- Home
- MyFab
- Tech Cells
- Assembly
- Automation and Robotics
- Bending
- CAD/CAM Software
- Cutting
- Finishing
- Folding
- Hydroforming
- Machining
- Materials Handling
- Metals/Materials
- Power Tools
- Punching
- Roll Forming
- Safety
- Shop Management
- Stamping
- Testing and Measuring
- Tool and Die
- Tube and Pipe Fabrication
- Tube and Pipe Production
- Welding
- Article Search
- Industry Directory
- Publications
- Advertise
- Media Center
Tags
Articles tagged with "cutting"
Results: 99
 |
Using a hand-held plasma cutter: Exploring techniques for cutting, gouging, & maintenanceNeed to learn some techniques for cutting, piercing, and gouging with a hand-held plasma cutter? Read on for six steps to follow when cutting; information about gouging; and tips on maintenance.
|
 |
Plasma cutting stainless steel and aluminum: Investigating thermal and chemical changes in the heat-affected zoneThis study conducted at Hypertherm characterizes thermal and chemical changes in plasma-cut stainless steel and aluminum alloys and recommends process alternatives that may improve aesthetics and cut quality to improve forming and fabricating of the materials. The systems used were water-injection PAC, conventional dual-gas PAC, and high-precision PAC. It was learned that the heat-affected zone (HAZ) is small in plasma-cut pieces, HAZ varies with speed and power, faster cutting produces less HAZ, and more heat per square inch can produce less HAZ.
|
 |
Estimating your cutting costs: Cost of ownership model compares precision plasma, punch-plasma, laserIn comparing cutting costs associated with precision plasma, punch-plasma, and laser cutting, it's important to account for labor costs, operating costs, and depreciation. All three of these processes have benefits and drawbacks cost-wise, depending on how they're deployed.
|
 |
Exploring dry cutting technologies: New capabilities for high-power dryThe evolution of high power dry plasma technology and other cutting methods, such as conventional dual gas PAC, water injection PAC, high precision PAC, and laser for metal fabrication. Variables such as, process speed, cut quality, productivity, and cost per foot are discussed in detail.
|
|
Mechanized plasma cutting for HVAC applications: How equipment has progressed and what it offers today's fabricatorsJust 20 years ago most heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) ductwork was cut by hand with snips and shears. Cutting out HVAC fittings was slow and labor-intensive. It took an experienced tinsmith with strong hands to slice through galvanized steel all day. It took even more skill to get the cuts and bends just right to coax flat panels of sheet metal into precise 3-D forms.
|
 |
How to avoid the top 10 problems in plasma cutting: Practical tips you can use right nowAttention to detail at the outset can save plasma cutting operators a load of trouble during production.
|
 |
Using plasma arc cutting to clean-cut stainless steel sheet and plate: Variables to considerTo clean-cut stainless steel sheet and plate, fabricators first must choose the right CNC cutting equipment and then set the correct process-related variables. Precise machine motion controls, torch-to-material distance control, and the correct plasma and assist gases all are crucial to producing weld-ready plasma-cut edges on all stainless steel thicknesses.
|
 |
Making plasma cutting easier: Using CNC automation technologyFor many people, the world of plasma cutting is a complex and daunting place, with a cryptic set of rules that can be mastered only by highly trained technicians after weeks of training. For every change of material or thickness being cut, a long process ensues of resetting gas mixtures, tweaking pierce heights and pierce delays, and manually calibrating every last parameter to ensure a reliable result.
|
 |
Plasma pleases plentyTechnological developments in lasers are positioning them as an attractive alternative to plasma. But fabricators are still sticking with plasma cutting for many applications where speed and cost-effective operation are concerns.
|
 |
Optimizing consumable life in mechanized plasma cutting: Identifying and correcting typical problemsIf you don't stay on top of torch maintenance and replacing consumables, an efficient cutting process can quickly become a lot more expensive to operate.
|
 |
Starting from scratch: Plasma arc cutting basics and operator guidelinesKnowing the basics of plasma cutting, as well as some fundamental operator guidelines can lead to quality cuts and extended consumable life. The more operators know about the process, the more readily they can identify and address problems that may occur.
