Common Problems and their Solutions in Metal Laser Cutting

When we say laser technology, what comes to our mind is precision, versatile, speed and reliability. As compared to other cutting methods, laser cutting is a much safer method. These are a few of several advantages that laser cutting offers. 

Laser cutting is a thermal-based method which uses a focused laser beam to melt a highly targeted area of a material that you want to cut. Its usage is majorly in industrial manufacturing but it is becoming prevalent in other sectors like school and medical. You can apply it to a wide range of materials like wood, metal, iron, leather, plastic, etc. The success of the end-product depends on the machines you use. For instance, machines that use parts from brands like Mazak spare parts or Trumpf replacement parts are reliable enough to cut any materials. 

In spite of the latest trends and technology in laser cutting, operators face some common problems while dealing with the laser machine. 

Problem: Difficulty in finding the focal point of the laser machine

Generally, laser machines come with an automatic focal point. If you face this problem, there are two methods:

• Slant Plate Method: You can look for the laser beam at the minimum focus by moving the laser beam horizontally along a slant plate under the vertical axis.

• Pulse Method: Printing on a plastic sheet will help you check all holes and the smallest one you find is the hole.

Problem: Cutting depth is not sufficient

This can happen due to numerous reasons if;

• The position of the focal point is incorrect- follow the above mentioned two methods to find the focal point.
• The laser tube is ageing; we recommend to increase the laser power or replace the laser tube.
• The laser power supply and/or the output power is too low; adjust the supply and/or power by making it slower

Problem: Burr on the workpiece when cutting

• If you are unable to find the focal point of the laser machine, that will cause burr. You can manage the focal point by following the steps in the first point. 
• This can also happen if you run the laser cutter for too long. You can solve this by restarting the cutter. Burrs occur if the cutting line is too slow. Try increasing the line.
• Check the purity of the cutting working gas. 
• Shut down the machine and restart again. 

Problem: The cut of the metal remains incomplete

This happens majorly because of three reasons

• The thickness of the processing plate and the nozzle of the laser doesn’t match: try replacing the nozzle.
• The speed of laser cutting linear is fast: reduce the linear speed.
• The nozzle is not able to sense the laser focus position: re-detect the nozzle sensing data.

If you feel that it is time to replace the parts of the machine, you can rely on quality products like Mazak spare parts or Trumpf replacement parts. 

Problem: There are abnormal sparks while laser cutting

• Replace the nozzle in the laser head or increase the gas pressure for laser cutting.
• Check if the joint between the nozzle and the laser head is loose. Immediately stop the cutting and screw the joint tightly.

Problem: There is a small hole deformation during metal cutting

While machining small holes with a high power machine, the laser energy gets concentrated in a small area. This results in deformation of the hole. The solution here is to change the pulse perforation (soft puncture) method to blasting perforation (normal puncture).

Conclusion

We hope those solutions will help you solve some common problems while metal laser cutting. We recommend that before making a purchase do detailed research on the machines and replacement parts. Choose machines that use spare parts from Mazak spare parts or Trumpf replacement parts who have a vigilant team to solve any problem that occurs.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/common-problems-and-their-solutions-in-metal-laser-cutting

Laser Machines in Electrical Industry

Laser marking is one of the most essential parts of the manufacturing and automotive industry. It helps businesses to keep their products up to the industry trends, help decrease simulating, and develop quality.

There are numerous benefits of laser machines in various industries and the Electrical industry being one of the major industries to leverage its functionalities.

Today in this article we are going to discuss the way laser marking is  useful in engines and electrical appliances.

The major problem with engines is the loss of information when any engine fails. The idea was to install 2D code in the engine case but the major challenge is that it needs many laser marking techniques to mount on the plant.

Let me show you how laser marking is different from other processes for this industry.

Chemical engineering or inkjet processes use inks and chemicals in marking. This has a negative effect on the surroundings and is also costly.

Whereas, laser marking does not use any kind of supplies this makes it reasonable, clean and energy efficient.

The benefit of using a laser machine is that it decreases downtime and extra costs. It is very easy to clean, repair, maintain or replace parts like Precitec spare parts and Trumpf replacement parts.

In fact the marking done by laser machines is permanent and supports the brand and quality of product.

Laser marking provides you with clean processing as it does not need human interference. Whereas, printing techniques lead to burning material by marking.

It is very easy to replace parts of laser machines like Precitec spare parts and Trumpf replacement parts as a part of maintenance.

Laser marking process:

The basic definition is that when the beam comes in contact with the material surface and modifies its features or presentation  —  That is laser marking.

It obtains by moving a low mechanical beam across the material using a technique known staining. This procedure has high contrast marks without harming the material.

Laser machines increase the material temperature which causes oxidation below the surface and turns the material black. It also applies low temperatures to metal to make the surface tough. While doing all these things the surface of the material remains undamaged.

Let’s understand how laser marking is different from laser etching and engraving:

• It is a rare process and not all places need laser marking services.
• Another name for laser marking is laser dark marking or laser coloration. And charring for plastic materials and strengthening of metals.
• There are three types of laser marking i.e. carbon migration, annealing and coloration
• In medical industry for titanium parts and stainless steel laser marking is common
• Laser marking is perfect for barcodes, QR codes, UID codes, logos or any other needs.
• Easy to maintain and replace its parts like Precitec spare parts and Trumpf replacement parts.
• Now, let’s talk about the way it is useful in the electrical industry.

With the advancement in society, the global lighting industry is growing day by day. Led bulbs dominate the worldwide light market. Laser marking machines become an indispensable tool for manufacturing as it helps in branding.

Light bulb is a solid state semiconductor device which converts electrical energy into visible light. This further converts electricity into light. Nowadays light bulbs are available in different formats like CFL, halogen, led, etc.

We all know the amount of benefit laser machines provide quality and affordability. With the help of laser machines you can mark on both the sides of light bulbs; one side with a brand logo and other side with any specifications.

Today major LED players are offering years of warranty on light products, like street lights, downlights, LED bulbs, and many more. The electronic parts which are against the outer conditions need print of barcodes or QR codes. It ensures proper traceability and enables warranty claims to avoid product duplicacy.

Following are the major benefits of using Laser machines on electric appliances:

• Permanent marking
• No consumption of ink
• Crisp and clear marking
• Less power consumption
• High speed marking
• No need of ink and cartridges

Final words:

Engines and electric appliances are one vertical in which laser machines are useful. Apart from this, we all know the importance of laser machines and how useful they are in current times. 

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/2020/08/27/Laser-Machines-in-Electrical-Industry