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

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

Laser Cutter Safety: 4 Best Practices

 We have witnessed a widespread rise in laser cutting technology over the last few years. The Laser cutting machines enable you to process a wide range of materials and thickness size in a short period of time. Two major factors that are responsible for the popularity of laser-cutting machines are accuracy and affordability.

This growing popularity indicates that more people have started availing benefits of the machine. With new users in the market, it is crucial for them to be aware of the safety issues while working with the machine. The hazards associated with laser cutting include the possibility of fire and the generation of harmful products that can cause damage to eyes and skin. It is also advisable to purchase machines that deliver safe solutions. Most of the machines that are secure have Mitsubishi spare parts or Fanuc spare parts installed in them.

This post discusses 4 best practices while using a laser machine to prevent hazards.

Beware of Unknown Materials

Generally, people believe that they can use the laser machine only for cutting wood or metal. On purchasing one, they realize that they can also use it for a variety of materials like paper, cardboard, glass, fabric, stones, etc. Once you cut materials like wood or fabric using a laser, fumes emerge which gets blown away with the help of the machine’s exhaust fan. However, the deadly fumes from materials like PVC plastic are hard to remove. The heated fumes from such materials have a harmful effect on the human body if inhaled. It is necessary to be aware of the type of materials before even purchasing the material.

Know Your Machine in and Out

Staying aware is the first step to safety. After you purchase a machine, thoroughly read and understand the manual of the machine. Keep yourself informed about how to operate the machine and what are the safety requirements that you and your employees need to follow. Machines that use Mitsubishi spare parts or Fanuc spare parts have safety manuals and safety training. Once you acquaint yourself with that ask the experts for any doubts.

Cleanliness is a Priority

In any machine, cleanliness and safety go hand in hand. If you keep the machine and the surrounding clean, you reduce the risk of possible hazards. Laser machines release the dust particles from the materials that you cut. These leftover materials, dirt and debris are likely to cause a fire. Regularly cleaning the space reduces the risk of accidents.

Stay Alert When the Machine is Working

A major error that a lot of users make is to leave the machine unsupervised when the cutting process is running. This is because if the project is large, it might take more time and nobody can stand in front of it till the end of the process. Sometimes, the high-intensity beam of laser produces high temperatures. This can even cause fire if the power setting is set too high. You can avoid this if you continuously supervise the laser cutting job. If one operator is away, another employee can take care of the work meanwhile.  

Quick tips

• Do not use materials that are highly flammable, explosive or produce toxic byproducts.  
• Do not cut a material that your manufacturer doesn’t approve. 
• Make sure you are wearing your safety glasses to protect yourself from eye burn.
• Do not look directly into the laser beam
• Do not disable the safety features of the system.

Final Remarks

Caution is the parent of safety. Even when you purchase a laser machine, check for safety requirements. There are machines, for instance, those made up of Mitsubishi spare parts or Fanuc spare parts. And safety is one of the most important factors.  After purchasing always be aware and keep in mind these points to prevent any risk.

Stay Safe!

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/laser-cutter-safety-4-best-practices

How to Reduce Laser Cutting Costs?

Laser cutting is a #1 choice in the manufacturing industry, leather industry, electronic sector, medical sector, etc. as it offers both a cost-effective and high accuracy cutting solution. Laser cutting is a method of piercing material with a laser beam to melt the material for a clean finish. This technology allows you to carry out customized work, and higher volume jobs. And with laser machines that use Amada parts and Trumpf parts, you can maximize your productivity and cater to the needs of the customers in the best possible way.

Laser cutting is effective for your business but there are times you might feel that it is not cost-efficient. However, this is not the case. You can significantly reduce the laser cutting costs in some simple ways.  Discover the ways to reduce laser cutting costs.

1. Create a Prototype

Your finances can go for a toss if you directly start the process of laser cutting for the entire product and do not get the desired results. Because if you dislike the end-product, you will have to make another one and this means investing again.

Creating a prototype simply means creating a mock-up. For those who use laser cutting for the first time might have questions regarding the result they will get. Luckily, there is an easy and cost-effective method available to evaluate the product- creating a prototype. It is possible to digitally make a prototype of your design. You can do this by printing the design considering every aspect like space, and shape onto a paper. This is a cost-effective way to give you a clear idea about how your end-product might look.  It will save you from spending extra if the outcome fails.

2. Grouping and Nesting

Eliminating space in the design helps to reduce cost. There are two ways to do this:

Grouping- is a laser-cutting technique that helps to reduce waste. It is a good way to increase efficiency and reduce cost. This method allows you to put the pieces into clusters which increases the efficiency of the laser work. Moreover, it also reduces the laser head must travel to make the next cut thus giving circular cuts. Now, rounded lines are necessary but expensive. There this method by accommodating circular cuts will save you money. 

