How to Maintain a Laser Machine

Businesses invest a huge amount on laser machines. To ensure this investment benefits your business for longer, you have to maintain it wisely. Routine maintenance benefits in many ways like always receiving the perfect cut quality and increasing the life of the machine. To increase ROI maintenance plays a vital role. There is not much required to do on a daily basis. You can set different routine patterns to ensure every part is maintained regularly. Here is the list of parts that requires maintenance and how you should do it.

Optics Maintenance

When the machine is on, there are dust particles released and if they are not cleaned, it can contaminate the lenses. The dust particles can pile up and can cause poor focus. This reduces the power of the laser. Furthermore, it will result in poor quality of cut or engraving.

If the dust particles on the lens are not cleaned regularly, it can lead to cracking or burning of the lens. If this ever happens the machines need to stop and the lenses should be replaced. You can prevent such incidents by regularly cleaning the lens with rubbing alcohol and cloth.

It is also a good practice to replace the lenses on regular intervals based on the usage of the machine. You can find good quality mitsubishi replacement parts, trumpf replacement parts, amada, prima, etc. online. You must always buy replacement parts from authorized dealers.

Water Chiller Maintenance

The laser machine heats up when in use. So, to maintain the temperature of the laser machine, water is circulated to save from overheating of the laser tube. If the water in the chiller is not circulating properly or the water is not changed regularly, it can result in failure of the laser tube due to heating. 

The repair can cost your business tons.

So, for maintaining the chiller properly, the water in it should be cleared of debris and it should be replaced every six months or earlier in case of heavy usage. Thus, with little attention that a water chiller needs, it can extend the life of your laser machine.

Rail and Track Maintenance

The parts that actually move while the machine is on needs to be clean in order to ensure that nothing interrupts the movement. Regular oiling is required, so that there is no friction while it moves. The X-axis rail needs regular oiling. The Y-axis of the rails consists of bearings so it requires lubrication to save it from premature failure. So, regular lubrication is required in the moving rails so that they can move freely and form beautiful clean cuts.

Cutting Head

The cutting head is from where the laser is emitted. It has a nozzle, and lens inside it. The nozzles get weared out after every use. So it is advisable to change them regularly. You can invest in good quality nozzles to ensure the quality of cuts. You can google “mitsubishi laser spare parts” or “trumpf laser spare parts” and you will find dealers selling those. Installation of the nozzle should be done by certified technicians only as they will know how to fix it properly. If the nozzle is not fixed properly it might damage the machine or the cutting sheet.

Some Maintenance Tips

You must have technicians who can design routine maintenance sheets based on the workload your laser machine has. There are some cleaning processes like cleaning the surroundings, lenses, etc. daily after every use. Also, keep in mind the manufacturer's direction for maintenance as different brands have their own way of dealing with the machine. If you work in shifts then the cleaning processes should be done after completing every shift.

Conclusion

To save laser machines for longer, the way you maintain it matters. The above article explains what parts require maintenance and how you can do it. Every machine has its own instruction manual which should be strictly followed. The maintenance routine depends on how long you will be using the machine. So customize your own maintenance routine from your technician and follow them religiously to keep your machine healthy.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/how-to-maintain-a-laser-machine

What Are Laser Cutting Machines and Why We Use Them

Laser cutting machines are widely accepted by the manufacturing industry because they simplify the cutting processes that earlier took longer time. Also the risk involved was high as all the processes were manually. With CNC laser machines all these problems were solved. They are faster and deliver more efficient results.

The investment of laser machines can be reimbursed in a short period of time as your business’s productivity will increase. If you are an entrepreneur looking to invest in a laser machine, read this article to know how a laser cutting machine works and why you should use it.

What is Laser Cutting?

The manufacturing industries have now started using CNC machines to speed up the production process. This machine also helps with laser cutting. So the CNC machine gives commands to the laser machine to make the cut. The 2D vector files are used to guide the laser.

The laser beam is created in a closed container by stimulation of lasing materials through electric discharge. The amplification of the laser beam is done by reflecting the beam through partial mirrors. This process is continued till the required energy levels are achieved and it forms a monochromatic light. 