|
 |
Older plasma and laser cutters having performance fits?: Retrofit!If you are considering retrofitting existing equipment to not just expand your plate cutting capacity, several factors need to be considered. These factors focus on a higher wattage resonator or an higher amperage plasma system, but also on the need to review the entire machine architecture.
|
 |
Improving plasma cut quality: For best cuts, begin with system componentsBy optimizing the performance of each of the plasma cutting system's components, a fabricator can quickly and consistently create high quality parts. The plasma power supply, torch, and lead assembly comprise a plasma cutting system. Robust cutting applications require a mechanized system with an integrated computer numerical control (CNC) and a three-axis configuration with the plasma torch and a torch height control.
|
 |
Improvements to CNC plasma technology: The evolution continues with sensor and software advancesContinued improvements to CNC plasma cutting technology have made these units much more adaptable and user friendly. They have also helped improve consistency and cut quality.
|
 |
Don't rule out plasma for cutting aluminum: Clearing up the misconceptionsIn any discussion about how to cut metal, plasma cutting is right up there with laser and waterjet. The technology gets a bad rap, though, when the discussion turns to cutting aluminum. There are five preconceptions that many fabricators have about turning to plasma to cut aluminum. But according to three experts, new plasma cutting systems produce good results on aluminum.
|
 |
Mejorando la calidad del corte por plasma: Los mejores cortes empiezan con los componentes del sistema |
 |
Cutting through the obstacles: The challenges of sawing structural tube, pipe, and solidsOf all the materials that can be cut on industrial band saw machines, structural steels—such as pipe and tubing, plate, angle and channel iron, and I beams—are all among the most common and challenging.
|
 |
Increasing productivity on your cutoff saw: Considerations when sawing round and square tubingAll of the components of a tube cutting job—the workpiece, the blade, the saw, and the cutting fluid included—have to work together optimally to maximize your productivity.
|
 |
Putting a spark into cutting productivity: Exploring the friction alternativeThere are many ways to cut sheet, plate, tubing, and structural shapes, ranging from a hand hacksaw to power shears and lasers.
|
|
What is your facility cut out for? Circular and band saw purchases depend on application requirementsWhat cutting equipment you buy depends very heavily on what area of industry you are supplying, throughput requirements, and, not least, finances. Don't let preconceived notions prevent you from making the very best possible decision.
|
 |
Cutting to the chase: ArrayArray
|
 |
Band saw cutting of tube and pipe: Tips for blade selection and machine settingsProduction quantities of cut tube and pipe can be produced economically with a band saw. However, the choice of which blade to use is very important in maintaining a low cost per cut.
|
 |
Making the cut: ArrayArray
|
 |
Cutting exotic alloys: Circular saw helps shop land aircraft tubing projectCutting tubing with a circular cutoff saw is a common metal fabrication operation. This type of saw can produce a smooth finish that requires little secondary finishing.
|
 |
Boatmaker finds new saw for trailer production: Circular cold saw meets compound miter cut, setup requirementsAt its factory in Vonore, Tenn., MasterCraft builds boats and trailers in adjacent bays. It offers the option of a trailer with every ski boat it sells.
|
 |
Take the old with the new - Selecting saw blades with new technologies in mindNew methods for cutting tube and pipe have been introduced to welding shops in the last few years—methods designed not only to cut metal, but also to cut costs.
|
 |
Making hands-free straight, saddle, and miter cutsRovanco Piping Systems Inc. designs and fabricates piping systems for applications such as water (hot and cold), steam, and jet fuel. It sells fabricated pipe—typically with straight or miter end cuts—up to 36 inches in diameter. It provides preinsulated, high-temperature, low-temperature, and containment systems.
|
 |
Band sawing bundled shapesBundled side by side or top to bottom, thin-walled structural metal shapes pose a productivity dilemma for sawing shops. Band saw efficiency typically is measured in cubic inches of stock removed per minute, and the most efficient cuts are those made in large, solid pieces.
