Advantages of laser engraving and cutting

Nobody would ever want to return to carving with a chisel and a hammer it takes far too long. Technology has produced a wide range of superior substitutes, with laser cutters parts dominating the list.

Notably, technology offers improved speed and accuracy in addition to other benefits. For your domestic carvings, laser engravers and cutters can be used on a greater variety of materials, such as leather, wood, chiffon, metal, etc.

This is where Amada parts may assist you with most of your engraving requirements. Industrial and commercial companies can satisfy their needs for engraving, cutting, or marking various materials with the correct Amada laser cutting equipment, using technology that typically outperforms the competition. In this article, let's look at the Advantages of Laser Engraving and Cutting.

Laser cutters require little involvement from people

Laser cutters operate without much human labour, unlike other cutting and carving procedures. As a result, you will save money that you would have otherwise spent on different hands. You will need a technical specialist to oversee the process and operate the equipment, but they won't have much to do.

It is recommended to purchase with a feeding system and a follow-up conveyor if you have some additional cash to spend from Amada parts. Furthermore, despite interference from people, the speed and accuracy of these machines are maintained.

Increased accuracy

You may get more detailed engraving with this technology thanks to Amada laser parts. You will be able to create flawless copies of originals, but other mechanical techniques are sure to have a number of errors.

Regardless of the client's description, manufacturers may precisely produce intricate carvings. The fundamental reason is that the machine works without touching the material. As a result, the affected areas have no chances of abrasion. Furthermore, there is very little tolerance for these faults due to the rapid speed of the laser beam.

Increased program window size

You will need different tools or equipment to work with various materials in the majority of cutting or engraving machines. But the contrary is the situation with laser cutters and engravers.

Amada laser parts engraving equipment can cut or engrave various materials without changing tools. However, the thickness of the materials you cut with a certain arrangement must match. These parts can work efficiently with multiple materials, including stone, paper, glass, wood, and plastic. Additionally, you can cut and engrave the material without endangering it inadvertently.

Probabilities of material damage are extremely low

Many assume that the material you are cutting will be harmed due to the high heat and speed of laser cutters. They express concern that the heat will cause the fabric to warp or deform. Regardless of the material's thickness, this is not the case.

This is so that the material is not directly exposed to the heat from the laser. The material's tolerance is unaffected by heat, and laser cutter faults have a +/- 0.1mm error margin. With this level of precision, manufacturers don't have to worry much about working with any material.

Accelerated production and minimal energy use

Laser technology is far the fastest when it comes to cutting and engraving tasks requiring more complexity. Comparing it to other traditional techniques like plasma or flame cutting is useless. Compared to laser engraving and cutting machines, they are still slower.

Power and speed are the basic settings that require adjustment. The cutting of lighter materials, such as paper, will proceed at full speed but with minimal power.

This is because using a higher power level could cause the material to be discoloured. Also, the machine has limited moving parts, resulting in reduced power consumption.

Offer few waste products

A laser cutter does not produce any actual trash and does not need any consumables, which makes using one in your workshop or on your production line one of the nicest things you can do.

Consider that you are producing auto parts that need to be tagged for traceability, and you can either use chemical etching or laser cutting the markings. If you decide to use etching, you will need to build up a network of vendors who can offer you the chemicals, and wastewater treatment tools you will need to dispose of the waste properly.

Additionally, you will need to create a unique physical stencil for every special marking or change a stencil that has been used 20 to 30 times.

Bottom Line

The businesses that use laser cutting and engraving equipment gain greatly from Amada parts. In addition to their precision and durability, Amada parts are valued for their excellent safety designation and the point that they deliver with no material waste.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/advantages-of-laser-engraving-and-cutting

7 Points to Consider for Laser Cutting Maintenance

Maintenance is not about fixing things but about not having to fix things. A lot of fabricators do not understand it. They usually do not like interrupting their production, thinking it will affect the total outcome.

When the proper maintenance is ignored, the equipment can stop working anytime if pushed beyond limits. So, having a maintenance schedule is better and saving your business from unplanned costs. Regular maintenance can lower the failure of a machine. Regular replacements of spare parts and cleaning can take you a long way.