Nesting- just like grouping; nesting is a method to reduce waste. This technique by rearranging the pieces you want to cut gives them a common edge which in turn creates less space. By placing complementary lines together, the edge becomes one. So, if the design includes common straight lines, you will have to cut the line only once. This reduces the amount spent on cutting. 

3. Keep a Check on Maintenance

Some people mistake maintenance for repair. Repair means to fix a machine while maintenance is all about checking if the machine is running smoothly. Proper maintenance is necessary to reduce the overall expenses. But it involves some investment and therefore some operators skip maintenance at certain intervals if their machine shows no sign of damage and works as usual. This is a risky decision. Suppose your machine stops working suddenly due to lack of proper maintenance and you have to let go of a good offer on hand because it will take 5 more days to repair the machine. 

To avoid this, closely follow the maintenance guide. Secondly, invest in quality spare parts for better functioning of your machine. For instance, laser machines using Amada parts and Trumpf parts are reliable and of high-quality.

Summing Up

This goes out to show that reducing the extra expense on a laser machine is not as difficult as it seems. Moreover, the choice of materials and spare parts can also decrease the price of laser technology. If you use spare parts from popular brands like Amada parts and Trumpf parts, you will be able to enjoy the extra cash that remains in your pocket.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/how-to-reduce-laser-cutting-costs

Harmful Health Effects of Laser Cutting You Should Know & Safety Tips

Laser cutting is a widely popular process in various industries to cut materials ranging from wood to leather. Its demand is growing for both industrial and commercial purposes. This method involves the use of a computer to help with the cutting process. This results in a precise and smooth end- product. The first usage of this process was cutting diamonds. Gradually, with technological advancement, laser cutting has evolved. Today, three different types of lasers are popular to cut or engrave steel, titanium, stainless steel, wood, plastic and much more:

• Fiber lasers
• CO2 lasers
• Nd and Nd-YAG

Despite all the advantages, you can not overlook the fact that the laser cutting process can be dangerous because of the harmful fumes that the machine emits. Even if the operators take preventive measures to protect their eyes and skin, the danger still lingers if you do not have an air filtration system. One way to manage the risk with laser fumes is to use laser machines that are reliable, safe and whose parts are made by the experts. For instance, machines using Bystronic laser parts or lvd strippit parts.   

Laser Fumes Are Dangerous

Laser cutting process emits different chemicals, chemical vapors, aerosols, smoke and compounds. Plus, heating metals involved in the cutting process create oxidized compounds. Such elements can be harmful when inhaled.

According to Carnegie Mellon University, laser beams are dangerous because Laser-Generated Air Contaminants are released. This report also gives a list of some materials and the associated emissions.

• Kevlar: Respirable dust
• Polycarbonate: Respirable dust and Cresol
• Rubber: Respirable dust and 1,3-Butadiene
• Mild steel: Iron oxide, NO, NO2, CO
• Stainless steel: Nickel, Chromium
• Nimonics: Cobalt, Chromium, Nickel

According to the Board of Laser Safety, during the cutting process, high temperatures cause the surrounding air to expand. They emit gases that expand quickly and release dangerous particles.

Sometimes irregular maintenance adds up to such dangers. So, always check your machine and if the parts need replacement, you can choose well-known brands. Users consider solutions by Bystronic laser parts or lvd strippit parts secure.   

Effects of Laser Fumes

The smoke from laser and plasma cutting is a mixture of various gases. It has different side effects that include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.

When you mix the metal fume fever with zinc fumes, people working in those surroundings can suffer from symptoms like headaches, chills, muscle aches and coughing.

If a person regularly deals with metal smoke, he is likely to get infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis. This can also lead to fibrotic lung disease.

The exposure can also cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

Smoke from plasma and laser cutting does not just damage the lungs but research suggests that prolonged exposure to harmful smoke results in measurable amounts of metal particles in the blood as well. This shows that any person who breathes the air will have high levels built up in their blood.

These flames don’t spare your kidney. The kidneys are the organs that remove waste materials from the body. Metals like hexavalent chromium and cadmium. This damages the kidney and reduces the ability of the organ to remove materials from the body.

Sometimes metal fumes also cause cardiovascular diseases. People dealing with jobs like welding, plasma, and cutting have a higher risk of strokes, heart attacks and coronary arteries.

Solution

Common ventilation is not enough to prevent the danger. You can install a fume extraction system. A proper fume control will enable you to see a haze of particles in the air. Regularly change the filters to ensure proper removal of fumes. Use reliable solutions like Bystronic laser parts or lvd strippit parts.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/harmful-health-effects-of-laser-cutting-you-should-know-safety-tips

Common Problems and their Solutions in Metal Laser Cutting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Problem: Cutting depth is not sufficient

This can happen due to numerous reasons if;

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

Problem: Burr on the workpiece when cutting

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

Problem: The cut of the metal remains incomplete

This happens majorly because of three reasons

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

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

Problem: There are abnormal sparks while laser cutting

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

Problem: There is a small hole deformation during metal cutting

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

Conclusion

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

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

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