How To Choose The Right Laser Cutting Machine?

When working with metal, one of the most crucial operations is cutting. To achieve the highest quality standards in industrial metal production, you need a reliable and powerful system. The development of laser technology has revolutionised metal cutting. When compared to conventional methods, laser cutting offers unparalleled precision and uniformity. After about two decades in use, laser cutting technology is more versatile than ever.

How do you choose the best laser-cutting machine for your manufacturing facility? In this blog post, we'll do our best to address that very question.

What Is Laser Cutting?

Cutting with a laser is an effective and precise method in which a beam of light is used to create a beam of extreme heat that is then directed at a workpiece, vaporising the material in its path. Intricate and exact shapes can be cut with ease with the aid of a precision motion system. Lasers have many uses, including in medical and welding, but their most notable and rapid expansion has been in the metal cutting company.

When it comes to sheet metal production and job shops, laser cutting has surpassed waterjet cutting, plasma cutting, and punching as the favoured process. It has become an industry-standard tool due to its effectiveness and adaptability.

How Does Laser Cutting Work?

The acronym "laser" refers to the process by which these devices produce an extremely focused beam of light, which in turn generates a tremendous quantity of heat. The intense heat evaporates the material under it, allowing you to see clearly through it.

A lens or curved mirror is used to focus the light beam, allowing the device to function. Its beam can be concentrated into a small spot, allowing it to do precise cuts, trims, and etchings in various materials. The light provided generates localised, strong heat, making it ideal for cutting. The laser's ability to cut through various thicknesses of material and the speed with which it can do so are proportional to its wattage.

To clean the laser's lens, nozzle, and cutting path of the vaporised material, the laser uses a class of gases called "cutting gas." These helping gases, which might be Oxygen, Nitrogen, or a combination of the two, are essential for regulating oxidation on the desirable cutting surfaces and removing material efficiently from the cutting area.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Laser Cutting Machine

Picking the correct laser-cutting equipment is crucial since it can significantly affect the productivity and quality of your cutting processes. With so many choices out there, it's important to weigh your alternatives carefully before committing. Each factor, from the nature of the materials to be cut to the desired rate and accuracy of cutting, must be taken into account while selecting the most appropriate machinery. If you take the time to weigh all these considerations and thoroughly grasp their relevance, you can confidently choose laser-cutting machinery that meets your needs.

To choose laser cutting tools that meet your exact specifications, it is essential to give serious consideration to the criteria listed.

Types Of Lasers

Knowing the many laser options and which would work best for your needs is crucial when shopping for laser-cutting machinery. Common types of lasers used for laser cutting include:

Fibre Lasers

The word "Fibre" solely refers to the beam delivery method, not how the laser is formed, making Fiber Lasers the newest and most mysterious member of the laser family. Although fibres can be converted to YAG or CO2 laser power sources (resonators), solid-state diodes are the most common light sources used with fibres.

These solid-state resonators generate hundreds of high-intensity light spots transmitted to the cutting head via optical fibre. Key to this is the use of "Solid State" power sources, which eliminate the need for LAS gases used by YAG and CO2 laser resonators and the requirement for regular maintenance such as cleaning and replacing tubes, mirrors, turbos, etc.

When compared to other laser cutting systems, the Solid State resonator combined with the fibre laser delivery system is the most cost-effective and long-lasting option. It also offers superior performance in thin materials, cutting up to ten times faster than competing resonator systems. The narrowing of their focal diameter results from their generally narrow wavelength.

Gas Lasers

In gas laser cutting, also known as C02 laser cutting, a carbon dioxide mixed laser is used to make the cuts. It operates by rapidly splitting ions of light particles (ions) in the carbon dioxide mixture by electrical stimulation. Typically, a radio-frequency (RF) bouncing mechanism between two electrodes in a gas-charged field is used to generate this effect. As Bass speakers pointed at each other, ions of light swiftly break apart and increase.

However, these lasers need help cutting highly reflective materials like brass and copper, despite their widespread use in industrial settings for cutting these and other materials.

Crystal/YAG Laser

Crystal laser cutter materials include neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (nd: YAG) and neodymium-doped yttrium vanadate (nd: YVO) (neodymium-doped yttrium ortho-vanadate). 