Here are some points you need to take care of to maintain the laser machine:

1. Daily Maintenance

• Always check the pressure of laser gas and cutting gas before turning on the machine. You must replace it if the gas pressure is not enough.
• Check the alignment of the X, Y, and Z-axis, and none of the screws should be loose.
• Check the water level in the chiller. You should refill it if it is not sufficient.
• After the end of the day, check the focus lens for damage. If you find any, replace them with new ones. You can easily find Amanda parts and trumpf parts online. Their spare parts must be of good quality so that you never have to compromise with the quality of cuts.
• Clean the waste on the machine after completing daily work and also clean the surroundings. None of the parts of the machine should have any debris, or else it can damage the machine in the long run.

2. Maintenance of Optical Path Lens

• You should not touch the surface of the optical lens directly with bare hands. It can cause scratches on the surface of the lens.
• You must not clean the lens with water or detergent. It can damage the film on its surface.
• Clean with rubbing alcohol and muslin cloth. If your lens is damaged, you can contact the service department to repair it. Using damaged lenses can accelerate the damage to the repairable lens.

3. Proper Installation of Optical Lens

• Before installing the lens, you must ensure that you are wearing clean clothes, that your hands are properly sanitized, and you are wearing clean gloves.
• Lenses shouldn't be touched with bare hands.
• While removing the lens, hold it from the side so that you do not touch its surface.
• While mounting the lens to the holder, extreme force should not be applied as it might deform the lens and affect the quality of the laser beam.
• Use a spray gun to remove dust on the mirror surface.
• Lastly, use an air spray gun to clean the lens and free it from dust or foreign particles.

4. Maintenance of Water Chiller

• It is important for the chiller to work properly to ensure the laser machine is working in good condition.
• You must clean the heat sink and condenser regularly.
• Check the water levels in the tank regularly. If the water levels are low, you can add deionized water to it.
• Check the electrical terminals and remove the dust.
• Clean the impurities in the filter regularly. If there is any damage to the filter, it should be replaced immediately.

5. Maintenance of Air Compressor

• Before you start the maintenance process, the compressed air in the storage tank must be drained.
• Clean the air filters every 15 days.
• You can replace the filters every 1200 hours of operation.
• Replace the valve disc if necessary.

6. Maintenance of Air Dryer

• Depending on the air's humidity, you must drain the air and water 3 to 7 times in the refrigeration dryer.
• Clean the air filters every month.
• You must remove and clean the cooling fins of the air condenser once a month.
• Every six months, replace the air filters.

7. Maintenance of Regulated Power Supply

• Every month all the connection terminals in the regulator and the main circuit must be tightened.
• You must check the elasticity of the sliding carbon brush every three months. Use the dry compressed air to blow dust adhered to the components in the regulator.

Conclusion

It is important to keep maintenance as a priority and not compromise. Not all the steps discussed above will fit all metal fabricators, but they will help you maintain your laser machine. If you do not have any maintenance plans, this article will help you make one. Along with maintenance, if you ever change the spare parts, ensure the brand; generally Amada parts are of good quality. Using good quality spare parts will last longer and provide good quality laser cuts. You can buy good quality Amada laser parts, trumpf laser parts, etc. online.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/7-points-to-consider-for-laser-cutting-maintenance

CNC Laser Machine: Mechanism, Types, Advantages, and Maintenance Tips

There has been a constant demand in the manufacturing industry to update the machine in a way that it simplifies human work and at the same time deliver excellent quality products. The CNC laser machine was one such invention. A computer guided laser beam helps in producing high quality cuts in a short period of time. Here is some more information on CNC laser machines that will help you understand it better.

CNC Laser Cutter Mechanism

A CNC laser cutting machine relies on a computer instruction coming in from computer numerical control to perform the cutting operation.

These machines do not come in contact with the cutting material as there is a thermal based process. It has a laser head that contains a focusing lens and a nozzle. So the laser beam is focused with the help of the nozzle head and lens to the workpiece. The machine moves in the assigned shape to cut the workpiece by melting it into the desired shape.

It is obvious that when such a high powered laser beam is melting a high density metal, the surface will rapidly heat. To maintain the temperature of the laser head, the CNC machine controls the movement of the laser head and laser beam.

Types of CNC Laser Cutting Machine

The laser cutters are categorized based on the components and state of the laser medium. Here are the three main types of lasers.

• CNC Fiber Laser Cutter

They use diodes to create the laser beam which is focused through a fiber optic cable. It is a faster and cleaner approach to cut metals. They support a huge range of materials for the cutting process.

• CNC CO2 Laser Cutter

It uses carbon dioxide as the laser medium. This is the common type of laser cutter because it has high power output capability and high efficiency. They work best for cutting acute angles. It can cut metal sheets up to 10mm thick. 

