etc.
2. Laser marking helps in protecting the trademark of medical equipment and devices. In turn, facilities, hospitals, and pharmacies can easily tell if they are original or not.
3. These markings make it easy for users to identify manufacturers and find details of particular medical equipment.
4. As it is a non-contact form of labeling, laser marking leaves the delicate parts of the equipment untouched.
5. With laser marking, it becomes easy to trace the manufacturer.
6. Laser marking guarantees precise results. It means that you can mark all medical equipment, tools, and devices with the same sign at the same spot.
7. Manufacturers can trace their products and get data on their performance to know they are performing well or having any defect.

Conclusion:

Overall, laser marking uses laser beams to label equipment, tools, devices, parts, and materials. As this method is durable, the mark never wears out. It withstands chemicals, moisture, heat, and other harsh conditions that can ruin the other kind of labeling. To smartly brand your medical equipment, one should adopt this technology. You can easily find the laser engraving machines online or its parts like Trumpf nozzles and Precitec nozzle if you already have invested in a machine to get started.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/2020/02/18/Laser-Engraving-The-Best-Solution-to-Mark-Medical-Equipment

Laser Engraving: The Innovation Your Woodwork Business Needs

Woodwork business has been in existence since time immemorial. And as long as there are forests on this planet, it’s here to stay. Be it furniture, construction materials, picture frames, cabinets, tools, or flooring, woodworks are everywhere. Hence, it is one of the core industries in today’s world.

However, of late, modernization has hit the woodwork business hard. Other materials like plastic, etc. are taking place of wooden items. The reason behind it is that this industry has failed to innovate.

Though great efforts and craftsmanship go into this industry, profit margins remain too low. And creating, designing and selling wooden items don’t come with big rewards.

Tough work but minimal profits! Sounds depressing, right?

So, how can woodworkers give a new direction to their ancestral occupation? Is it possible for woodworkers to turn over a new leaf and start making bigger profits?

Well, it is - with laser engraving. 

So, let’s see how the woodwork industry can strike gold by introducing laser engraving. 

Reasons Why Laser Engraving Is Profitable for Woodwork Industry

Low Operating Cost 

A laser machine has a low operating cost. So, you can get more profit with less investment. And you get a high return on investment with laser engraving.  

Custom Woodwork

If your customers want you to engrave something on a wood item, you can do that easily with wood engraving. This way, you can create custom wooden products for your customers. This helps you impress your customers more by giving them what they want. 

Easy Promotion through Your Brand Logo

When customers notice your beautifully engraved logo on your wooden products, it might impress them. And it helps them in remembering the name of your company easily. So, laser engraving serves two purposes - good sales and brand promotion. 

Ways to Increase Profit Margins with Laser Engraving

• Choose the Right Laser Machine

Well begun is half done. This is a universal saying and thus applies here too. Selection of a suitable laser machine is a must prior to introducing laser engraving in your woodwork business.

The laser machine you choose depends on the type of wood you need to engrave on. But not all types of wood are suitable for laser engraving. While softwoods like balsa and poplar need a low power laser for engraving, hardwoods like oak and cherry need high power laser.

It is also important to choose a good quality nozzle like an Amada laser nozzle for your work. One more good option for nozzles is TRUMPF nozzles as these are available in different apertures and you can put them to use for various purposes. A good quality nozzle helps you achieve accuracy in your laser engraving work. 

• Personalize your Wooden Products

Personalization sells a lot today. It adds value and sentiment to wooden products. Customers love it when they get to see their names and personal images on such products. Moreover, you can promote your brand by engraving your logo beautifully on the products you sell. 

You can engrave almost anything from wood plaques, cabinets, doors and panels to auto parts, granite and even iPhone cases. And this personalization elicits great emotional responses from customers. And the value of your products doubles or even triples with them willing to pay a higher price.  

• Diversify your Woodwork Business

Personalizing wood products using a good quality laser machine with an Amada laser nozzle or any other good quality nozzle isn’t enough. Along with that, it is a must for you to understand the importance of diversification. With the power of laser engraving right in your hands, you can grow your business horizontally. And literally serve any industry that requires engraving, be it signage, pet products, wood trophies, inlays, prototypes, photo frames and even more. And you can do that with minimal overhead costs. 

In a Nutshell

So, it is evident that the woodwork industry can go a long way towards maximizing their profit margins. All it needs is the magic wand of innovation in the form of ‘laser engraving’. Along with personalization, diversification, and the right choice of a laser machine and good quality nozzles like an Amada laser nozzle or TRUMPF nozzles and other spare parts.