The laser beam is guided to material by CNC signals. The intensity of the light beam increases after it enters the fiber optics and gets reflected by multiple lenses. Melting and vaporizing of the material takes place after the laser beam is focused on the cutting sheet. To acquire clean edges of cuts, the air compressor is used to blow away the rest.

Benefits of Using a Laser Cutting Machine

Here are some benefits to convince you why you must invest in a laser cutting machine.

• Highly Precise and Accurate

The laser cutting machines have high precision as it delivers a focused light beam. The laser is powerful and has a small diameter. However, the accuracy of melting the cutting sheet is high. The tolerance level of the laser cutting machines are high and so it's an ideal choice for the aerospace industry.

• Affordable

With CNC machines in the laser cutting machine, you do need to add multiple tools for different types of cuts. There is no modification required in the machine for different cuts. Also, the surface lasts longer as there is no physical contact of the laser with the surface. The cost of maintenance is less as compared to other cutting methods. You only need to change consumables at regular intervals. To always receive the best quality cuts you must always buy good quality trumpf laser consumables or amada laser consumables from authorized suppliers.

• Best Fit for Complex Jobs

There are certain jobs that are too complex for the cutting machine. But the laser cutting machines can work on even thinnest edges of any material. To save your cutting sheet from  any type of distortion, CNC laser machines can apply complex geometries to get the best cut. Also, the laser cutters have a broad tolerance level and are useful for a large number of materials.

• Less Wastage

A laser cutter produces a tiny amount of waste. This means that the utilization of the sheet is maximum. Thus, the production cost reduces as you get the most out of the metal sheet and you would have less waste material.

• Less Damage

The laser cutting machine ensures prevention of warping of cutting sheets. Some people believe that as the laser beam produces heat, it affects the other parts of the sheet. But the truth is that heat affects only the small area on the material and it does not affect the tolerance. The speed of the laser machines is high, avoiding any kind of distortion and warping of the cutting sheet.

• Low Power Consumption

Cutting processes usually consume a lot of power. However, the laser cutting machine does not have moving parts and so it reduces energy consumption. Also, the machine is fast and so it completes the task fast. So reduction in energy consumption means reduction in operation cost.

• Highly Compatible

You can get the most out of the laser cutting machines because they are compatible with a wide range of materials. Additionally, they are also useful in processes like marking, engraving, and drilling. It supports not only metals but also wood, plastic and some non-metals.

Conclusion

The laser cutting machines have amazing advantages that can help your business. Maintaining the machine helps in receiving good quality cuts. You should carefully clean the laser machine and ensure that the consumables are replaced regularly. You can find suppliers that sell good quality trumpf parts, amada parts, etc. online. A good quality spare parts lasts longer and helps in maintaining the quality of cut.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/what-are-laser-cutting-machines-and-why-we-use-them

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

Everything You Need To Know About Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

The fiber laser machines are useful for a wide range of applications. Fiber laser uses different wavelengths to cut metal and non-metals. They can be used for cutting, welding, marking, texturing, cleaning, drilling, etc.

Fiber lasers offer speed and accuracy both. A fiber laser will use optical fibers to create a laser beam. The laser beam is transported to the cutting head. The laser is then condensed down to arrow beams and then used to cut metals of various thicknesses.

They are used across a range of infrastructure and manufacturing apps that can enhance strength and efficiency. 

Let us discuss laser machines in detail.

How Does a Fiber Laser Cutting Machine Work?

Fiber laser produces a high-power laser beam by using stimulated radiation. The laser diode emits light, which is sent to the fiber optic cable to amplify. The powerful laser when hits the surface of the material, then the light is absorbed and converted to heat which will melt the surface. The airflow parallel to the laser beam blows away molten material. This allows the workpiece to cut the sheet. The first contact of the laser with the sheet will pierce the sheet.

  

The laser machine uses computerized digital control that allows the cutting of data from the CAD. They control either the surface of the material or the laser produces a specific pattern. The machine has dual interchangeable platforms, and it is easy to load and unload materials. Thus, this ensures the speedy cutting process with accuracy. The parts that require replacement should be changed immediately. You can use bystronic spare parts, amada spare parts, trumpf spare parts, etc.