• CNC Crystal Laser Cutter

This laser uses crystals like neodymium doped yttrium orthovanadate (Nd:YVO) and neodymium doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG). They have higher intensity than CO2 laser cutters which means they are ideal for thick metals. They are highly compatible with metals, wood, glass, as well as plastic.

Advantages of CNC Laser Cutting Process

Here is the list of advantages that a CNC laser cutting machine has over a conventional CNC machine.

• CNC laser cutters produce intricate designs and holes. It has a high degree of precision and accuracy.
• The cuts produced are cleaner so that additional cleaning processes are eliminated.
• The risk of material distortion and contamination reduces because of its non-contact nature. This also means that it is good for producing items for the medical industry.

Maintenance Tips

Here are some maintenance tips to keep your laser machine receiving clean and sharp cuts.

• Regular Cleaning

To keep the machine and its surroundings clean is mandatory or else it might enter the equipment or cut. If the dust enters the machine then it can harm the machine as well. Especially the nozzle head or the focus lens. Focus lenses also get easily ruined when they're not cleaned properly. To save yourself from any mishaps in future, regularly clean the machine before and after starting the cutting process. Also, ensure to replace the parts like nozzles, lens, lubricating oil, etc. on a regular basis to receive clean cuts every day. You can buy good quality cuts like amada parts, trumpf parts, etc. online.

• Clean Filters and Cutting Head

If you use the laser cutter for longer hours it is recommended to replace the ceramic ring and nozzle daily. You can buy good quality amada laser parts, trumpf laser parts, etc. online from authorized dealers. If the nozzle gets damaged during the cutting process, it must be quickly replaced. You must ensure that the dust collection baskets are clean. If you use the laser cutter intensively, it must be clean multiple times a day. The operator can decide the cleaning cycle based on the workload.

Conclusion

The CNC laser cutter has changed the way manufacturing industries operate. The cutting process is now much smoother and delivers clean cuts in a very short time. Businesses have started adopting CNC laser cutting machines and are receiving the benefits of it. To always receive the best quality cuts it is a good practice to start with the demo sheets. You can change the settings if you find any problem with the cut. Once everything is set, start with the large batch of your order.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/cnc-laser-machine-mechanism-types-advantages-and-maintenance-tips

Laser Cutting vs Plasma Cutting: The Ultimate Comparison

The invention of CNC machines has made the cutting process more efficient compared to manual cutting methods. The manufacturers or the businesses that require cutting processes are highly inclined toward these two most famous computer-controlled processes known as Laser Cutting and Plasma Cutting. There are advantages and disadvantages that both these cutting methods have when we compare the thickness of the material, type of material, the precision of the cut, cost, etc. Let us understand both these methods in detail and then compare it to know which suits your business requirement the best.

What is Laser Cutting?

Laser cutting is a cutting technology controlled by computer numerical control (CNC) to slice materials by the amplified laser light. It has a high precision rate as it is controlled by a CNC machine and not manually.

 

The cut is made on the metal by focusing the laser light on a small point using the optics. When the laser light enters the optical lens, it will become smaller and hotter. The temperature at the focused point increases which melts and cuts the workpiece leaving the edge smooth and of a high-quality finish.

 

What is Plasma Cutting?

The plasma cutting involves cutting through electrically conductive materials by using an accelerated jet of hot plasma. It can melt any hard material. It has been in use for decades and is still one of the best cutting methods.

The one thing about plasma cutting is that it works only for electrically conductive materials like stainless steel, steel, brass, aluminum, and copper. Plasma is extremely hot during the process as it uses ionized gas and not naked flame. The temperature is usually determined by the plasma torch. It also uses a CNC machine to control the whole cutting process, leaving smooth finish cuts.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Laser Cutting

Here are some advantages of the laser cutting machine when compared to some general cutting methods:

1. The cuts are so precise and smooth that they can be directly used for cutting without grinding.
2. The laser cutting machine is faster than other cutting processes like plasma cutting.
3. The cutting quality of laser machines is much higher and it leaves behind minimum deformation, low surface roughness, and minimal oblique cutting edge.
4. Apart from metal, it can also be used to cut wood, plastic, rubber, PVC, textile, leather, etc.

However, the laser cutting has a couple of disadvantages as well:

1. The laser cutting machine is a little expensive as the initial investment and the maintenance are costly.
2. Laser cutters have lower efficiency when it comes to thick plates which means it is more suitable for thin plates.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Plasma Cutting

Here are some points where plasma cutting has an edge over laser cutting.