|
 |
Pursuing a plate-cutting saw: Employees team up to make a buying decisionMetal Cutting Service, City of Industry (Los Angeles), Calif., specializes in sawing metals. President David Viel explained the company's strategy: "We do not buy or sell anything, we just add value to others' products." Although it does very little advertising, the 26-employee company has customers throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia, even though the cost to ship material can be substantial.
|
 |
Miter sawing adds eye appeal to structural steel: Getting more from your miter |
 |
Boosting band saw blade life: Guidelines to follow on the shop floorBecause intermittent cutting can be hard on blades, you should find ways to increase blade productivity for your environment. Several guidelines, such as selecting the right blade tooth size, breaking in the blades, and choosing the right blade for the job are ways to help improve the productivity of your band saw blade.
|
 |
Preventive maintenance on sawing equipment: One investment that pays big dividendsUsually no more than 30 to 60 minutes are needed to do all of the necessary checks and maintenance on band saws. This is a small investment of time in relation to the cost savings that can be attained by maximizing the life of the machine and blade.
|
 |
Angling for a good cut: Sawing structurals and tubingGood sawing and maintenance practices can help alleviate problems that can occur when making angle cuts in structurals and tubing. Addressing the stock, machine setup, the blade, the cutting fluid, and the saw itself may not completely rid fabricators of problems, but it can help keep the operation profitable and relatively painless.
|
 |
Sawing? Cool it.: Coolants can extend blade life, improve cut finish, and quicken cut ratesNearly every metal sawing operation can become more cost-effective with a properly mixed and maintained sawing coolant. Proper use of sawing coolant improves cutting rates by balancing the combination of cooling and lubrication of the blade. Quality coolant improves the cut finish and can extend blade life by as much as 20 percent.
|
 |
Cutting to the chase Sawing structural and architectural tubing: Sawing structural and architectural tubingThis article examines common fabrication processes for structural and architectural tube. It specifically focuses on cutting, sawing, miter cutting, bundle sawing, and cambering.
|
 |
Getting control of your cut-to-length line: How to select the most suitable drive and controllerThere are many factors to consider when selecting a drive and control system for a cut-to-length line. After choosing the line, you need to choose the drive, calculate the load inertia, calculate the feeder speed, and choose a motion controller.
|
 |
8 ways to keep your shear in top shapeImproving uptime and reducing maintenance when using shears for high production could mean following a few key steps.
|
 |
Material Handling on Squaring Shears: Aiding productivity by making the operator's job easierProper material handling equipment in front of and in back of utmost importance to your operation. Its impact on operator comfort and safety should not be minimized.
|
|
Cutting structural steel to length; The sheer facts of shear tooling and processesThis article discusses the tooling and shearing processes used for cutting structural steel elements. It mentions the materials and heat-treating processes used to manufacture the knives (tooling) and two different shearing processes - - single-cut and double-cut. It also discusses the challenges presented by structural items that do not have uniform profiles, such as channels and I-beams.
|
|
Not your father's abrasive jet: Technological advances, attention to common woes give fabricators options for precision cuttingThe advances made in abrasive jet cutting in recent years have negated much of the downside formerly associated with the technology.
|
|
Exploring complementary cutting methods: Comparing capabilities of laser, plasma, EDM to waterjet technologyThe various cutting methods available to fabrication shops today can be both a little daunting and very beneficial. Choice is good--learn how to make the most of the diversity all your choices offer to you.
|
|
Pumps for abrasive jet cutting |
|
Improving waterjet cutting precision by eliminating taper |
|
Designing for abrasive waterjet fabrication: Forethought, flexibility can help cut cornersArray
|
 |
Where abrasive waterjets shine: No-HAZ process makes inroads into HSS, metallic composites, special fabricationsAbrasive waterjet's cold-cutting and omni-directional capabilities make it especially well-suited to cutting unusual shapes out of exotic and heat-sensitive materials. Also, because abrasive waterjet is a cold-cutting process, it does not create a heat-affected zone (HAZ), which can make it more difficult to execute downstream processes, such as welding.