Materials Compatible With the Fiber Laser

A fiber laser machine is useful in cutting carbon steel, copper, brass, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, etc. The fiber laser can also cut reflective materials, which other lasers like CO2 laser are unable to do. Fiber lasers have become much more advanced, and they are able to cut more types of metal fabricators. Good quality spare parts like bystronic spare parts, amada spare parts, trumpf spare parts, etc. will also make a difference. Manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure industries use sheet metals a lot, and thus they prefer laser machines. However, laser machines are gaining popularity in the creative world to make art, sculpture, engraving, etc.

How Thick Your Metal Sheet Should Be?

Different fiber laser machines have different cutting capabilities. But mostly all fiber laser cutting machines can cut metals upto 13mm thickness. Whereas the high power laser machines with 10lW power can cut 2mm, aluminum and stainless steel upto 30mm. To receive the best cut in the thicker material the spare parts must also be up to the mark. You can buy bystronic spare parts, amada spare parts, etc. online. 

Advantages Of Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

There are so many advantages that show why metal fabricators use fiber laser machines. Some of the advantages are:

• The machine can adjust according to your industry type
• Useful for a wide range of materials
• Machines are capable of adapting different wavelengths, ranges and speeds
• Better cutting efficiency with reduced time
• High beam quality for a cleaner edge
• Low power consumption saves costs
• No heat risk despite high power production

Disadvantages Of Fiber Laser Cutting

Not everything is perfect, and fiber lasers come with some disadvantages. This list will help you determine whether the fiber laser machine is right for your business or not.

• Fiber laser machines and its components are expensive
• Low powered laser machine provide low-quality cuts with thicker materials
• Lesser finish compared to CO2 lasers

Applications Of Fiber Laser Cutting Machines

Fiber laser cutting machines are useful for different industries. Here are some of them:

• Automotive Industry: Useful in the production of parts of the car, like doors, breaks, and exhaust pipes.
• Kitchenware Industry: Many kitchen vessels are made from stainless steel processed by fiber laser cutters.
• Home Appliance Manufacturing: Laser machines are used by this industry to improve the quality of the appliances and optimize their appearance.
• Lighting Manufacturing: The pipes in the outdoor lamps are shaped with laser machines.
• Decor & Art Manufacturing: Fiber lasers are useful in creating graphic designs and patterns in metal sheets. Custom pieces for decorations can be crafted with the machines.

Conclusion

Most of the products in our homes or surroundings have gone through a laser machine at some point. With the results that fiber lasers give, more and more industries have started including laser machines in their process. It helps them improve the appearance of the product. To keep your machine running for a long, regularly replace it with bystronic parts, fancy parts, amada parts, trumpf parts, etc.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/everything-you-need-to-know-about-fiber-laser-cutting-machine

Plasma Cutting Machine: Function, Advantages, and Disadvantages

There are multiple metal cutters in the market. To cut thick metal sheets, plasma cutters are widely used.

Plasma cutting is a thermal cutting method where ionized gas is used to cut the metals. Plasma is the fourth state of matter found in the upper parts of the earth’s atmosphere. The polar lights are made of solar winds made of plasma. In daily life, we see a lot of electronic appliances like plasma TV, neon signs, fluorescent lamps, etc. To learn more about plasma cutters and to understand how they work, keep reading.

How Plasma Cutters Work?

Plasma cutters use thermal energy i.e. heat to cut the metals. They have compressed gas like nitrogen that is ionized. This ionization of gases creates palma. The compressed gas comes in contact with the electrode and the pressure is created to ionize the gas. Slowly the pressure builds up and the stream of plasma is pushed towards the cutting head. This head constricts the stream and then subjects it towards the workpiece. 

The plasma is conductive and so the workpiece is connected at the ground of the cutting cables. The plasma arc comes in contact with the metal and due to high temperature the metal melts. And at the same time the molten metal is blown away by the air flow.