They're put to use in cutting tasks that require a lot of force. This laser system generates light ions inside the resonator and continually reflects that light out both ends of the resonator. A tiny fraction of the light can rotate through the output hole. Metals and nonmetals alike are suitable targets for YAG lasers.

Safety Features

Choosing machines with built-in safety features is important when looking for a laser cutter. Choose a machine with sensors, emergency stop buttons, and other user-friendly controls certified as meeting industry safety standards. Safety features should be your primary priority if you are handling little or dangerous items.

Maintenance

A mechanical cutter There are many aspects to consider, including maintenance, while deciding on the best laser cutting equipment for your projects. High-quality laser cutting equipment is an excellent long-term investment if properly cared for. Regular maintenance is essential to keep your laser cutter in top shape and cranking out quality work. Maintaining peak performance from your laser cutter calls for regular cleaning and examination.

Decide On The Materials You Are Cutting.

The kind and thickness of the material to be cut and the desired laser cutting speed will determine the best power source for your laser cutter, which is the first step in selecting the best laser system for your purposes.

Since kilowatts (KW) is the standard measure of laser cutting power, boosting the output of your laser cutting equipment can positively impact both cutting speed and capacity. Increasing the power can also greatly enhance the quality and ease of cutting materials that are notoriously challenging to cut in any thickness, such as aluminium.

The Cost Of The Laser Cutting Machine

One of the most crucial factors that will ultimately determine the laser cutter you buy and use is your budget. The return on investment (ROI) is an important factor for many consumers when deciding whether or not to purchase laser-cutting equipment.

For instance, investing in powerful laser equipment can be too expensive for startups and smaller firms. It would be best to calculate each machine's total cost of ownership before making a purchase.

The cheapest laser cutters typically have lower power and smaller cutting sizes to attract first-time buyers. Similarly, height matches. Although the budget must be taken into account, the machine's quality and performance should be given higher priority.

The Type Of Software System

In today's world, where the rate of machine iteration is accelerating at an ever-increasing rate, the quest for improved production efficiency has emerged as the central focus of the competition among machine manufacturers. It is an unmistakable indication that the interaction between software and hardware systems requires continued attention and improvement.

Manufacturers often use common software suites. Still, verifying that the software will be compatible with the new laser cutter and the rest of the shop's equipment is important before making a purchase.

Suppose a machine's hardware and software requirements are different. In that case, debugging and converting the machine for use on another machine will require significant effort and resources each time it is used.

Consider The Speed

In sectors dependent on metal fabrication, speed is of the utmost importance. Laser-cutting machines are favoured because of their quick cutting times. Having the speed and efficiency to get things done is a huge plus. For this reason, checking the cutting speed capabilities of any prospective laser-cutting machinery is crucial. 

Think about the jobs you need to get done and how long it will take to use the equipment. You can make an educated decision and select a machine that works quickly and efficiently for metal cutting if you think about the equipment's speed.

Think About Every Aspect Of Laser Cutters

There's the initial cost to think about and the laser resonator's power output, which determines how much of a cut can be made. It would be best to consider the largest part size you want to laser cut and the largest material size you can use.

In addition to these factors, down-process production must be taken into account; after all, it serves no purpose to run your laser once a week while the parts pile up in front of the press brake and welding stations.

The Laser Cutting Machine's Power

Do your operations warrant buying this machine, and will it fulfil your needs in terms of output? The cutting depth and speed are directly proportional to the laser's power. Choose a machine with the appropriate amount of power.

The amount of work that can be reduced depends on the machine's power output. For instance, you want to use a laser cutter just for cutting paper and cardboard. Then 25 watts of laser sources will do the trick, but for highly reflective and conductive metals like copper and aluminium, you may require a laser beam with 6 kW of power; the larger the number of metres cut in a certain amount of time, the more powerful the machine needs to be.

Limit Your Choices Between New And Used Laser Cutters

If you're trying to decide between new and used laser cutting systems, it's important to read in-depth reviews of each brand before making a final decision. Invest in the time to investigate the various brands and evaluate the accessibility of spares and maintenance options. Finding a machine at a reasonable price is only part of the equation. It's important to consider the manufacturer's quality and customer service reputation.

