Laser Cutting Plastic (Polyethelene)Tube Sheets

Laser Cutting Application:

Samples of plastic (polyethelene) tube sheets arrived at our plant for cutting and fusing. The first sample was the thinner one measuring 0.00128”. The second sample had a thickness of 0.0005 inches.

The application engineers processed the samples using the SBM 1200 cutting system equipped with a 250W continuous wave CO2 (10.6 um) through a 2.5" lens. The plastic packaging was cut while fusing the cutting edge to form a bag. This process proved successful with the thinner 0.00128" material making the cut in 100mm/second and in just one pass. The material with a thickness of 0.005" required a more powerful laser than what was currently available in the lab. A 400-500 watt laser would be needed to fuse the ends of the thicker material while maintaining a manageable cutting speed. This process would require fixturing for the materials and some fume extraction to reduce the amount of residue caused while cutting/fusing.

The SBM 1200 Laser Cutting and Engraving Machine comes equipped with a CO2 laser combing flying optics with a precision Direct Drive motion system. This system provides highly accurate cutting, welding, engraving and marking capabilities for multiple materials.

Laser Cutting Copper Sheet

Laser Cutting Application:

Laser Photonics was contacted to process 0.7mm thick copper sheet. Our application engineers cut through the samples using a 2kW CW fiber laser (1060nm) equipped with a 9 inch focal length lens. To complete this application, the power was set at 60%, the copper sheet samples were cut in just 50mm/second using 2.5 Bar (36PSI) Oxygen as an assist gas with a nozzle diameter of 1.4mm and a nozzle standoff of 0.4mm. The samples were cut in just one pass.

Our application engineers recommend the Titan Series for these types of applications. The Titan Series is Laser Photonics’ first multipurpose fiber laser cutting machine with a single pallet shuttle table. It is equipped with a high-powered, energy efficient fiber laser and an advanced direct drive motion control platform. This system will achieve a level of quality and detail that is unprecedented in the industry for laser cutting. Comparable to other machines, the Titan has a lighter weight design and the fastest cutting speed on the market for comparable systems. This system offers ultra low power consumption allowing for the lowest operating costs among all laser types. The Titan’s fully software-controlled geometry alignment eliminates the need for special installation requirements. The Titan requires no optical system alignment, laser service or laser replacement parts making this system virtually maintenance free.

Laser Cutting a Diamond Tip

Laser Cutting Application:

Laser Photonics received an inquiry regarding the FiberTower™ Series Fiber Laser Systems. The customer wanted to use a fiber laser system to make a cut on a diamond tip mounted within a holder. At our facility in Lake Mary, Florida and our application engineers processed the customers’ samples, using a 20 Watt Q-Switched Fiber Laser to make the cuts. Using a 160mm F-theta Lens and 95% power, the fiber laser made multiple passes cutting half way through the material sample. These samples were processed at no charge to the customer.

The FiberTower™ Series equipment is safe, compact and service-free, designed to meet individual cutting needs. It can be delivered as a stand-alone system that can be integrated into any production line or with full turnkey workstations. These laser systems possess a reliability that is unmatched by any other kind of solid state or gas laser systems. Wide selectivity of operating wavelengths, ultra-low amplitude noise, high stability and ultra-long pump diode lifetime complete an impressive list of advantages of these modern fiber laser systems.

Laser Cutting Foam Samples

Laser Cutting Application:
Our application engineers cut foam samples using the Fantom 100 (100w CW CO2 10.6um) equipped with a 300mm focal length lens. For most foam materials, a large thickness can be cut with a relatively short focal length optic. On these samples, the protective backing was removed and then the foam material was cut in to 0.5" strips, in one pass, in just .53 seconds per line. The samples were cut with an emphasis placed on causing little to no damage to the edges of the foam and adhesive backing. A sealed CO2 laser cuts styrofoam equally well. To achieve the best possible edge quality, little to no gas assist pressure should be used during the cutting process.

The Fantom F-100 CO2 Marking Systems are small enough to mount easily on a bench or small machine tool for process development, yet powerful enough to cut, weld, scribe, or mark the most difficult materials. If you’re looking for a cutting solution resulting in no discoloration, distortion or melting of foam, the Fantom F-100 CO2 Marking Systems are right for you!