1. It is highly suitable for thick plates. It can achieve high cutting speed when compared to laser and flame cutting.
2. The initial investment is lower compared to lasers. Moreover, the maintenance cost is also low.

 

There are a few disadvantages of the plasma cutting machine which make it less favorable than the laser cutting machines.

1. The plasma cutter has poor perpendicularity and it will leave a large oblique cutting edge.
2. It produces slag at the bottom of the cutting process during the cutting. To maintain the quality of the cut, this slag must be removed by grinding which adds up the labor cost.
3. During the cutting process, it releases harmful dust and arc light.
4. It consumes more cutting nozzles which cost a lot of money.

Laser Cutting Vs Plasma Cutting: Comparison

1. The laser cutting machine makes lesser damage to its workpiece when compared to the plasma cutting machine. The plasma cutter requires frequent changes of consumables like nozzles and torches. The damaged consumable can cause damage to the cutting plate and affect the quality of the cut as well. So while using the plasma cutting machine, ensure to use good quality consumables like amada laser parts, trumpf laser parts, prima consumables, etc.
2. The laser has more focused light whereas the plasma has a slightly larger cutting point. So small cuts are more clearer and precise in laser than in plasma.
3. The speed of the laser cutting is more than that of the plasma cutting machine.
4. The laser cutting machine leaves behind smooth and good quality cuts. Also, it produces less heat during the cutting. Thus, there are lesser chances of thermal deformation of the workpiece, saving the material from any kind of damage. Also, the edge is perfect which avoids any kind of secondary process. The only thing you need to be careful of is the thickness of the plate as plates of higher thickness do not perform well with laser cutters.
5. The accuracy of the plasma cutter is less but the maintenance and environmental requirements for cutting are less compared to laser. So for products that do not require high precision, plasma is the most cost-effective choice as the maintenance cost is low. Good quality consumables like amada parts, trumpf consumables are easily available online. Also, the skill requirement is low and it is easy to operate for the operators.

Conclusion

Every business has its own requirements. Some businesses require the use of non-conducting materials, then for them, laser cutters are the best. On the other hand, some businesses have thick sheets to cut, then for them, plasma cutting is preferable. If the type of material is not the issue then budget might be an issue because just buying the machine is not enough. 

To enjoy getting the best output from the machine, it is important to maintain the machine. You can easily find the amada parts, trumpf and prima parts online. For that, all you need to do is Google “amada laser parts” or “trumpf laser parts” and you will have a list of the suppliers. 

We hope these comparisons will help you choose the cutter that fits best your needs.

Source:

https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/laser-cutting-vs-plasma-cutting-the-ultimate-comparison

Maintenance of a Laser Cutting Machine

Proper maintenance of laser cutting machine is essential and has many benefits like:

• It enhances the longevity of your laser machine
• It ensures that the laser can perform at an optimum level
• It saves your money with less need for replacements

Maintenance is important to keep the laser machine clean of fumes, debris, smoke, and other dirt. Because that accumulation will cause system failures someday, and maintenance is the key to preventing it. But investing in good quality laser parts like amada laser parts is equally important to prevent damage. So, in this article, we will have a look at some tips you can follow to maintain your laser machine regularly.

How to Maintain Your Laser Machine

General Maintenance

You need to carry out general maintenance tasks on your laser machine regularly. Dust with the debris is inevitably going to form in every laser machine. But you can minimize its effect on the machine's efficiency and final output by cleaning up your machine's cabinet, bed, and everywhere. This intense cleaning can only prevent the effect of debris on the final product. You need to ensure that you let the machine cool down completely before starting any cleaning process. You should also ensure that you have invested in all the necessary spare parts for each laser part. Here, choosing quality spare parts like amada spare parts is important to boost the performance of the machine.

Laser Cutter Cleaning

Some hard materials such as woods, acrylic, and MDF release more residue and flammable oils. This dirt can affect the machine's components and can potentially initiate fire if not taken care of. Cleaning the cutter is as important as the cleaning the whole machine. This dirt gets accumulated most on the cutter and the surface where the cutting is done.

So, ensure that you do regular cleaning of the laser cutter with suitable solutions to prevent the dirt from getting on the products and enhance the laser machine's efficiency. For laser cutter cleaning, you need some supplies like a suitable liquid solution, soft brushes, paint scraper, pipe cleaners, stiff bristle brushes, and napkins.

