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

Applications of Laser Engraving Machine is Fabric Industry

 Laser engraving and cutting has a lot of applications in the apparel, fabric, textile, garment, and leather industry.

Here, we are going to discuss the applications of laser engraving/cutting machines in the fabric industry.

1. Fabric Fault Detection:

When we receive a fabric at the garment production unit, you can detect the faults using morphological image processing. It uses laser based optical fourier transform analysis for fault detection. It detects by repeating patterns at regular intervals.

The fabric focuses on a laser and receives diffraction gratings. they are from periodicity of longitudinal and traverse threads in fabric.

It uses a fourier lens /to produce a diffraction pattern of the fabric. Whereas, the second fourier lens has the same focal length, and magnifies and inverts the test sample image. Try to use laser machines which have Trumpf eco nozzle and Prima parts.

A charge coupled device camera captures the image, transfers and stores it in a computer. The computer program compares the images with existing ones and converts them in binary mode.

It reports a fault when the measured parameter deviates from the standard. Remember, the severity of the fault depends on the amount of deviation.

2. Laser Cutting:

The fashion designers are currently adopting laser cutting in garment manufacturing. In synthetic fabrics laser cutting produces well finished edges as the laser melts and fuses the edge. This avoids the problem of fraying produced by conventional knife cutters. Laser cutting increases use for leather due to the precision of cut components. In the jewelry industry laser cutting is useful to produce new and unusual designs. It produces a fusion of apparel design and jewelry style.

In laser cutting it uses lasers to cut the fabric into your desired shapes. A very fine laser focuses on the fabric surface, it increases the temperature, and cutting takes place due to vaporization.

The gas lasers are useful for cutting of fabric. The cutting machine contains a source of laser. A cutting head fits with mirrors and reflects the laser beam to the cutting line. It utilizes a computer to control the entire system and a suitable means for removing the cut parts.

The application of inert gases during cutting prevents the burn and removes debris and smoke. The mechanical cutting devices of a laser beam do not become blunt and need sharpening.

Automatic single laser cutters are faster than automatic many knife cutters. While cutting many plies, knife cutters are faster per garment cut and also cheaper.

The limitation of laser cutting is the number of lays of the fabric which can be useful to cut by the beam. Best result happens with cutting a single or a few layers. But, the accuracy and precision obtains with several plies.

There are chances of the cut edges to fuss together especially in case of synthetics. Often the edges of cut patterns and sewn garment are essential and prevent fraying.

3. Mass Customization:

Mass customization is useful when custom fit garments depend on the body dimensions and individual’s choice. The first thing to mass customize garments is the accurate measurement of a person. Laser scanning technology is one of the major techniques useful for measurement.

Laser scanning technology uses one or many thin and sharp stripe lasers to measure body size. Cameras are useful to get the scene and assist the laser scanner. To avoid the harm of the beam, it uses only eye safe lasers. It uses optical devices like mirrors which can be useful to assist a single laser beam.

Laser scanning unit consists of light sensors and optical systems. Numerous light sensors and optical systems can defer. Trying using laser machines which have Trumpf eco nozzle and Prima parts as they are easy to replace.

Conclusion:

There are many applications of laser engraving in the field of fashion industry. Today most of the people in the fashion industry use laser machines to make sure their designs speak volumes. It completely changed the way we look and fashion today.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/applications-of-laser-engraving-machine-is-fabric-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

How to Maximize Your Laser Productivity

One of the great things about laser engraving and cutting systems is the speed with which they can etch a pattern or cut even the most intricate designs. Even though lasers can help create something beautiful, the process is time-consuming. Hence, laser operators are always looking for ways to increase productivity.

As a laser operator, the first question you should ask is if you are running the laser efficiently or not. Does it have quality parts like Trumpf eco nozzle or prima optics?

So, here are a few tips and tricks you can use to ensure that you operate the laser machine efficiently.

1. Engraving multiple items in one batch:

Printing multiple times in one go reduces production time. Let’s say we have a project which requires engraving similar design on more than one item like plaques or coasters and then printing multiple pieces at once would be advisable.

According to research, engraving in batches helps users save their time by 37%. And if they have quality parts like Trumpf eco nozzle and prima optics, it makes your job easier and speedier. The number of batches you can engrave depends on the size of the table. To do this, you need to maximize the page size based on your laser machine table size in your graphic design program. You can fill up an entire table with a particular piece and engrave them all. Using a jig to space out items is very helpful and important.

2. Adjust the resolution:

If you wish to increase throughput, the resolution is a factor to definitely consider. The image is important in any engraving job the higher the DPI (dots per inch), the closer the DPI will be to engrave dots. This gives you a detailed engraved image but there are chances it might take a bit of a long engraving process. But, when you lower the engraving resolution a bit, you can increase your time savings by up to 33% or more.

To offset the low resolution, consider using different patterns found within the epilog print driver. Dithering takes the visual dot pattern that is visible with lower DPI and randomizes them. This helps them in hiding the low resolution as well. By getting the right combination of resolution and dithering pattern, it becomes easy for you to achieve a result that is perfect and takes less time.