|
 |
Trailblazing with waterjet: How one manufacturer broke ground with new technologyFor Johnson Enterprises of New Brunswick, Canada, the waterjet cutting system with shuttle table has opened the door to business opportunities more diverse than the materials it can process.
|
|
Fixturing for abrasive jet machiningClamping the workpiece against sideways motion and weighting it against vertical motion will prevent part loss and improve part quality in waterjet machining. This article offers practical fixturing suggestions for both cutting from flat sheet and adding features to existing parts.
|
 |
American Fabricator: American Chopper's Vinnie, unpluggedArray
|
 |
Bernie and the jet: The mechanic at Jay Leno's Big Dog Garage finds that waterjets are a cut above the restJay Leno's car collection, housed at the Big Dog Garage in Burbank, Calif., is not meant to collect dust. These cars are to be driven. Bernard Juchli is in charge of that, and now he has a waterjet to help him fabricate hard-to-find or non-existent parts and to keep the cars on the road.
|
 |
Job diversity through a waterjet: Pacific Metal Cutting knows saws, but learns to love waterjet and the new business it bringsPacific Metal Cutting of Placentia, Calif., wasn't struggling when it bought its first waterjet in May 2004. After two years of waterjet ownership and the addition of a second table, the metal cutter is struggling to keep up with new business.
|
 |
Achieve peak waterjet performance by optimizing components: Tips and tricksA waterjet systems comprises an ultra-high-pressure pump, CNC machine, and one or more cutting heads. How these components are set up and optimized determines the waterjet system's performance.
|
 |
Waterjet accelerates pace, provides speed secret: Winning the race between racesJoe Gibbs Racing sports three Nextel Cup teams, winning three Cup championships in a seven-year period. Its drivers Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin, and J.J. Yeley are well-known race stars. Preparing the cars for each week's race is literally a race between races, as new components-speed secrets-are engineered and fabricated between Sunday night and Thursday. The company relies on a Flow waterjet to accelerate its manufacturing pace to meet the grueling deadlines
|
|
How one shop benefited from abrasive waterjet technologyTriplex Systems found that using abrasive waterjet cutting technology combined with a hole-and-tab technique to fabricate its products helped eliminate machining operations and reduced costs.
|
|
Grinding and cutting safelyHand-held angle grinders, which now are being used more frequently in industries besides metal fabrication and welding, can cause injury if used improperly and without following all safety guidelines. This article covers the safety practices involved when using these grinders with resin-bonded wheels.
|
 |
Fast-forward fabricating: Automation helps Estes Design and Manufacturing turn around jobs quicklyA new laser cutter, a new panel bender, and two older punching and shearing combination machines, connected to a new automatedstorage-and-retieval system have helped an Indianapolis job shop stay on top of emergnecy orders that normally come its way.
|
 |
Welder, beware: When, why, and how fires and explosions occurThis article provides some statistical analysis, causes for, and tips to consider regarding welding and cutting fire and explosions. It includes a sidebar about governing codes and questions to ask regarding fires and explosions when welding or cutting is suspected in an incident.
|
 |
Welding helmets in view: Five welding helmets, five sets of capabilitiesWelders looking for welding helmets have a lot of options to choose from. With everything that is available, it is important for welders to be informed of the protection levels of each helmet as well as the features each provide in order to find the right helmet for the job.
|
 |
Preventing torch fires in welding and cutting operations: Following five safety tips can reduce hot-work dangersWelding and cutting, which accounts for 1 percent of structure fires and 4 percent of nonhousehold property damage, is the most dangerous type of hot work, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Companies that weld and cut should take specific steps to increase safety and minimize the risk of torch fires. Hot work, by its nature, has a lot of hazards. Companies and their hot-work operators can protect their safety and their facilities by keeping combustibles away from welding and cutting operations; using new safety features; staying aware of conditions; and knowing and following instructions provided on the precautionary labels and in OSHA, ANSI, and NFPA standards.
|
 |
Heading off health hazards: Guidelines for working injury freeEach year more than 700,000 Americans injure their eyes at work equating to more than 2,000 eye injuries each day. About 90 percent of which could have been prevented if proper eye protection were used. Safe work practices, along with properly selected and worn PPE can help reduce many of these potential health hazards and help you to make sure you don't become a statistic.