Air-assist Compressor

You need to check if the air-assist compressor is working correctly. For this, you need to check for any obstruction in elements of filtration that might be present in the delivery hose from the compressor. You need to ensure that there is no obstruction from the starting point to the nozzle. Reduced airflow towards the nozzle often increases the risk of the flame breaking out on materials of the laser cutting machine. So, you must check the airflow of the entire machine.

Maintaining Optics

Dirty optics has the potential to reduce the laser beam's strength. You can visually check if the optics need cleaning or not. You need to check the optics regularly, otherwise, you will notice poor results such as untidy cutting, blurry lines, etc. It is important to clean the optics because dirt can combust or burn into the optic's surface. This will permanently damage the optics. Cleaning them after every 10 hours is ideal, but it also depends on what type of material you are using. You can take an IPA solution or acetone solution on gentle cotton buds for cleaning the optics by yourself.

Winter Maintenance

Did you know that the drop-in temperature during the winter months in your area can change the results of your laser machine? In extra-cold weather or surrounding, your machine will require extra attention and proper regulations. You can ensure that the room where the laser machine is kept is between 0°C-5°C. You can even use a good antifreeze to maintain the temperature of your machine. Here, you will need to avoid using any colored automotive colane as it can rust the coils and damage the seals of your machine's chiller. Here, using quality parts like amada laser parts can prevent damage from weather.

Maintaining Chiller

The heat produced by laser machines needs regulation. You can choose water chillers as they are an effective method of keeping the temperature down. This will ensure that the tube does not overheat. It is important to keep a close eye on the chiller's temperature. You need to locate the filters in the chiller after every few weeks. You also need to check if the water has started contaminating, and if it has, then you need to change it. You can use distilled or deionized water. Avoid using regular water as it can encourage bacterial growth that can clog the piping area.

Sodium hypochlorite (also known as bleach) is corrosive to some metals like copper and stainless steel. Thus, this solution needs to be avoided while maintaining any laser machine accessories. There is a chloride ion present in the bleach, which is an oxidizing agent. It attacks the passive layer on the metal, which causes localized damage. Even the trace amounts of bleach can form rust as stainless steel gets corroded gradually. This disrupts the efficiency of the machine.

Conclusion

I would like to conclude this article by offering you a checklist to maintain your laser machine. This information may vary according to the material you use.

For weekly maintenance, you can:

• Check water level
• Clean lens with Acetone/Alcohol
• Oil runners with light oil
• Clean optics
• Remove debris from the machine base
• Clean machine bed

For monthly maintenance, you can:

• Clean mirrors
• Oil rise and fall of laser bed
• Clean impeller on the fan unit
• Change the water if contaminated
• Clean filter in chiller

You can get your machine to a service store for full machine/s service annually. Also, you must keep quality amada spare parts for each laser parts in case of any last minute requirements. Good quality parts ensure to give your output the same finishing as that of the original.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/maintenance-of-a-laser-cutting-machine

Complete Guide to Laser Ablation

 We have heard and read a lot about laser engraving, cutting, and marking. In this article, we are going to discuss laser ablation. Let’s understand what it is, its process, and factors one needs to consider.

What is laser ablation?

It is a process in which using laser beam precision it removes layers of solid metals. The beam will irradiate the surface and expose it to radiation.

What is the process of laser ablation?

The process works by focusing a laser on a substrate and removes material that is on the surface. The amount it removes depends on the intensity, pulse length, and wavelength of the laser and material. The area absorbs the laser and breaks down the chemical bond in that area. While choosing a laser machine try to choose the one which has  Trumpf laser parts or Amada laser parts.

With a low level of laser flux, the material which focuses absorbs the laser energy and changes to a gaseous state. The higher level of laser flux, the material it focuses upon usually converts to plasma. It is possible to undergo the process using pulsed fiber laser and continuous-wave laser. The first method is very common due to the high level of laser intensity.

Laser ablation has many benefits over traditional methods of processes like thin-film removal.

Whereas, another solution has to undergo many processes i.e. costly, time-consuming, inflexible, and has high risks. The process is more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective.

What are the uses of laser ablation?

The ablation process has many usages. The whole process undergoes with least heat useful to transfer the surrounding material. This means the process will have no effect on the parts of the materials which you don’t use. It is great on materials like plastic, metal, ceramic, biological tissues, etc.