You may learn a lot about the reputation and performance of various laser cutting systems by conducting thorough research and studying client comments. By doing so, you'll be able to pick a machine that's within your price range and provides the necessary service and dependability for your cutting tasks.

The Cutting Material's Size And Hardness

The kind of laser cutter you require depends on the materials you cut and their hardness. When it comes to laser cutting, not all machines are created equal. Pick a good fibre laser cutter for cutting conductive and reflexive materials. The harder the sheet, the thicker the material being cut, and the more force will be needed to make the cut. For instance, you'll need at least 500 watts of power to cut 2 mm thick or more steel.

After-Sale Service And Brand Warranties

While researching places to buy laser equipment, it's important to remember a few things. The first step is to choose a provider with a solid track record, excellent customer service, and the means to back up their claims. The manufacturer's warranty is, of course, a prerequisite for ensuring production efficiency. The reliable operation of any machine depends on regular maintenance. The standard warranty length is one year. However, more expensive models may come with extended coverage.

Also, before making a purchase, make sure you understand the warranty terms and conditions and any additional services that may be included. A longer warranty period or a sale business should be considered if it is impossible to guarantee that the machine can be repaired.

Check To See If It Works With Your Workspace.

Consider whether or not the size and weight of the laser cutting machine you're interested in will fit in your current workspace. Don't choose a cumbersome machine that makes moving around and performing other tasks difficult. If your workshop is off the ground floor, you'll also need to consider how much weight the floor can support when the machine is in work mode.

Conclusion

Laser cutting is a highly effective and precise method for cutting metal, with its versatility surpassing conventional methods. It is a versatile and efficient process that can be used in sheet metal production and job shops. Lasers produce a focused beam of light, generating intense heat that evaporates the material under it, allowing for precise cuts, trims, and etchings in various materials. The laser's ability to cut through various thicknesses of material and the speed with which it can do so are proportional to its wattage.

When choosing the right laser-cutting machine, it is crucial to weigh the factors that affect productivity and quality of your cutting processes. Common types of lasers used include fiber lasers, gas lasers, crystal/YAG lasers, safety features, maintenance, and the materials being cut. Fiber lasers use solid-state diodes to generate hundreds of high-intensity light spots transmitted to the cutting head via optical fibre, while gas lasers use a carbon dioxide mixed laser to make the cuts.

Safety features are essential when choosing a laser cutter, with sensors, emergency stop buttons, and user-friendly controls certified as meeting industry safety standards. Maintenance is essential to keep your laser cutter in top shape and cranking out quality work. The kind and thickness of the material to be cut and the desired laser cutting speed determine the best power source for your laser cutter. Increasing the output of your laser cutting equipment can positively impact cutting speed and capacity, as well as enhance the quality and ease of cutting materials that are notoriously difficult to cut in any thickness, such as aluminum.

The cost of the laser cutting machine is another crucial factor to consider. The return on investment (ROI) is an important factor for many consumers when deciding whether or not to purchase laser-cutting equipment. Calculating each machine's total cost of ownership before making a purchase is essential for determining the best laser-cutting machine for your manufacturing facility. The cheapest laser cutters typically have lower power and smaller cutting sizes to attract first-time buyers. However, the machine's quality and performance should be given higher priority.

The type of software system is crucial in today's fast-paced world, as it requires continued attention and improvement. Verifying that the software is compatible with the new laser cutter and the rest of the shop's equipment is important before making a purchase.

Speed is of utmost importance in sectors dependent on metal fabrication, and laser-cutting machines are preferred due to their quick cutting times. Checking the cutting speed capabilities of any prospective laser-cutting machinery is crucial. Consider the initial cost, laser resonator's power output, and down-process production.

The laser cutting machine's power is directly proportional to the cutting depth and speed. Choose a machine with the appropriate amount of power, as the amount of work that can be reduced depends on the machine's power output. For example, a laser cutter for paper and cardboard requires 25 watts of laser sources, while a laser beam with 6 kW of power is needed for highly reflective and conductive metals like copper and aluminium.

When choosing between new and used laser cutting systems, read in-depth reviews of each brand, invest in the time to investigate the various brands, evaluate the accessibility of spares and maintenance options, and consider the manufacturer's quality and customer service reputation. Choose a good fibre laser cutter for cutting conductive and reflexive materials, as the harder the sheet, the more force will be needed to make the cut.