|
 |
Learning to adapt: Fabricator adapts to changing manufacturing environmentProduction Cutting Services opened for business in 1985 as a service
|
|
Metalfab: All that glitters is metalLights. Camera. Fabricate?! You get home from work after fabricating all day, kick back with a cool one, and turn on the tube just to see more metal fabrication, on-screen, as entertainment. If it's not "American Chopper" or "Monster Garage," it's "Biker Build-Off," "Monster House" or "American Hot Rod." What's the fascination with fabrication? Do shows like these put a new spin on the image of metal forming and fabricating? Have they inspired younger generations to consider metal fabricating as a profession? Why have TV producers zoned in on these types of shows?
|
|
Up with energy prices and wind towers: Automation, consultation help plate fabricator meet demand for wind tower mastsWith the recent increases in gasoline and natural gas prices, more attention than ever is focused on alternative energy sources. One fabricator, Aerisyn LLC, investigated manufacturing towers for use in the wind power industry. To produce towers efficiently enough to compete against imports from Asia, Aerisyn relied on an equipment vendor that had experience in demanding fields such as aerospace, nuclear, and wind power.
|
 |
Nothing standard about this fab shop: The old approach isn't of interest to the new kid on the block, Seconn Fabrication--The FABRICATOR's 2008 Industry Award winnerRob Marelli left a family-owned metal fabricating company four years ago with the intention of doing things his way. Joined by a loyal group of managers and employees, he's found success at Seconn Fabrication. In the short time the company has been open, it has earned revenues of $9 million. And the company has done this by doing things other metal fabricating competitors aren't.
|
 |
Die Design for flat parts: Achieving perfection in a difficult taskFlatness is one of the most difficult part characteristics to achieve in a conventional stamping die.
|
 |
Regaining flatness in stamped parts |
|
Die Basics 101: Part I |
|
Sheet Metal Stamping 101: ArrayArray
|
|
Sheet Metal Stamping 101 Part III: Dies and cutting: Part III: Dies and cuttingContinuing his series about sheet metal stamping, tool and die expert Art Hedrick focuses on die basics, including die materials and rudimentary maintenance. He also explains the cutting process and what happens to metal when you cut it with a stamping die.
|
|
Sheet Metal Stamping 101 Part IV: Cutting processes: Part IV: Cutting processesContinuing his series about sheet metal stamping, tool and die expert Art Hedrick explains common cutting operations used in stamping: trimming, piercing, blanking, notching, shearing, lancing, and pinch trimming. Find out how they work and which applications are appropriate for each.
|
 |
Focusing on tube cutting lasers: Tube fabricators, producers see the lightState-of-the-art laser technology for cutting metal tubes includes capabilities for cutoff, beveling, and cutting an infinite variety of shapes such as holes, slots, and notches. In this article, manufacturers of laser cutting equipment discuss the state of advancements such as automated loading and unloading of parts; simplified programming; automatedinspection of finished parts; and lights-out operation.
|
 |
Tube and pipe cutting techniques; advantages and limitations: Abrasive to shear, each method has its placeMany factors are involved in choosing a particular method or technology for cutting tube or pipe.
|
 |
Using precision abrasive wheel technology: Narrow niche, small parts, tight tolerancesPrecision abrasive wheel cutting is a small but important niche in the abrasive cutting field. It can be used to cut many types of parts, including metal rods, tubes, extruded shapes, and even wire. It is most useful in operations characterized by small parts, hard-to-cut materials, and tight tolerances.
|
 |
The basics of rotary cutting: Finding the right machine type and optionsThe rotary cutting process rotates a tube or pipe and cuts it with a rotating blade. Because it is a chipless cutting method, it does not waste any material and reduces or eliminates subsequent deburring and cleaning operations. Although it can be used on any metal, it is not suitable for every application. The cutting action produces a slight chamfer on the end of the workpiece, so it is not useful for applications that require a square end. Machine types include manual and pneumatic. Accessories include cutter block assemblies that support the workpiece during the cut; length gauges for repeatable cut lengths; and feed systems that store and feed the material into the cutting machine.
