Contents
- 1 Sheet and Tube Laser Cutting Machine | Fiber Laser
- 1.1 Cost-Effective in Cutting Tubes and Sheets
- 1.2 Features and Functionalities
- 1.3 Understanding What Laser Cutting Is
- 1.4 What is a Sheet and Tube Laser Cutting Machine?
- 1.5 What Are the Three Types of Laser Cutters?
- 1.6 Glass vs. Metal CO2 Laser Tubes
- 1.7 What Are the Advantages of Using Sheet and Tube Laser Cutters?
- 1.8 Are There Disadvantages in Using Sheet Laser Cutting Machines?
- 1.9 What Are the Parts of a Sheet and Tube Laser Cutter?
- 1.10 Which Industries Can You Use Sheet and Tube Laser Cutters For?
- 1.11 Why is Cheeron Laser the Best Sheet and Tube Laser Cutting Machine Manufacturer?
Sheet and Tube Laser Cutting Machine | Fiber Laser
Cost-Effective in Cutting Tubes and Sheets
You may enjoy the simplicity and productivity of a single equipment that combines sheet and tube cutting capabilities with our integrated pipe plate machine. This removes the need for additional machinery or outsourcing, saving you time and money.
Our integrated pipe plate machine is the best answer for your demands if you want sheet laser cutting capacities as well as the capacity to accommodate oval and curved pipes such as cubic steel, flat iron, channel steel, and square tubes. This ingenious machine not only fits your trimming demands, but it is also extremely cost-effective, promising that you get the most bang for your buck.
Features and Functionalities
The added and special features that our sheet and tube laser cutters are:
- High-temperature tempering and precise welding provide a 20-year warranty against deformation
- High stability and high-quality fiber laser, compact construction, and consistent cutting quality.
- Machine that can cut flat plates as well as round/shaped pipe
- Highly-advanced chuck clamping system: Allows for the safe clamping of thin tubes
- Better beam quality with smaller concentrated spot, clean cuts, and a more appealing look
Sheet and Tube Laser Cutting Machine: The Comprehensive FAQ Guide
A sheet and tube laser cutting machine is one of the best and most-talked about pieces of machinery in the manufacturing industry. What it is, really? How will you be able to use it to your advantage?
Sit back, relax, and find out the truths behind what sheet and tube laser cutting machines really are!
Understanding What Laser Cutting Is
The first thing we want to have a grasp on, would be by understanding what the process of laser cutting is. In the simplest and easiest way to define it, laser cutting is this precise and effective methodology of cutting different materials using a laser beam – a high-powered laser beam.
Furthermore, this procedure includes directing a high-powered laser at a precise place on the workpiece or material. This, in turn, melts, burns, or vaporizes it, resulting in a clean and exact cut.
Check out how laser cutting works from this video by Trotec Laser.
What is a Sheet and Tube Laser Cutting Machine?
Most of you might have heard of it, but for the benefit of everyone, sheet and tube laser cutting machines are these sophisticated and functional pieces of equipment used in the manufacturing industry, to precisely cut a vast library of workpieces and materials.
It is a flexible instrument that combines the capabilities of two different machines: one for flat sheet cutting and another for cylindrical tube cutting.
All machines come with a cutting head that can easily convert between sheet cutting mode and tube cutting mode.
Sheet Cutting Mode
In this mode, the machine utilizes a flat bed and a high-powered laser beam to precisely cut through diverse materials such as metal sheets, polymers, and wood when in sheet cutting mode.
The laser beam is steered by computer-controlled mirrors along a specified path, producing in clean and precise cuts.
Tube Cutting Mode
On the other hand, for tube-cutting, it features a rotating axis that firmly grips and spins cylindrical tubes throughout the cutting operation while in tube cutting mode. The laser beam is focused onto the revolving tube’s surface, allowing for precise and efficient cutting of tubes with complicated forms and profiles.
What Are the Three Types of Laser Cutters?
In the subtractive laser industry (laser cutting, for short), there are three-hailed types and categories. They are fiber laser cutters, CO2 cutters, and Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) cutters.
Let’s briefly go through each of them so we know what we’re dealing with!
CO2 Laser Cutters
These machines create a laser beam using a carbon dioxide gas combination. They’re commonly used to cut nonmetallic materials including wood, acrylic, plastics, and textiles.
Overall, CO2 lasers have high accuracy and can handle complex designs for whatever project or workpiece you need it for.