This advancement in fiber lasers helps you focus on small specific spots to get the correct results. It also determines the concentration levels of a particular chemical or material on a surface. You can achieve it by generating bright plasma on the surface and then analyzing this to see what is present.

It is a friendly process to determine chemical analysis compared to traditional methods.

You can use this process to deposit a film on a surface and produce things like nanomaterial or superconducting materials. You can also use this for the micro structuring of an object.

Following are some of the major factors you should consider for laser ablation:

1. Wavelength:

Select wavelength using the least absorption depth. It is useful to have high energy deposition with a small volume, this results in a quick and efficient ablation outcome.

2. Pulse Duration:

It is good to use short pulse durations so you can perform at most peak power. Further, you can cut the thermal damage which inflicts on the surrounding area and this reduces due to the precise nature of the process.

3. Pulse Repetition Rate:

The pulse repetition rate needs to be high so that the heat caused due to ablation is proper. This results in a more successful ablation as energy waste will reduce.

4. Beam Quality:

The laser beam needs to have enough quality to perform the process. The quality of the beam determines its brightness, focus ability, and homogeneity. The beam size will also need control so that you don’t ablate in large areas.

5. Application Areas:

Laser ablation is useful because of its precise, accurate, and friendly nature. It uses many different application areas and industries. Its ability to remove thin films has benefits for electronics and semiconductor industries. It is also useful in other industries like medical automotive, etc.

6. Laser parts:

A laser part of any machine plays a vital role. Remember to use the ones which are easy to find and replace when needed. Laser parts are important because they also determine the way laser machines function. Try to use machines which have Trumpf laser parts or Amada laser parts as they are easy to find and replace.

Conclusion:

Laser ablation is also as important as engraving, cutting, and marking. It too has a lot to contribute to the fabrication process and industry. Hence, along with knowledge of other verticals of laser machines, it is important to know about ablation and its uses.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/complete-guide-to-laser-ablation

All you Need to Know: COVID19 and Metal Fabricators

 The Covid19 pandemic disrupted lives, economies, businesses, and work structure. And the metal production industry is of no exception. However, if you work in the metalworking industry, you know how there’s a light at the end of the crisis tunnel.

Like many metal fabricators,  Laserfab, a Lebanon, Pa.-based job shop, faced a tough time initially. “When it all hit, everyone had questions. There was so much uncertainty as to how to proceed. And the guidance coming from the state government changed daily.” So, said Dain Zimmerman, business development manager, who added, “Uncertainty sums it up, really.”

But then businesses began to stabilize by the end of April 2020 as their lasers were cutting parts for hospital beds. The business is also fabricating stainless steel parts for test tubes in medical labs.

That order was huge for us,” Zimmerman said. “We’re cutting the same day we’re receiving material.”

This goes out to show that while many businesses are being temporarily shut, metal fabrication operation is at the forefront providing supplies. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently deemed metal manufacturing part of the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce.

What does the essential critical workflow include?

• Workers necessary for the manufacturing of metals and products needed for supply chains associated with food and agriculture

• Workers necessary for the manufacturing and maintenance of equipment and other infrastructure necessary for mining production and distribution

• Workers needed to maintain the continuity of these manufacturing functions and associated supply chains

So, the manufacturing industry including metal fabricators is essential to maintain certain services majorly food and agriculture that Americans depend on during the pandemic. 

How is metal fabricator helping in feed and grain storage?

Even during extreme climate changes, a customized metal fabricator will help protect the bins and silos. 

A metal fabricator can apply the following techniques:

• Hot-dip galvanizing (HDG) to coat the metal in corrosion-resistant zinc

• Spot or metal arc welding to fuse silo or hopper parts together prior to galvanizing

• Additional fabrication detailing, such as adding metal fasteners that are compatible with the zinc coating

 Custom metal fabrications are helping not just in feed and grain but also in—

• Mining production and distribution

• Oil and gas

• Essential manufacturers who require custom-fabricated metal storage and infrastructure support

A key to adding precision and efficiency to this growing demand for metal fabricators is laser technology. Laser metal cutters are popular for the precision they provide. If you make the cut with lasers, the result will be smooth and clean. It will also save time and reduce costs by eliminating waste and reducing manpower. 

Laser cutters are also efficient in cutting a variety of materials like stainless steel, mild steel, plastic, leather, or titanium that have different thickness.

Lasers can cut, join, and subtract material. You can also add materials with the help of laser metal deposition or 3D printing. You can make the changes in power levels, pulse frequencies, and energy densities via beam diameter manipulation.