|
|
Making the cut: ArrayArray
|
 |
Bridging the challenges: Arizona shop overcomes fabrication obstacles in artistic pipe bridge designA good design doesn't guarantee challenge-free fabrication in the bridge industry, as one fabricator found out. Despite material availability obstacles, stringent welding requirements, and massive pipe cutting needs, Stinger Welding and the design team it worked with pulled off a winning pipe bridge design in six months.
|
 |
Designing for laser cutting: Fortify your frontline by designing tubular parts to maximize laser’s capabilitiesDesigning for the laser cutting process optimizes what tube fabricators can achieve.
|
 |
Making the cut - Understanding rotary cutoff blades and extending blade lifeThe rotary cutting process rotates a tube or pipe and cuts it with a rotating blade. The blades are beveled to various angles and produce a chamfered end on the workpiece. Selecting the right bevel angle is the key in getting an optimal combination of end finish and production rate. Proper alignment and clearance, the use of a lubricant, frequent inspections, and proper sharpening are the keys to long blade life.
|
 |
Skiving strip edges for tube and pipe producing: New equipment developments address coil preparation challengesEdge treatment of coil strip before it enters a tube and pipe mill, called skiving, is a rapidly advancing technology. Improving the coil edge before it is welded helps increase the quality of the seam join and helps prevent rejected tube or pipe.
|
 |
Laser tube processing: Ten out-of-the-box techniques save money, spur innovationThe introduction of lasers to the manufacturing process has changed the fabrication of tubing. Today, many manual processes can be replaced with laser processing techniques. Using the flexibility afforded by lasers, a bundle of raw tubing can be loaded into a laser tube cutter; parts can be cut with high accuracy, quality, and speed; and then finished parts from the machine can be sent directly to the final assembly.
|
 |
Optimizing your hydraulic cutoff press: Squeezing more out of your tube mill |
|
Cutting to the chase: ArrayArray
|
|
Choosing the right oxyfuel gas and supply systemMixing oxygen with fuel gases for brazing, cutting, heating, and welding metal has been around since the early 1900s. Oxyfuel processes have remained in use over the years despite the introduction of other metal fabrication processes, such as arc welding, plasma cutting, and laser materials processing. Finding the most economical method for supplying oxyfuel gases requires a basic understanding of the process.
|
|
Up with energy prices and wind towers: Automation, consultation help plate fabricator meet demand for wind tower mastsWith the recent increases in gasoline and natural gas prices, more attention than ever is focused on alternative energy sources. One fabricator, Aerisyn LLC, investigated manufacturing towers for use in the wind power industry. To produce towers efficiently enough to compete against imports from Asia, Aerisyn relied on an equipment vendor that had experience in demanding fields such as aerospace, nuclear, and wind power.
|
 |
Metal fabricating in a new millennium: How metal fabricators elevated plate cutting, bending, welding, and finishing to an art form to create Millennium Park's Cloud GateThe forming and fabricating of the 925-foot BP Pedestrian Bridge located at the east section of Chicago's Millennium Park, and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion is explored.
|
 |
Automation helps ovenmaker cook up profits: Wood Stone Corp., Bellingham, Wash., learns valuable lessons as a resultWhat kind of a difference did an automated fabricating system make for Wood Stone Corp., Bellingham, Wash.? Before the system, the company actually had more people in the shop, and they were working 10 hour days for about 4-6 months to make fewer products than are produced today.
|
 |
Identifying the right cutting and welding tips: Understanding torch tip design and function |
 |
Investigating applications, hardware, collision protection, and height controlUsing orbital welding equipment led to productivity gains in one of the nation's first fusion-welded underground pipelines.
|
 |
Productivity: From pipe dream to reality: Increase pipe fabrication efficiency before weldingAs pipe fabricators continue to employ more modern welding processes, they also should consider the role that end preparation plays in productivity. Cutting and clamping methods are two areas to study when it comes to pipe fabrication efficiency.