After-sale service and brand warranties are essential for ensuring production efficiency. The manufacturer's warranty is a prerequisite for ensuring production efficiency, and the standard warranty length is one year. Understanding the warranty terms and conditions and any additional services may be included.

Checking the size and weight of the laser cutting machine will also be important. Don't choose a cumbersome machine that makes moving around and performing other tasks difficult, and consider the weight of the floor when the machine is in work mode.

Content Summary 

• Laser cutting revolutionized metal cutting with unparalleled precision and uniformity.
• Laser cutting technology has become more versatile over the past two decades.
• This blog post addresses how to choose the right laser cutting machine.
• Laser cutting uses a beam of light to create extreme heat for cutting.
• Laser cutting is highly effective in creating intricate and exact shapes.
• Laser cutting has become the preferred method in sheet metal production and job shops.
• Different types of lasers are used for laser cutting, including Fiber Lasers, Gas Lasers, and Crystal/YAG Lasers.
• Fiber Lasers use solid-state resonators and are cost-effective and long-lasting.
• Gas Lasers, or CO2 lasers, are widely used but may require help cutting highly reflective materials.
• Crystal/YAG Lasers use materials like nd: YAG and nd: YVO for tasks requiring forceful cutting.
• Safety features in laser cutters are essential, including sensors and emergency stop buttons.
• Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping laser cutters in top shape.
• The choice of materials and desired cutting speed determines the power source needed for the laser cutter.
• Budget and return on investment (ROI) play a significant role in choosing laser cutting equipment.
• Compatibility with software and hardware systems is crucial when selecting a laser cutter.
• Speed is a critical factor in metal fabrication, and laser cutting machines are favored for their quick cutting times.
• Carefully consider various aspects of laser cutters, including part and material size, down-process production, etc.
• The laser cutting machine's power output directly affects cutting depth and speed.
• Consider the pros and cons of new and used laser cutters and thoroughly research different brands.
• The hardness of the cutting material determines the type of laser cutter needed.
• After-sale service and brand warranties are important for ensuring production efficiency and machine reliability.
• Check if the laser cutting machine fits in your current workspace, considering size and weight.
• Fiber Lasers are the newest and most cost-effective option for laser cutting.
• Gas Lasers are commonly used in industrial settings but may require help cutting reflective materials.
• Crystal/YAG Lasers are suitable for cutting tasks that require force.
• Safety features, such as sensors and emergency stop buttons, are essential for laser cutters.
• Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal performance of laser cutters.
• Consider the materials and desired cutting speed to determine the laser cutter's power source.
• Budget and ROI are crucial factors in selecting a laser cutting machine.
• Compatibility with software and hardware systems is vital for smooth operation.
• Cutting speed capabilities of laser-cutting machinery should be carefully checked.
• Consider all aspects, such as initial cost, part and material size, and down-process production.
• The laser cutter's power output affects cutting depth, speed, and materials it can handle.
• Thorough research on brands and customer reviews helps in choosing between new and used laser cutters.
• Laser cutting machines need to be selected based on the hardness of the materials to be cut.
• After-sale service and brand warranties are critical for ensuring machine reliability.
• Consider if the laser cutter fits within your workspace, taking into account size and weight.
• Fiber Lasers are cost-effective and long-lasting, making them a popular choice.
• Gas Lasers are widely used but may require assistance with reflective materials.
• Crystal/YAG Lasers are suitable for tasks requiring significant force during cutting.
• Safety features with sensors and emergency stop buttons are essential for user protection.
• Regular maintenance is essential to keep laser cutters in optimal working condition.
• The laser cutter's power output impacts cutting depth, speed, and the materials it can handle.
• Thoroughly researching brands and customer reviews helps in making an informed decision on new or used laser cutters.
• Consider the hardness of the materials to be cut when choosing a laser cutter.
• After-sale service and warranties are important for ensuring long-term reliability.
• Check the size and weight of the laser cutter to ensure it fits within your workspace.
• Fiber Lasers are a popular choice for their cost-effectiveness and longevity.
• Crystal/YAG Lasers are suitable for cutting tasks that require a lot of force.
• Safety features and regular maintenance are essential for safe and efficient laser cutting operations.