If you are looking for laser parts, go for popular brands like Amada laser parts or Prima Spare Parts that offer quality solutions.

The changes in technology, for instance, a C02 laser beam allows for constant laser beam length that will help you deliver a consistent cutting performance. Therefore, the result is clean, and precise cuts every time.

To get the best out of metal fabrication, you must utilize the most efficient methods for cutting. Avoid mistakes, waste materials, and complex programming. This will increase both time and expense. 

Final Remarks

In this crisis, metal fabricators are in a better place. High customer demand is preventing a major downturn in this space. Moreover, using efficient laser parts can add to the efficiency of your machines which will allow you to serve in the best possible way. You can buy  Amada laser parts or Prima Spare Parts to get the best possible results.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/2020/09/09/All-you-Need-to-Know-COVID19-and-Metal-Fabricators

How Laser-cutting Technology Works in the Leather Industry

We have been using leather for years. This material is famous for its ability to retain shape and design in every product. We can easily cut and shape the material because it is light and strong.  This makes it a versatile material and products of leather like shoes, gloves, hats, bags, etc. have immense value in the market. Technology has made it possible to use leather not just for clothing but also for other articles like automobile seats, book bindings, fashion accessories, and furniture.

Earlier traditional technologies like stone knives, bone needles, die press techniques and manual cutting were famous for cutting leather. The value of the product with manual cutting was not determined by its usage but by its design features. The major disadvantage was that these technologies would operate at a slow speed, require manpower and the result was of average quality. Over the years, laser cutting has become a popular technology used to enhance leather’s scope of functionality. 

What is Laser-cutting?

Laser cutting is a process that uses a laser to cut different materials from metallic to non-metallic elements. The use of the laser is for both industrial and artistic applications. Laser cutting uses a high-power laser which directs through optics and computer numerical control (CNC) to direct the beam or material. The gas vaporizes the beam which burns and leaves behind a high-quality surface finished edge.  

Role of laser-cutting in Leather industry:

The reason why laser technology is popular in the leather industry is because it provides high quality cutting in a short period of time. 

Laser-cutting in leather works with the help of two things- laser beam and computer technology. With high-energy, high-power-density carbon-dioxide laser beams you can cut leather speedily and efficiently. Plus, the digital and automatic technologies of the machine enhance the cutting capabilities. 

To cut a leather piece, a CO2 laser beam focuses on a small spot. By doing so, the focal point achieves high power density which converts photon energy into heat thus creating holes on the material. Despite the residual heat, the material is not prone to deformation because of the cut seam that hole produces.  Moreover, the size of the lather also remains consistent. Computer graphic designs are generally in use to increase efficiency. 

On the other end, C02 laser cutting is popular to engrave leather materials in shoes, bags, and other industries. The cutting speed generally reaches 5-30 mm per second while the engraving speed may reach 600 mm per second.

There are other two important processes of laser-cutting in leather:

Nesting: It is a process of positioning parts that are to be cut in such a way that there is minimum waste. The disadvantage of this process is that it does not assure complete utilization of the material. This process can also be challenging in case of large-scale production. To overcome this challenge, today, the usage of nesting software has increased.

Cutting sequence: the aim of this process is to complete the cutting procedure by finding the shortest path. 

Laser parts from manufacturers like Amada Laser Parts and Bystronic Spare Parts provide quality parts of the machine that increases the machine’s ability to engrave the leather. 

Following are the leather types suitable for laser cutting: 

• Natural leather- it is unfinished leather used for producing dyed leathers
• Suede leather- a type of leather with a napped finish, commonly used for jackets, shoes, shirts, purses, furniture, and other items.
• Synthetic leather- also known as artificial leather, substitute for leather in upholstery, clothing, footwear, and other uses
•  Alcantara leather- a common synthetic material used in automotive applications

Advantages of laser-cutting:

• Laser beams allow manufacturers to have clean and sealed edged cuts that reduce chafing of the leather.
• It requires less power for cutting.
• Have higher production speed. This helps you finish more products in less time.  
• Production of standard quality products.
• CIM system laser helps you manufacture identical designs.
• Laser cutters are precise enough to produce intricate designs as compared to manual cutting.
• It is contact-free. You will not require manpower for this.

To avail the best benefits, it is necessary to choose a machine that fulfills your requirements. You can do this by online research. Manufacturers like Amada Laser Parts and Bystronic Spare Parts provide quality, long-lasting and efficient products.