|
 |
Material separation anxiety: Preventive maintenance tips for band saw blade careMaterial separation with a band saw machine is the beginning of most fabrication and many manufacturing operations, but it doesn't have to cause headaches with the proper preventive maintenance.
|
|
A change by design: Trailer manufacturer adopts a new CAD/CAM system for its nine manufacturing facilitiesGreat Dane Trailers, one of the world's largest trailer manufacturers, wanted to consolidate on one CAD/CAM software system across its nine manufacturing locations. Following a recommendation from one of its machine suppliers, the company adopted SigmaNEST CAD/CAM nesting software, and just in a nick of time.
|
 |
The challenges of laser cutting: Overcoming some common obstaclesLasers can be used to process expensive alloys as well as traditional materials such as stainless steel. However, knowing the strengths and weaknesses of laser processing is the key to determining whether or not a laser is the right choice for cutting.
|
|
Testing new waters Down Under: Australian auto industry looks to benefit from lasers, information sharingCapitalizing on the latest laser and information sharing technology, theAustralian auto industry is working to achieve critical mass within itsdomestic market and to take advantage of the opportunities offered bye-commerce.
|
|
Turning up the power: Using lasers to cut thick plateThe most common power levels ranged between 1,500 and 2,000 watts. However, a statistical survey conducted by the AMT Laser System Product Group indicates a steady increase during the last 12 months of installations for high-power 3,000- to 4,000-watt laser systems and a decline in sales of lasers with power levels less than 2,000 watts.
|
 |
Cutting through five myths about modern lasers: The truth behind laser cutting technologyWhether you're operating a 10-year-old laser machine or evaluating the purchase of a new one, staying up-to-date on current laser cutting technology and techniques can be the key to maintaining a competitive edge.
|
 |
Laser cutting and welding with one tool: Is one head better than two?Today's laser sources have the power and beam quality needed to cut and join metal in an expeditious and repetitious manner. The market demands that type of flexible production, so those characteristics are basic requirements in modern laser devices. The market demands also have promoted the idea of multifunctional processing. That has led to the development of a combination head capable of laser cutting and welding 3-D metal work pieces.
|
 |
Fitness equipment manufacturer pumps up: Laser leads the way in cutting flat and tubular partsParamount Fitness Corp., a manufacturer of strength training equipment, used to purchase small quantities of laser-cut parts from outside vendors. Its desire for a laser could not be justified because the quantities of parts were so low. Engineers at TRUMPF worked with Paramount to create special fixtures so that a TC L 2530 sheet metal laser could handle tubular parts. The company soon found the new laser running 10 hours per day, six days a week. In keeping with the company's strategy to reduce direct labor, it soon justified a TUBEMATIC to handle its tubular parts.
|
|
Tube, profile cutting with lightning speed: Laser cutting tube with a rotary axisFor more than 30 years, lasers have been used successfully for flat sheet cutting. Complex 3-D laser cutting is well-established in the automotive industry.
|
|
Looking to higher power for laser speed?: May need to look at beam quality insteadLaser beam sources with higher output powers and improved beam qualities have expanded the range of laser applications. Most system's lasers have power higher than 2 kW. Higher power does not always accelerate the speed, however. Increasing the power during thermal cutting beyond this value may cause increase heat-affected zones on the material and place higher demands on the motion system, thus limiting the cutting speed. A new patented process called diffusion-cooled CO2 slab lasers may offer improved beam quality and smaller focus diameters under conditions comparable to conventional fast-axial-flow CO2 laser with 4-kW output power.
|
 |
3 pasos para mejorar el mantenimiento de los láser: Ponga atención en el ambiente, en el equipo, Y en los siempre necesarios consumiblesLos usuarios de mquinas lser saben que necesitan tener un programa de mantenimiento adecuado, pero con frecuencia lo ignoran al tratar de minimizar el tiempo improductivo. Sin embargo, con los tiempos de entrega y los mrgenes reducindose, y los costos de las materias primas siempre impredecibles, el mantenimiento adecuado de una mquina puede ahorrar a un taller muchos dolores de cabeza en la recta final de una entrega.
|
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn