Fibre laser cutting machines have demonstrated amazing performance in the metal manufacturing industries. It is a clean and quick process of cutting various materials and the best thing about these machines is that the material can be cut in accordance with the design pattern! For the most part, fibre laser cutting machines displayed highly advanced equipment that has the ability to cut through all kinds of metal substances with unmatched accuracy and speed.
At present, the application of fiber laser-cutting machines can be found in thousands of industries around the globe. That's why, today we are going to discuss a few important applications of fibre laser cutting machines in detail. Let's not wait any further and start reading the article!
What Is A Fiber Laser Cutting Machine?
Fiber laser machines are earmarked equipment that are used for cutting different types of materials and they also provide phenomenal accuracy, repeatability and speed. Generally, they are well-suited for cutting mild or stainless steel and non-ferrous metals as well. Fibre laser machines are usually powered by 500W+ fibre optic laser sources and therefore, they are the best when it comes to cutting thicker materials.
The strength of the machine is signified by the laser source and they tend to function parallel to the CO2 cutting machines. However, light is directed through a fibre optic in order to intensify the laser beam before it gets properly aligned to the material that has to be operated. This marks a better & powerful beam when compared to a CO2 laser cutting machine.
History Of Fiber Laser Cutting Machine
Fibre laser cutting machines have a history that intertwines technological advancements, scientific discoveries and various industrial applications. However, the roots of fibre laser technology can be outlined heretofore to the theoretical groundwork that was brought about by Albert Einstein in his disruptive paper on stimulated emission published in 1917. This paper presented the main principles behind lasers, setting the stage for the expansion of different types of lasers which also includes fibre laser technology.
Nonetheless, it wasn't until the 1960s that "Theodore Maiman" built the first operational laser utilising a synthetic ruby crystal, commemorating the advent of practical laser technology. Over the years, many engineers and researchers investigated various mediums for creating lasers, which resulted in the construction of the first fibre laser in the 1960s. But these early fibre laser technologies were restricted in efficiency and power.
Well, the actual turning point for fibre laser machines was brought in the 1980s and 1990s with refinements in fibre optics as well as materials science. Researchers began formulating high-power fibre lasers that rendered the amplification abilities of periodic earth-doped fibres. This invention entitled for more efficient and powerful laser beams to be developed within fibre-optic channels, revolutionising different industrial and scientific applications.
What Are The Applications Of Fibre Laser Cutting Machines?
1) Automobile Industry
Several metal components of automobiles like brakes, car doors, exhaust pipes, and more can be completely processed in an accurate manner by fibre laser cutting technology. When compared to conventional metal cutting techniques such as plasma cutting, fibre laser cutting methods assure fabulous preciseness as well as efficiency, which tends to enhance the safety and productivity of the automotive elements.
These types of machines are amazing for cutting minor or complicated elements that are utilised in automobiles. They are also useful in cutting hydro-formed parts, which are actually metal parts created in 3D shapes, with incredible accuracy. Fibre laser cutting machines are not only masters in cutting metal but they are helpful for cutting other substances as well, such as fabric for airbags. It tends to leave zero fraying while cutting the fabric, dissimilar to conventional methods which utilise blades.
2) Shipbuilding Industry
When it comes to the shipbuilding industry, the main trend that has been going on in recent years is "quicker and more precision shipbuilding"! Fibre laser cutting technology is helping to develop this industry in its own way. As we know that this specific industry is primarily based on the raw elements of steel plates, and the utilisation of laser-cutting sheet metal can completely supersede the punching processes that need the usage of immense & difficult moulds.
They enormously curtail the production cycle and help in reducing unnecessary expenses. In addition, the requirement of on-site trimming is just removed which results in minimising labour & material waste. The assembly momentum of the configuration is incredibly accelerated, and the assembly quality is also improved with time.
3) Fitness Tools & Equipment
As there is a high volume of tubing manufacturing taking place in the fitness industry, the punching and cutting of the tubing are usually needed, and fibre laser technology can be utilised to cut round as well as square-shaped tubing. It can be helpful in cutting traditional or properly structured pipes like bread pipe or oval pipe.
It has a lot of other advantages to offer such as high precision, high flexibility, and quick production process. With all these benefits, fibre laser cutting machines have become the highly popular ideal equine in the manufacturing procedures of the fitness tools & equipment industry.
4) Kitchenware Industry
The kitchenware industry is something that is directly or closely associated with the daily life of individuals, and it has been renewed consistently to grow enormously. In the kitchenware industry, there are many products that require sheet metal panels like gas burners, range hoods, stove tops, etc. And the traditional cutting techniques take a long production cycle with low efficiency and extremely high cost.
The fibre laser cutting machine can help reduce expenses and provide enough efficiency to meet the requirements of the kitchenware industry. Fibre laser cutting machines are equipped with the ideal precision, quality beam, smooth cutting surface, and small slit and carry out the operations safely. It totally wiped out the cost of labour by letting the sheet metal be cut from one piece of substance in any pattern in a quick and efficient way.