Disadvantages of laser-cutting:

• The natural quality of leather is variant. Due to this laser-cutting needs experimentation to operate the machine successfully.
• As the laser vaporizes and burns down the material, flames occur. But you can solve this issue by placing the machine in a ventilated area. 

Conclusion:

The wide range of features and advantages of laser cutter makes it an attractive tool for designers in the leather industry. If you are looking for laser machines for your enterprise, we recommend looking for reputed brands like Amada Laser Parts and Bystronic Spare Parts.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/2020/09/04/How-Laser-cutting-Technology-Works-in-the-Leather-Industry

Prevention Techniques to Avoid Laser Burns

The most common material to cut and engrave using a laser cutting machine is wood. But, the problem with laser cutters is that there will be laser burn marks around the edges of the wood.

So, in this article, we will learn about the ways you can overcome the issue of burn marks. 

The major reason behind this is the fumes and debris emitted while the cutting process is going on. There are multiple ways you can overcome this problem. We will see each of them as we walk ahead.

These burn marks don’t occur on every material you will cut, but laser cutters will incinerate, vaporize, or melt certain materials depending on the composition.

1. Factors that lead to laser burn

As we read earlier, laser burn occurs due to fumes or debris when a laser touches the wood surface. Because of the high temperatures, fumes scorch the surface right around where the laser beam cuts materials.

If we think, what is happening is that a CO2 laser finely burns through some materials like wood. Hence, you might see at least some browning or amber color along the edges of a cut particle.

Some amount of charring is acceptable but becomes problematic when it turns excessive and is not looking good. The most significant charring and scorching appear chiefly on combustible materials. 

Other materials like acrylic usually appear slightly melted or glossy but are hardly noticeable where laser beam cuts. Many times, burn marks appear where the laser comes in contact with the cutting bed as it slices through the reverse side of the material.

While working with laser cutting machines different parts of the machines also play a major role. You need to take care that the machine parts are according to the standard of the market i.e. it has parts like Trumpf eco nozzle, Amada laser parts, etc.

2. Preventing laser burn

Let’s discuss some of the prevention tips you can take for laser burn marks. 

• Use Tape

One way of makeshift measure that works for a lot of people is the everyday use of masking tape. You can find and purchase it at the office supply or arts and crafts stores. Using this tape, you can cover the wooden surface before cutting it. Remove the tape once you finish cutting the design.

This method works well because it prevents the edges of engraved particles from being stained. The removal of the tape may be a time-consuming process but, in the end, it will turn out to be a worthy process.

• Types of tapes:

If you are cutting wood that has an uneven grain or high moisture content, then you’ll need to rely on a higher tack masking tape. The low tack variety may not offer sufficient protection since it will peel off too easily.

• Application Tape:

This is a similar process as using masking tape. But, this material can be found in your everyday arts and craft store. The lower the tack the cheaper the material is to acquire in general.

If the low-quality application tape doesn’t hold well, then use the higher tack. Apply all the application tape to the entire surface of the wood you need to cut. Make sure to smooth out all bubbles beforehand or it can lead to results that are even worse. 

3. Other preventative techniques

Here are some of the tips you can follow if the above ones are not working well:

• Adjust the focus of the laser: To do this, you have to switch the setting of your machine to “manual” and then back out the focus of the laser. Suppose, if you slightly lower the focus it will keep the level of smoke at bay while still allowing for the cuts to be on the material. Also remember to use laser machines that have parts like Trumpf eco nozzle, Amada laser parts that match market standards.
• Immerse thin plywood or other woods in water before cutting them
• Avoid cutting thick wood
• Make sure to use air assist while cutting wood. It is just a compressed air that redirects to the point where the laser beam meets the material. The constant stream of air can reduce scorching on a variety of surfaces.

4. Removing burns

Following are some of the things you can follow to remove burns:

• If you don’t have charring, try using a little bit of fine-tooth sandpaper on the edges as long as it doesn’t risk the details of the project.
• You can also use the normal brush to scrub the small areas and parts like the Trumpf eco nozzle and Amada laser parts to keep the machine clean.

Final Words:

It is very important to give your clients a perfect product that does not have any burns, cuts, or any other stains. As a fabricator, it is wise to know which type of laser cutting machine to use, other simple hacks, and more.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/2020/07/22/Prevention-Techniques-to-Avoid-Laser-Burns