As laser cutting systems grow more indispensable to more OEMs and custom fabricators, it pays to learn the nuances of how they work to get the most bang for your buck.
From cutting various thicknesses of sheet metal and metal plate or different widths of tubing to navigating intricate materials or process issues, some of the laser industry’s leading suppliers have weighed in with tips and insights into their novel solutions.
Compared with conventional machining, laser manufacturing often presents “a good news-bad news paradox,” said Mark Barry, vice president of sales and marketing for Prima Power Laserdyne (Champlin, MN), a business unit of Prima Power North America (Arlington Heights, IL).
“The window for acceptable laser processing parameters is large—typically larger than for many conventional machining processes,” he explained. “This may make obtaining a result easy, but obtaining the optimum result can be a challenge.” He contrasts laser and machining approaches to cutting and drilling steel.
Cutting holes in structural steel: Consider an application involving laser cutting hundreds of holes into long, 7-mm thick, high-strength structural carbon steel. “This development project being for a company in the transportation industry justified some experimentation because of their need for the combination of quantity, quality and throughput,” Barry explained. “Our process engineers were quick to reach a result through an understanding of the start point followed by a boxing-in of possible parameters. Within the matrix, we isolated the combination of quality and throughput, then settled on a center point for process robustness. This was accomplished in hours of testing. The final manufacturing solution involved manipulation of gas type and pressure to further reduce cycle time.” A novel delivery system further reduced cycle time.
Drilling 318 stainless: Consider an HSS 0.50″-dia. (12.7 mm) twist drill to drill through holes in 0.25″ (6.35 mm)thick 310 stainless steel. “When using conventional machining, machinery data handbooks tell us that we can use surface speed rates from 60 to 110 sfm,” Barry explained. “This results in a varying range of rpm and feed rate when we apply a constant tool feed rate per rotation. At 60 sfm we will have longer tool life and less production; at 110 sfm we will make chips quickly but will be changing tools more often. The quality of the hole does not change significantly, so the deciding factor is probably tool life. Each user can quickly make this decision based on their production needs.”
When laser processing the same hole, “we have several additional considerations because the process we use is trepanning,” Barry continued. “We may have a state-of-the-art fiber laser, an older CO2 laser, or even a lamp-pumped Nd:YAG laser. The process starts with pulsing the laser to create a start hole. The more aggressive the pulsing, the larger the hole (within limitations) and the greater the amount of material expelled from the hole. The assist gas type and pressure play a part in determining cycle time and quality for both piercing and cutting.
“If we position the start hole near the cut edge, this will result in less nonproductive cutting to obtain a specific diameter. Remember: Our tool is 0.010″ [0.254 mm] in diameter. Power, both average and peak, will tell us about the window of cutting speeds available. A pulsed laser adds pulse overlap to the list of considerations. Position of the focused beam on or into a material is another important variable. Cut quality—surface roughness and taper—is a result of differing combinations.”
It might sound daunting to find a beginning point. But “although this is at heart a thermal process—melting and blowing away the molten material—materials are often similar enough to make basic judgments about where to start,” Barry concluded. “Before starting development, users of our systems should make judgments about the quality and possibly the metallurgy that is acceptable. If a production rate is important, establish these requirements first, because there is a world of difference between making 20 parts with 10 holes and producing parts with hundreds of holes in a 24/7 environment.”
Imperfect tube stock—including irregularities with sizing, twist and bow—can make it difficult to meet demands for higher quality and throughput and tighter tolerances, said Robert Adelman, Lasertube product manager for BLM Group USA (Novi, MI). “Traditionally, tubes are mapped using a touch probe to identify irregularities or physically straightened using opposing chucks,” Adelman said. “Use of a probe measurement device can add time to the production cycle. Mechanical straightening methods do not guarantee the twist and bow have been corrected and can cause unnecessary wear and tear to the chuck gears.”
To compensate, BLM has developed Active Scan, a real-time tool to counteract errors created by irregular shaped or bowed tubes, he said. The optical measuring system works in the background to calculate the compensation needed to adjust the part program for a section of the tube or the entire tube length, wherever critical features are identified.
“Active Scan analyzes the area at the location of the cutting nozzle to ensure accurate placement of the laser cut feature without sacrificing time, accuracy or quality,” he explained. “At the start of a production run, a user will typically attempt to run a part with the assumption that the tube is within tolerance. The first part is inspected and the operator measures an out-of-tolerance feature. The operator then enables Active Scan to apply corrective compensations.”