Fiber Laser Cutters
Following that, fiber laser cutters are quite different. You see, fiber laser cutters use a fiber-optic laser source that generates a laser beam from rare-earth elements.
These cutters primarily cut metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and copper. Fiber lasers are useful for industrial applications due to their high power and efficiency.
Nd:YAG Laser Cutters
And last but most definitely not least are Nd:YAG laser cutters. These laser cutters are actually the least common. The laser medium in Nd:YAG laser cutters is a solid-state crystal.
They are multi-purpose devices that can cut both non-metallic and metallic materials. Precision cutting, welding, and engraving are all frequent applications for Nd:YAG lasers. They work well with thin metals and can generate high-quality cuts.
Here’s a table that can help you identify each of them easier and further!
| CO2 Laser Cutting Machine | Fiber Laser Cutting Machine | Nd:YAG Laser Cutting Machine |
Source of the Laser or Laser Source | Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | Fiber-Optic Laser Source | Nd:YAG or solid-state crystals (diodes) |
Maintenance | Requires gas supply and periodic tube replacement | No-to-minimal maintenance required | Minimal maintenance required |
Accuracy and Precision | Extremely high accuracy and precision | Extremely high accuracy, better and more precise than CO2 | High-level accuracy only, the lowest of the three |
Thickness Capability | Thickness depends on the power of the machine | Minimum of one inch – depends on the power of the machine itself | Can do up to 0.4 inches but still depends on the power available |
Materials That Can Be Worked On | Non-metallic materials (wood, acrylic, plastics, fabrics) | Metals (stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper) | Both non-metallic and metallic materials |
Cutting Speed | Speed is moderate to high-speed cuts | High-speed cuts | Moderate-speed cuts only |
Glass vs. Metal CO2 Laser Tubes
These are two totally different machines that have the same purpose – they’re used for cutting. So, let’s take a look at how they’re different or similar.
Here’s a quick look at a glass CO2 laser tube!
Here’s a metal one!
Construction and Structure
Probably the most obvious difference would be how they’re made. Glass CO2 laser tubes are generally cylindrical in form and composed of glass. They contain a gas combination of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and helium.
Metal CO2 laser tubes, on the other end of the rope, are made of metallic products. Commonly, they’re made of stainless steel, and are designed with a sealed tube.
Lifespan
Because of their structure, their lifespans would also be different, too. You see, generally, glass CO2 laser tubes have a shorter lifespan than metal tubes.
They normally have a lifespan of 1,000 to 5,000 hours in total.
Metals, though, are sturdier and more durable. Because of this, metal CO2 laser tubes may survive substantially longer, typically reaching 10,000 hours of operation – even more especially if they’re cared for and maintained well.
Output
Everything actually falls down with how they’re made. The power output that they have is also different. Metal CO2 laser tubes provide more power, ranging from several hundred to several kilowatts.
Higher power enables higher cutting rates and the handling of thicker materials.
On the other hand, glass CO2 laser tubes are available in low to medium power ranges, often ranging from a few hundred watts to several thousand watts.
Cost and Pricing
Price-wise, it’s also evident that they are a lot different, too. Generally speaking, the cost of glass CO2 lasers are cheaper and more affordable. The thing about it, though, is that they might require more frequent changes and updating than metal CO2 laser tubes.
Maintenance
Following cost – the maintenance of both of them are different, too. Metal CO2 lasers generally require less maintenance because of how self—sustaining they are. Glass CO2 lasers require more maintenance and care.
Application and Usage
Last but most definitely not least would be usage and application. Glass CO2 laser tubes are ideal for low-power applications such as engraving, etching, and cutting thin materials.
Metal CO2 laser tubes are recommended for industrial applications that require greater power and cutting capabilities for thicker materials, such as metal fabrication, manufacturing, and heavy-duty cutting.
Here’s a take on this but from a laser engraving procedure!
What Are the Advantages of Using Sheet and Tube Laser Cutters?
Good news! Sheet and tube laser cutters – or whatever you want to call it, actually have quite a few benefits and advantages. They include, but are not limited to:
Higher Quality and Consistency
Laser cutting offers uniform and high-quality results across several components, decreasing variances and maintaining product integrity.
Complex and Difficult Designs and Prototyping
Sheet and tube laser cutters excel in complex design and prototype creation. They can handle complex forms, holes, slots, and patterns with ease, allowing for quick prototyping and customization.