Consumables

As plasma cutters use heat to cut materials, there are parts in the cutter that require regular replacement. The hand held plasma cutter parts like nozzle, lenses, hypertherm powermax 85 consumables, etc. must be replaced regularly because they can affect the cutting quality if not in proper condition. Also, the quality of the consumables suggest how long they will last. The consumables must be replaced by the trained or certified technician because if they are not fixed properly, they can affect the quality of the cut, destroy the cutting sheet and also the machine in the worst case scenario. You must consider the maintenance charges and cost of replacement parts while setting a budget for the machine. 

Advantages of Plasma Cutting Machine

Here are some reasons you must invest in a plasma cutting machine.

• Plasma cutters can cut almost all conductive materials

• No need to warm up the laser cutter

• They are suitable to cut thick metal sheets up to 50 mm to receive the best cut quality and maximum up to 150 mm

• They are affordable

• They are the best for stainless steel and aluminum

• They have high precision

• Also suitable for inwater cuts which can reduce noise levels as well

• They are fast when compared to oxy fuel

• Can be used for welding

• Less risky

Disadvantages of Plasma Cutting Machine

No machine is perfect. Here are some disadvantages of the cutters which you must know before buying one.

• The heat affected zone (HAZ) is larger compared to other laser machines

• Requirement of hypertherm powermax 85 consumables is high and it can cost you more

• They have better quality with thinner sheets and plates

• They have less tolerances

Conclusion

The plasma cutter machine is best if your business requirement needs you to deal with multiple types of materials. The shelf life of the machine is long if they are maintained properly. The hand held plasma cutter parts require regular maintenance. You must clean them daily to ensure you have beautiful precise cuts every time you use it. The next thing is trying the first cut on a sample piece to avoid ruining the actual sheet. Once all the settings are proper, you can continue with larger orders.

 

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/plasma-cutting-machine-function-advantages-and-disadvantages

6 Things to Keep in Mind Before and After Purchasing Laser Machine

Businesses are buying laser machines for various purposes like, cutting, engraving the metals, non-metals or wood. One machine cannot work for all kinds of materials. The capacity and type of laser machine plays a major role in the cutting process. The laser machines require a regular cleaning process and maintenance to get the best quality cuts. Some parts also require replacement in order to save the machine from any further damage. You can find dealers and suppliers who sell authentic and good quality trumpf laser parts or trumpf spare parts, amada spare parts. They also have technicians to help you out with the process. Here are some things to keep in mind if you are looking for a Laser machine or if already have one.

Research Well Before Buying the Laser Machine

Purchasing a laser machine is a huge investment for a business. There are a variety of machines in the market with different sizes, power, and function. So before buying, you must know what are your requirements and purpose of using a laser machine. You can have conversations with the suppliers or distributors and have their opinion as well. You can also ensure whether they have stock of good quality spare parts or not. As you will need to replace some parts at regular intervals of time.

Laser Machine Installation

The certified technician is responsible for setting up the machine including air suction, drainage, and other things. They will know the right setup techniques as there are certain parts that depends on the weather in your region. For example, if you have humidity, you might need an air dryer and cleaner around the compressor. Compressors sometimes have oil and water in the air they produce. If the oil or water blows out from the laser head then it will stick on the lens. The room you install the machine in should be dust free.

Water Drainage System

The water exhaled from the compressor will be collected in the tank. It is advisable to regularly empty the tank. You can also install an auto drainage system so that you will never have an overflowed tank. This can be useful especially when you have long working hours. You do not have to keep checking the tank or there is nothing to worry in case you forget to empty it manually.

Maintain Air Pressure

Regulating the air support is mandatory in the laser machine. The air support depends on whether you are cutting or engraving. The air support will be higher when you are engraving on the metal sheet. If the air support is not high enough then the material might catch fire. So to avoid such situations, maintain your air support and turn it higher if required.

Lens Maintenance

Lens are an important part of the laser machines. Any wrong setting or problem with the lens can reduce cutting quality. It can also damage the machine if not placed properly. Initially, the technician will help you fix the lens. The lenses are expensive, so to ensure you do not damage the lens, proper fitting and cleaning are required. You must daily clean the lens with the cleaning tools to ensure there is no dust on the lens. 