Active Scan will first measure the section to compare it to the theoretical CAD data, he continued. “An overlay of the section will be displayed on the control panel and will provide the operator with a detailed analysis of the detected section error, including bow and twist. Active Scan will measure at the point of cutting to compensate and maintain tolerances of the remaining parts. It will also collect all section inaccuracies, which can be shared and used as an inspection report.
“The unique advantage of Active Scan is that compensation, which traditionally took many seconds with other measurement devices, now happens within one second for a single scan. The user no longer has to sacrifice productivity to maintain the highest degree of accuracy. Parts are manufactured to specification, while reducing error, scrap and realizing cost and time savings.”
To cut thick steel plate, laser operators must be aware of material quality requirements and special operating techniques, cautioned Frank Arteaga, head of product marketing, market region NAFTA for Bystronic Inc. (Elgin, IL). “Inevitably, as an operator, you will be asked to cut thick plate at some point. Being properly prepared will make your job much easier, as it will bring you better results and consistency.” Arteaga’s checklist for ensuring an optimal thick-plate cutting process includes:
Material quality: The most important aspect of consistent quality in thick plate cutting is the quality of the material. You cannot produce quality parts in material that is inconsistent in both its internal makeup and its surface condition.
A common question is “what is a good material to laser cut thick plate?” The answer is the same no matter the material type: whatever the material spec calls for, you must find a supplier that will deliver a consistent quality product. That means a material that is rust free, maintains a smooth and consistent mill scale surface and the internal contents are consistent for the specification. Also, make sure the material you are ordering is the same material being delivered. Ask the supplier of the material to provide material certification sheets for each order of material, Arteaga advised.
Assist gas quality: Using oxygen to assist in the vaporization and expulsion of the molten material from the cut kerf is critical to thick steel plate cutting. Oxygen is an oxidizer that vigorously reacts when the laser beam makes contact with the metal. The pressure, volume and purity of the oxygen has the greatest effect on the speed at which both the metal is vaporized and expelled from the cut kerf. The purer the oxygen, the cleaner and faster the reaction is completed; subsequently, better edge qualities and faster feed rates can be achieved.
If you are using a liquid oxygen source, you are more than likely utilizing a high-purity oxygen source. If you are using oxygen from a compressed cylinder (green), the purities can be as low as 99.5. “The difference between using 99.5 and 99.99 purity can mean as much as a 20% difference in increased feed rates and better overall cut quality with the latter,” he said.
Heat considerations: If you have ever started cutting well on thick plate then witnessed the cut quality deteriorate, this could be a direct result of heat buildup in the plate. Depending on material thickness, the program should contain a pre-piercing cycle as well as a staggered cut sequence to avoid heat buildup in any location, said Arteaga. The thicker the plate, the more critical heat becomes in producing quality parts. “Check your parameter to ensure it is using just enough laser power to cut the material. For example, if your parameter is currently calling for 80% power, see if you can get away with using 70% power,” he said. This technique is vital when cutting heat-sensitive materials, such as high-carbon or high-manganese steels. Always cut the smaller features of a part first, as they are more heat sensitive, he added.
Combining the precision of Swiss machining and laser cutting, the Precision Tsugami B0125-III from Tsugami/Rem Sales LLC (Windsor, CT) was unveiled at IMTS 2018 in Chicago. The machine combines the machining of a 12-mm, five-axis Swiss-style CNC lathe with a fully integrated SPI laser cutting system. It is the ninth and most affordable Tsugami LaserSwiss machine, with a footprint of 20 sq. ft.
The machine features 10 tool positions and can be run with a guide bushing or an optional chucker kit. It is paired with lasers available from 200 watts to 500 W and a gas box that allows switching between two assist gases. The laser is programmed and driven with a FANUC 0i-TF control.
“This machine offers tremendous flexibility,” said Dan Walker, Tsugami LaserSwiss business development director, in a July press release, “but it’s not overly complicated. It’s a straightforward machine that’s easy to program and use.”
Improvements in laser cutting have come about not only because of increased power, but through innovative ways of controlling that power. For example, about four years ago, Amada took turnkey fiber laser cutting systems to the next level with the introduction of its ENSIS 3015AJ machine.
With fiber systems already being cheaper and easier to run than CO2 machines, the ENSIS added a major wrinkle: a library of 1,000 cutting specifications that lets the machine instantly adjust itself based on the material to be processed. Users can cut thick or thin metals by automatically changing its beam configuration based on the material and thickness being cut.
