Choose Automation Systems in Laser Cutting

Automations in Laser Cutting Automation has been a boon to the laser

cutting industry. It has helped overcome

the problem of a limited worker pool to

meet the demands of expanded businesses.

The three main benefits of laser cutting are that they provide speed,

consistency, and increased capacity. Fabricators have found that with

automated laser cutting machines, they are able to provide high

strength, low cost products within shorter delivery times.

How to Choose Automation Systems in Laser Cutting

Upgrade to Automation

• The first thing you need to see is how the automated laser cutting process will fit into your manufacturing system. This can be performed by selecting nesting processes for raw material waste minimization, setting up cutting parameters, and establishing cost justification models.

Select the Type of Automation

• There are 3 basic types of automation solutions – Shuttle Table (also known as pallet changer), Load/Unload System, and Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS). The shuttle table solution allows the operator to remove one piece of sheet metal while the laser is being used to cut another sheet. The load/unload system includes loading and unloading tables, which lets the fabricator work on only one type of material. FMS allows the fabricator to work on different types of materials with various thicknesses while the machine is run unmanned. You should consider 3 factors in choosing the right solution – targeted throughput, variation in material type, and material thickness.

Decide upon the Initial Configuration

• There are 5 factors that need to be considered when selecting the configuration of the system – type of material, number of laser cutting machines, material transfer, automation control system, material unloading system. Depending on the combination of these factors, you can decide on the configuration of the system.

• Always conduct a test of the machine before you begin. Take a sample sheet and test the laser cutting process before you start with the actual sheet cutting process.

• Make sure the lens of the laser is focused and the extraction is on.

• Make sure the compressed air supply is on.

• Do not stare at the beam. It can easily damage your eyes.

• Never operate the laser cutting machine without proper supervision.

• Use the necessary safety gear when handling the machine.

One of the biggest advantages of automation in laser cutting is that it has reduced instances of underutilization. Machine operators would take time to place and replace material for cutting, as well as clear metal shards from the machine. Also, timely breaks would result in the machine just remaining idle, which lead to starving of the laser. Fabricators who use laser technology have found that one can increase manufacturing capacity along with productivity. The use of automated laser cutting machines typically increases overall manufacturing capacity and productivity by 50%.

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