The red laser dot must be clearly visible as it works as the starting point. After long use of the lens, it will require replacement. You must buy the lens from the certified dealers or suppliers. You can buy good quality trumpf laser parts, amada laser parts, etc. and replace them with the old ones. They will last longer and provide good quality cuts.

Test Before You Actually Start

Before starting the mass cutting process, you should always test first. It is possible that if settings are not proper, then the cuts may turn out different from what you expected. So, you can always try it on a sample piece and then start with your actual sheet. If all the settings are proper and still the quality of the cut is not what you expected, then maybe it's time to change the worn out spare parts. You can find dealers who sell authentic trumpf spare parts, amada laser parts, etc. and replace the parts with new ones. 

Conclusion

The laser machines make the cutting process much faster. The quality of the cuts is also smooth as laser machines use CNC machines. This computerized machine sends the signals to the machines who then perform the cut. Maintaining the machine and using it the right way will increase the shelf life. To always get the best quality cuts and to save laser machines from any type of damage, above tips can turn out to be helpful.

Source:

https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/6-things-to-keep-in-mind-before-and-after-purchasing-laser-machine

4 Tips to Maintain Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

Cleaning and maintaining the machine and the surrounding is important to get the best quality cuts from a laser machine. Maintaining the machine properly also increases the shelf life. It is not necessary to do all the cleaning processes daily. There are some parts that require cleaning after every use, while some can be cleaned after a few days of using it. Here are some tips to help you on what parts require cleaning and how you can do it.

Lens Maintenance

Before starting the fiber laser cutting machine, check whether the mirrors are clean or not. If there is dust on the lens, clean them with the rubbing alcohol and cotton swab. To ensure the beam quality is the best, clean lenses are mandatory. Because they easily get dirty due to dust and smoke from the cutting. So before using the machines cleaning them is necessary. 

If the mirror surface is flat and there is no lens holder, you can use lens paper to clean them. If the mirror is curved and has a lens holder then you use a cotton swab to clean them. Also, long use of the lens, or cleaning lenses with other tools can make scratches on them. You must immediately replace them. You can use good quality spare parts like fanuc parts, amada parts, etc. and replace the spoiled lens.

Cutting Head Maintenance

If you want the perfect cut then having a cutting head at a proper position is extremely important. Before using the machine, check whether the laser is emitting from the center of the nozzle. If this is not the case then calibrate or readjust the cutting head. Also adjust the height to a suitable drilling position. You must always try first on the sample piece to check whether the cutting head is reaching the sheet and if it is then whether the cut is dip enough or not. You can change the parameters if required. Even after setting all parameters correctly, if you do not receive the proper cut then it is time to change the nozzle. You can buy good quality spare parts like fanuc spare parts, amada spare parts, etc. 

Chiller Maintenance

The water chiller is used to keep the laser cutting machine cool. The chiller will ensure that the machine operates at the constant temperature. You have to keep checking the temperature of the water in the chiller at regular intervals, especially when working for long hours. The water in the chiller needs to be replaced regularly. You can clean the chiller once or twice a month by replacing the water with distilled purified water.

Daily Maintenance 

Here are some daily maintenance tips for the laser cutting machine.

1. After you finish using the machine, clean the workbench. Also keep the laser cutting machine clean.
2. Ensure X, Y, and Z-axis are at the origin.
3. Check the fan of the control box is working normally. Also the connecting wire must be tight and after use they must be disconnected.
4. The screws on the X and Y-axis must be cleaned and lubricated every week.
5. Replace any parts that require replacement with good quality fanuc spare parts, amada spare parts, etc.

Conclusion

The maintenance of the machine ensures that the machine and its spare parts remain in the working condition for a long period of time. There are parts that require regular replacement in order to have good quality cuts. You should always buy the spare parts from authentic dealers, so that you have genuine spare parts. You can buy some good quality spare parts like fanuc parts, amada parts, and trumpf parts online.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/4-tips-to-maintain-fiber-laser-cutting-machine