Freedom and Versatility
Sheet and tube laser cutters can cut flat sheets as well as cylindrical tubes, providing for a broader choice of applications and materials.
Heightened and Improved Precision
Laser cutting technology offers excellent precision and accuracy, resulting in clean and complex cuts. This is critical in areas where precise tolerances and elaborate designs are required.
Less Wastage of Material
Laser cutting reduces material waste because the narrow laser beam makes accurate cuts, improving material consumption and eliminating scrap.
Increased Productivity
The ability to effortlessly convert between sheet and tube cutting modes streamlines and streamlines manufacturing processes, increasing overall productivity.
Those are the most obvious and most-loved benefits companies and businesses get from using these cutting machines. However, these machines aren’t always rainbows and butterflies.
Are There Disadvantages in Using Sheet Laser Cutting Machines?
You’ll also be able to notice a few drawbacks and cons of using them.
Complex Training Requirement and Setup
To operate a sheet and tube laser cutting equipment, suitable training and competence are required. The initial setup, which includes software configuration and calibration, can be time-consuming.
Now, in order to optimize the machine’s performance and obtain the intended outcomes, high-caliber training and continual skill improvement are required.
Restrictions on Material
Although laser cutters may operate with a wide range of materials, some materials are not appropriate for laser cutting.
Highly reflective materials, such as copper or aluminum, might provide problems due to their capacity to reflect or absorb the laser beam.
Repairs and Maintenance Costs
Laser cutters require frequent maintenance and repairs, which can raise total operating expenses. Replacement components and service personnel may be expensive as well, depending on the equipment and manufacturer.
High Initial Cost
The initial expenditure for sheet and tube laser cutting equipment may be significant, especially for high-quality and high-powered systems. This expense may be prohibitive for small firms or those with limited resources.
What Are the Parts of a Sheet and Tube Laser Cutter?
A sheet and tube laser cutter comprises of numerous essential parts that work together to conduct accurate trimming processes:
- Controls/Control Panel:Operators may use the control panel to establish cutting parameters, control the machine, and monitor the cutting operation.
- Weld Head or Laser Head:The laser head guides and focuses the laser beam on the material being cut.
- Laser Beam Source:Produces the high-powered laser beam required for cutting.
- Bed: A sturdy platform for retaining and placing the material during cutting.
- Exhaust and Motion System: These systems remove the smoke, gases, and debris produced during the cutting operation, as well as propel the head and material along the axes.
- Gas Supply: Provides the gas, such as nitrogen or oxygen, required for cutting various materials.
- Rotary Axes:Allows for the rotation and placement of cylindrical tubes during cutting.
- Chiller:A device that cools the laser source and maintains it at an ideal working temperature.
Which Industries Can You Use Sheet and Tube Laser Cutters For?
Many businesses, sectors, and industries heed the use of sheet and laser cutting machines. As a matter of fact, they’re more so leaning towards this option because it’s better and more cost-effective long-term.
The following are the most common sectors that use it: s
- Automotive
- Aerospace, Flight, and Defense
- Manufacturing Sector
- Construction and Structural
- Medical and Pharmaceutical Sectors
- Shipbuilding and Shipyard Industries
- Engineering, Architectural, and Design
They are only a few examples of the diverse applications of sheet and tube laser cutters. These machines’ flexibility and accuracy make them great tools in a variety of manufacturing and production processes.
Why is Cheeron Laser the Best Sheet and Tube Laser Cutting Machine Manufacturer?
Having a combined experience of 70 years in the business, all our workers, operators, and even team leads have superb skillsets that are perfect for the cutting machine you need.
With this experience, the library of skills we have, as well as the machines and equipment we’re able to produce will definitely be a perfect fit for your business! Wherever you are in the world, whatever business or industry you’re in, Cheeron Laser’s sheet and tube laser cutters will be the perfect fit!
- We have a wide-range of competitive rates and prices for sheet and laser cutters
- All our products are OEM products
- Experience-wise, we have skillsets that beat out other manufacturers
- We offer installation and resources as guides for our clients
You can reach out to us for all your laser cutting needs! You can bank on us if you need a coil-fed laser cutter, a handheld laser welding machine, a cleaning machine, and many more!
If you ever need a sheet and tube laser cutter, don’t hesitate to give us a shout here at Cheeron Laser! With whatever type of laser machine you need, you can always bank and count on us! We’ll send a free estimate of the products you need over, so you don’t have to!