Now, higher-wattage systems paired with increasingly refined lenses and cutting heads continue to advance the laser cutting process, said Dustin Diehl, laser division product manager for Amada America (Buena Park, CA).
“Higher-wattage lasers have definitely improved edge quality in the thicker range of materials like mild steel, aluminum and stainless steel,” Diehl explained. “Some of those improvements have come from the power itself, and some have come from advancements in lens and nozzle technology. We are seeing the higher-wattage lasers increase throughput by three and sometimes four times the amount of work that a typical 4 kW CO2 machine was capable of.”
To fully harness the advantage of higher laser powers, he continued, “a proven and reliable head design” is vital to keep it from overheating. “Also, having a good clean beam being delivered to the cutting lens is important. This goes back to the fiber engine itself and how the beam is being generated. The number of optics and modules being used affects the quality of the beam. The more optics and modules being used, the lesser quality beam is being delivered.”
Along with the increased productivity from more kilowatts is a twofold cost savings: Fiber systems run on about one-third the energy a CO2 machine requires, he added. “And, with the cost of consumables going way down due to the lack of optics in the beam-generation system, our customers are seeing great savings in the hourly cost of operation.”
Guided by the understanding that fewer power modules also produce a cleaner beam, Amada has ramped up its ENSIS portfolio to include 6 kW and 9 kW versions. Also, Amada combines these machines with “our fast, flexible automation system, the AMS3015CL,” Diehl noted. “This style of automation lets the machine run at full capacity and not be held up by the speed of the automation. Also with the flexibility to expand, this system can grow with a business. The automation also allows users to operate during off hours and weekend hours to increase capacity.”
Chillers support some of the harshest and most demanding industrial processes. “Chillers are the unsung workhorses of industry, able to regulate temperature accurately and steadily,” said Josh Howley, senior field service technician for Glen Dimplex Thermal Solutions (Kalamazoo, MI), which designs and manufactures chillers, including for laser systems.
While GDTS laser chillers are built with sensors and monitoring systems to predict maintenance and prevent downtime, operator diligence is essential to their performance. Howley and the GDTS support team offer these tips for getting the most out of chillers—starting with regular inspections and maintenance to save energy and prolong service life.
Cleanliness: Whether the chiller is installed indoors or out, be sure the filters are not clogged with particles and debris. Blockage will only make your chiller work harder, which leads to more heat and undue wear. If installed outside, check the chiller and its surroundings regularly for accumulated trash, landscaping debris, leaves, and tree seeds. Check the filter and wash it regularly. Be sure to check and clean the condenser and fan as well. Unwanted particles and debris shorten the life of your chiller and threaten the process as a whole.
Monitor fluids: Make sure fluids are balanced and calibrated with the recommended ratio of water, oil, and propylene glycol solutions. Laser chillers can vary by how many circuits are used. Some lasers have one circuit with glycol pulling heat out the heat exchanger. Some have two circuits: one for city water and the other for de-ionized water. Monitor all circuits. While most GDTS chillers have sensors to monitor water conductivity, check the chiller’s DI filter to avoid cartridge failure.
“Whatever you do, don’t use antifreeze from the hardware store,” Howley cautioned. “It contains silicates that can ruin pumps. If this happens, the system must be flushed and cleaned, which is very costly.
“In addition to ensuring that the proper mix of fluid is used, check that the fluid and reservoir are free of debris and contaminants. Clogged piping and heat exchanger can lead to costly downtime and unexpected repair costs.”
Location: The chiller needs to function with an ample air supply, so make sure it has space to breathe. Indoor chillers should not be placed next to walls, nor should their surfaces serve as a collection area. In addition to cleanliness, outdoor chillers should be free of trash and debris so nothing hampers air flow.
Planned maintenance: Proper care and maintenance can add up to 30% to chiller life while saving on energy and repairs. Maintenance checks should evaluate pumps for leaks, AMPs used by pumps, and piping overall for cracks and leaks. Electrical boxes must be adequately sealed, fuses replaced as needed, and compressors, pumps and fan contactors must be in good working order.
Also, suppliers can help. “We offer on-site training tailored to your chiller to help your facilities management team understand the equipment, troubleshoot problems and perform routine maintenance,” Howley said. “GDTS technicians can perform routine maintenance before disaster strikes, or take care of an unexpected repair or issue.”
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