In today’s manufacturing industry, fiber laser cutting machines have become indispensable in various industries due to their excellent cutting accuracy and speed. However, with the wide variety of fiber laser cutting machines on the market, it is important to choose the right machine for your specific industry needs. This article will provide you with a detailed guide to help you make an informed choice.
Introduction
Compared to waterjet and plasma cutting machines, fiber laser cutting machines have gained prominence in the manufacturing industry due to their unmatched precision and speed in cutting metals and other materials. With an ever-increasing variety of equipment available on the market, it’s important to choose the right cutter for your industry’s needs. So how do metal processing customers in different industries choose the right fiber laser cutting machine for them?
Understanding industry needs
Determine the type of material to be cut
Different materials have different requirements for laser cutting machines.
Metals: Stainless steel and aluminum plates, for example, usually require a fiber laser cutting machine with a power between 1000W and 6000W. Higher power ensures that metal materials with greater thicknesses can be cut with good cut quality.
Determine the thickness range of the material
Thin plates, such as 1mm to 5mm thick sheet metal, can be cut with high precision using a laser cutting machine with a power of 1,000W to 3,000W.
Thick plates: for example, 10mm to 20mm thick stainless steel plate, the power of 4000W or more laser cutting machine is needed to ensure smooth cutting and edge smoothness.
Production and speed requirements
Select the appropriate cutting speed and production capacity according to the production requirements:
High throughput production line: e.g. automobile manufacturing, requires fast and efficient cutting machine. Laser cutting machines with power above 6000W are capable of cutting more than 10 meters of sheet metal per minute, greatly improving productivity.
Small batch production: such as handicrafts production, may be more concerned about cutting accuracy and versatility. Laser cutting machines with a power of 1,000W to 2,000W can meet the demand and handle a wide range of cutting tasks with different materials and thicknesses.
Considerations for Different Industries
Different industries have their own unique needs and challenges when it comes to choosing a fiber laser cutting machine. Below is a detailed description of a few key industries.
Automotive Industry:
High Precision and Smooth Surfaces: The automotive industry requires a high degree of precision in parts. Fiber laser cutting machines can provide extremely high cutting accuracy to ensure a perfect fit of the part. For example, when cutting door frames, fiber laser cutting machines are able to achieve ±0.03mm accuracy, ensuring seamless door assembly, which can be used to make doors, chassis and instrument panel brackets.
Aerospace:
Handling special and hard materials: The aerospace industry often uses titanium alloys and composite materials, which are strong and difficult to cut. Fiber laser cutting machines can efficiently cut these materials while maintaining their strength. For example, when cutting wing and fuselage components, fiber laser cutting machines can maintain ±0.05mm accuracy, ensuring structural strength and weight reduction. It can be used in the manufacture of accessories such as wing skeletons, fuselage panels and engine components.
Metal Processing:
Versatility: the metal processing industry needs to handle various types of metals such as steel, aluminum, copper, etc. Fiber laser cutting machines are able to adjust the cutting parameters according to the characteristics of different metals, providing a flexible solution. For example, cutting 3mm copper plate and 10mm stainless steel plate on the same machine, fiber laser cutting machine can provide high quality cutting results. It can be used in the manufacture of metal doors and windows, mechanical parts and decorative plates.
Fitness equipment:
Handling Plates and Tubes: The fitness equipment industry needs to cut a wide range of materials, such as steel plates and tubes, to ensure a diverse and high-quality product. Fiber laser cutting machines are able to handle materials of different thicknesses and shapes to produce high-precision fitness equipment. For example, cutting treadmill frames and fitness equipment stands, fiber laser cutting machines can achieve high precision and smooth cutting results. It can be used in the manufacture of fitness equipment such as treadmill frames, multi-functional fitness equipment and dumbbell racks.
Key Features to Know About Fiber Laser Cutting Machines
When choosing a fiber laser cutting machine, you need to pay special attention to the following key features:
Power output and its impact on cutting ability: Power is a key factor in determining the performance of a fiber laser cutting machine. High power machines are suitable for cutting thick materials and achieving high production speeds. For example, a laser cutting machine of 4000W or more can effectively cut stainless steel up to 10mm thick, while a machine of 6000W and above can cut carbon steel up to 22mm thick, ensuring cutting speed and quality.
Bed size and workspace size: Choosing the right bed and workspace size ensures that the required workpiece size is handled. Common sizes such as 1500*3000mm can meet the cutting needs of most small to medium sized workpieces. For example, DXTECH’s FL series laser cutting machine offers this standard size and can easily handle sheet metal cutting tasks.
Precision and Accuracy Specifications: High precision and accuracy are key to ensuring cut quality. Accuracy of ±0.03mm means smooth cut edges and reduced need for subsequent machining. For example, sheet metal cuts for electronics housings can be used directly for assembly with high accuracy, reducing the need for additional sanding and finishing.
Software and control system compatibility: Choosing a cutter that is compatible with existing equipment and software systems ensures seamless integration into the production line. For example, DXTECH’s latest FL series laser cutting machines work seamlessly with its existing CAD/CAM software, supporting the setting and saving of multiple cutting parameters and the conversion of multiple cutting modes, improving productivity and cutting accuracy.
Cooling system and its importance: Effective cooling system can extend the service life of the cutting machine and reduce downtime. An efficient cooling system maintains the optimal operating temperature of the laser and mechanical components, preventing downtime due to overheating. For example, DXTECH’s cooling system is designed to run for more than 8 hours without overheating, ensuring efficient operation for long periods of time.
Conclusion
When choosing a fiber laser cutting machine, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the industry’s needs and consider key features. Through the research of different industries in this article, we hope to help you choose the most suitable cutting machine to improve productivity and product quality.
If you need more advice and high-quality fiber laser cutting solutions, please feel free to consult with DXTECH. we will provide you with professional support and services to help your business development.