3. Color Mapping:

You can use color mapping to save engraving time. For example – you have three columns each with 20 names. By default, the laser sees this as one image, and the laser head will travel over the white space between columns in order to engrave the entire graphic for printing. Using color mapping enables you to skip all the white space by assigning each column with a different color and associates engraving order. With the help of this method, the laser will engrave one column at a time, it passes over the white space between columns when it’s time to move to the set of names. This approach moves upwards at 43% but this rate also depends on the products you are engraving.

4. Pre-engrave items:

Customization is very popular and is a great business opportunity. But loading up the same designs, again and again, can be very difficult and boring as well. This also consumes lots of production time.

Hence, pre-engraving comes to your rescue. It helps you pre-engrave inventory before individual orders come in. You can easily pre-engrave the main graphics of the design on a batch of cutting boards. Pre-engraving is easier using laser machines having parts like Trumpf eco nozzle and prima optics.

You can pre-engrave any item be it on cutting boards, glasses, trays, etc. this will help you streamline your daily engraving tasks.

5. Use center engraving:

One more important thing is to use center engraving. It quickly sets up custom jobs on items like phone, awards, trophies, and many such which require center text or graphics. Center engraving makes it easy to work in different size items without the need to create a custom template for each of them. This feature allows users to move the laser from hand to the center of the object which they are engraving. They can also set the center point as the new home position and the laser will use the point to place the graphic. In comparison to setting up custom files and jigs, this method will help you to save a lot of time.

Final Words:

Being a fabricator and owning a laser engraving machine, you need to think wisely and think of the ways your business can grow. These tips and tricks will help you grow your business and enhance your skills by being more productive.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/2020/06/01/Co2-Laser-Vs-Diode-Laser-Which-one-is-right-for-you

Five Tips to Start Successful Laser Engraving Business

Want to start your own laser engraving business? Or thinking of adding a new vertical of laser cutting to your current business? To bring more diversity and uniqueness to your table. Or looking to add some creative side to the business which can help you earn extra?

If yes, then this article is the perfect place to start.

To help you understand and set up the laser engraving and cutting business, here we are with the steps you can follow:

1. Create a plan

Planning is the foundation for any business. Without planning you cannot move your business in the right direction. So, before you place an order for your laser engraving machine you need to create a strong business plan.

Make sure to:

• Determine your target.
• Understand your competitors.
• Describe your company’s vision precisely.
• Prepare a solid marketing plan.
• Figure out a structure for your business.
• Set funding.
• Create a budget.
• Add emotional touch to your products.

2. Set goals

You need to set a target and time limit to achieve those targets. Make a very minute set of goals like what do you want to accomplish in the next three months or six months or a year?

Understand, while preparing this target don’t set an unachievable goal. Set realistic goals that will help you get nearer to your goals. It even helps you to know exactly where you need to focus to grow your business to the next level. 

Setting goals gives you full control over the outcome of your business and it even provides you motivation to keep going further to achieve success.

3. Add value to your products

Adding personalization is trending. Many big brands like Starbucks, Spotify, etc. also add personalization to their offerings.

Thinking, why do they add up such things?

It’s simple. To promote their brand in a personalized way to stay relevant in this ever-changing market. People are ready to purchase and even pay premiums on the things with which they can relate. 

Millennials like to invest in things like personalized diaries, t-shirts, bottles, mugs, etc. Hence, you should study and try to understand the current trends of the market before finalizing your products. Also, to make quality products, invest in high-grade laser parts like Trumpf eco nozzle and precitec nozzles.

This will help you add value to your products and additionally, making it easier for you to promote your products.

In today’s era, personalization is the key and as a store owner, you need to work according to customers’ needs.

4. Promote your brand every day

For any business, marketing is the key to success. You cannot miss on this point as without marketing it is possible your business stops growing.

For laser engraving business, you need to understand that what you are offering is something unique and it is easy for people to miss it. Especially if you are making something intricate using Trumpf eco nozzle and precitec nozzles.

People think it is something they don’t really need. So, you need to show your products and educate your audience of the product.

Don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as you think. All you need to do is add some extra efforts in marketing whilst keeping the message same across all the channels.

The way you do marketing speaks a lot about your brand so make sure to prepare a proper plan before running your marketing campaign. 

Here, we have shared some ideas to market your laser engraving business:

Start by offering some giveaways to the community. Tie-up with some non-profit organizations and give them your products for free. 

This can be the foundation and at the same time, it will even help you introduce your company. You can even donate a few things like small signboards, placards, etc. Small giveaways like this will help you stand out and at the same time, they will even help you promote your brand.

5. Give yourself an opportunity to explore

It does not matter if designing is not your strong point. There are many online sites where you can download unique design files. These designs can be free or paid but you can easily use them and engrave them on your products.  A small price for bigger pays off.

Wrapping it up:

Laser engraving is a vast field. And you can easily explore it by taking a small risk. The tips described above will make sure that you don’t face any major obstacles while setting up your business. Also, only invest in quality laser machines and parts like Trumpf eco nozzle and precitec nozzles.