5) Advertising Industry
Due to the flexible cutting method and high speed of the fibre laser cutting machine, a lot of complex graphics can be created quickly which is too popular in the advertising industry. As long as the consumer expects, after the CAD is brought in, the applicable substances can be cut out in a straightforward way, and hence, no issues will be faced in customization.
Additionally, there are some more customised developments in the advertising industry, and the conventional method has been extremely inefficient in recent years. Therefore, the fibre laser cutting machine has been found to be suitable for this specific industry as well.
6) Sheet Metal Industry
In sheet metal processing industries, the manufacturing of sheet metal elements is vital and it consists of multiple plates (a variety of distinct graphic cutting elements). So, before the inception of fibre laser cutting machines, large-scale cutting machines were employed for cutting and it did not result in providing high-precision processed substances. Plus, it was way too expensive. But, after fibre lasers were introduced, they truly helped in improving the efficiency of production processes with great results.
7) Aerospace Industry
In the aerospace industry, fiber laser cutting machines are used for the manufacturing of aircraft. They are utilised to develop various contours as well as intricate shapes for multiple materials such as turbine parts, airframe structures, interior elements of the aircraft, and beyond. The laser beam operates on different materials including alloys, titanium, stainless steel, aluminium, etc.
8) Medical Devices
Fibre laser cutting machines are beneficial for producing medical tools and devices. They can cut materials with perfection such as titanium, stainless steel, and numerous plastics to develop substances like medical tubing, implants, diagnostic tools, and surgical instruments.
9) Jewellery Manufacturing
In the jewellery industry, fibre laser cutting machines are utilised for precision cutting and engraving of precious metals such as platinum, gold, and silver, entitling intricate and explicit designs. It enables jewellery manufacturers to create unique and personalised pieces with fine details that would have been extremely tough or even impossible to achieve using traditional cutting techniques. Fibre laser cutting machines are perfect for quick prototyping and small-scale production runs. Jewellery designers can quickly develop samples or limited edition pieces, test new designs, and make modifications before perpetrating full-scale production.
10) Electronics Manufacturing — Fibre lasers have the ability to cut and etch precise patterns in thin metals and many other materials that are utilised in electronics manufacturing. They are also utilised in microfabrication methods to create intricate elements for devices like micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS).
Checklist Of Laser Cutting Maintenance
Maintaining a fiber laser cutting machine is important to make sure that it delivers optimal performance, longevity and safety. Here's a checklist of maintenance duties that you should regularly perform on a fibre laser cutting machine:
- Clean The Fiber Laser Cutting Machine
Remove the debris, dust and cutting residue if any from the surface of the machine, cutting and surrounding regions. Make use of compressed air, vacuum cleaners or brushes to tidy-up hard to reach areas.
- Review The Optics
You must examine the laser head, mirrors, lens and protective windows for any smudges, dirt or damage properly. Make sure to clean the optics with recommended cleaning solutions and lint-free substances.
- Examine Nozzles and Consumables
Assess the cutting nozzle of the machine for wear, blockages or any damages. If the nozzles or other consumables are worn out or damaged, then simply replace them.
- Check Gas Supply
Ensure a sufficient supply of assist gases like oxygen, nitrogen, or air for cutting. Monitor gas pressure and flow rates in order to maintain cutting quality consistently.
- Lubrication
You need to lubricate the moving parts or linear guides in accordance with the recommendations provided by the manufacturer. Make sure to use the appropriate lubricant to deter friction and wear.
- Check Machine Alignment
Verify the alignment of the laser head, focusing lens as well as cutting table. Bring in adjustments as required to maintain precise cutting outcomes.
- Clean Dust Filtration System
If your fibre laser machine includes a dust or fume extraction system, then do not forget to clean or replace filters to strengthen effective ventilation.
What Is The Future Of Fiber Laser Cutting?
The future of fibre laser cutting machines holds amazing possibilities that are driven by ongoing technological advancement in this modern world. Anticipated developments encompass boosted laser power and cutting speed, higher precision via enhanced control systems and an expanded range of substances that can be operated efficiently.
Integration with automation and Industry 4.0 principles is possible, guiding to improved efficiency and quality control. Anticipation also directs to the miniaturisation and portability of fibre laser cutting systems, enabling more widespread usage of these machines in new industries.
Moreover, hybrid systems that incorporate fibre lasers with various other technologies, as well as progress in beam shaping methods, could totally revolutionise cutting quality and versatility. Besides, sustainability, as well as energy efficiency are foreseen to play a major role in shaping the future terrain of fibre laser cutting technology, with high potential for applications beyond conventional manufacturing sectors.
Key Takeaways
Fibre laser cutting machines are known for their comparable accuracy, flexibility, and reliability when compared to the traditional processing technique. Fibre lasers employed contactless processing techniques that do not require any extra expenses or mould-making. Hence, fibre laser cutting technology is proven to be quite effective in terms of reduced labour intensity, quality of the product, less production expenses, enhanced traditional sheet metal processing technology, and a lot more advantages.
However, if you have any queries or doubts, feel free to reach out to us today!
