FIBRE LASER CUTTING
FIBRE IN FOCUS
Cutting head on the Prima Power Laser Genius +.
A selection of the latest new fibre laser cutting systems , sources and innovations in the global market come under the spotlight in this article .
“ Clean-cut edges , rapid cutting speeds and efficient operation characterise fibre laser cutting systems . The fibre ’ s waveguide properties reduce or eliminate thermal distortion of the optical path , typically producing a diffraction-limited , high-quality optical beam .”
Laser cutting is a thermal cutting process for processing sheet metal . The laser beam is created by the laser source ( resonator ), conducted by a transport fibre or mirrors in the machine cutting head where a lens focuses it at very high power on a very small diameter . This focused laser beam meets the sheet metal and melts it . In addition to flat materials , tubes and profiles can also be processed by laser cutting systems .
Fibre lasers are a very efficient mode of laser cutting . The laser beam is created by an active fibre and transmitted over a transport fibre to the machine cutting head . A fibre cutting system is primarily suited for processing thin to thick sheet metal from steel , stainless steel , aluminium and also other non-ferrous metals ( copper and brass ). Other benefits include their high output power and very high optical gain , compared to other types of laser .
Depending upon the cutting technique employed , different process gases are used , and these are forced through the kerf at different pressures . The various techniques differ primarily with respect to cutting speed and the quality of the cutting edges . Examples include flame cutting , fusion cutting and cutting gas . Fibre laser cutters can also be comfortably used for the efficient processing of gauge and fractional materials , as well as fine feature cutting .
The fibre ’ s waveguide properties reduce or eliminate thermal distortion of the optical path , typically producing a diffraction-limited , high-quality optical beam . Fibre lasers are compact compared to solid-state or gas lasers of comparable power , because the fibre can be bent and coiled ( except for thicker rodtype designs ) to save space . They exhibit high temperature and vibrational stability , as well as extended lifetime . The additional power and better beam quality provide clean cut edges and rapid cutting speeds .
In this article , we highlight a selection of the latest new fibre laser cutting innovations in the market today .
Fibre laser innovations
AMADA ’ s REGIUS fibre laser cutting machine integrates three-axis linear drive , AMADA ’ s original Variable Beam Control technology , new Laser Integration System ( LIS ) functions and easy operation . LIS functions
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