Flatbed Laser Cutting Machine – The Complete FAQ Guide
A flatbed laser cutting machine is just one of the many innovations that revolutionized many business sectors and industries. While there are tens of thousands of flatbed laser cutter manufacturers, working with the best one should never be a second option.
Here in China, Cheeron Laser has been regarded as the best and most trusted flatbed laser cutting machine manufacturer – we’ll tell you why later! For now, let’s uncover a few of the most commonly asked questions about flatbed laser cutters!
Let’s take a deep dive and discuss everything you need to know about flatbed laser cutting machine before getting yourself one!
What is a Flatbed Laser?
A flatbed laser cutter is a laser cutting machine that’s used for the slicing and cutting of flat materials. The “flatbed” is where the workpiece or material is placed and secured, preventing it from moving while on operation.
Think of it as a type of machine that can accommodate workpieces. Flatbed laser cutters are machines that you would use to horizontally place and mount workpieces.
How Does a Flatbed Laser Cutting Machine Work?
Flatbed lasers operate under the simplest and most basic welding position–the flat position. With flatbed lasers, the workpiece is mounted and positioned flat on the bed. Then, the cutting head moves across the horizontally-placed workpiece. The cutting heads are the ones that emit the high-powered laser beams that perform the cutting, engraving, marking, or welding of the workpiece.
Most flatbed laser cutters are CNC-controlled, meaning, they are substantially operated by a machine and does not need human action or human intervention on the movement of the cutting head.
Here’s a quick video that demonstrates the operational function of a flatbed laser cutter:
https://youtu.be/YGh7rU_TTBo?si=k7Vn9B5R_y0NMPwP
How Do You Use Flatbed Laser Cutting Machines?
The working and operational principle of flatbed laser cutting machines is actually simple. Here’s a quick and easy touch up on how operators can use it:
- The program or the process will be mapped out using a dedicated system.
- After that, the flat workpiece is mounted onto the flatbed.
- Then, from there, the machine will be set according to the expected outcome.
- The flatbed laser cutting head will move and work its way until it reaches the final product.
LVD Flatbed Laser Cutting Machines
LVD is one of Europe’s first and most trusted flatbed laser cutter manufacturers. They have four different flatbed laser cutter models, namely:
- Taurus
- Phoenix FL
- Puma
- YSD LaserONE
Besides flatbed lasers, LVD also offers automatic lasers, tube lasers, as well as 2nd hand or pre-owned machines! Check out their entire list of products here!
Flatbed Laser Cutting Machine Cost?
The price of a flatbed laser cutting machine doesn’t come in a singularity. In fact, the prices are different in different parts of the globe. In the US, these machines can be extremely expensive and can go up to as high as $200,000 for custom and industrial use – the same with Europe because it can cost as high as $100,000. Here in Asia, however, the costs can be as low as $24,000 for industrial use!
In addition to location, the laser cutting machine type also says a lot about how much it is. CO2 lasers, considered the most common is the cheapest of all. Nd:YAG or Nd:YVO lasers come in second, and fiber lasers are the most expensive ones.
If you want to check out and shop around Asia, there are multiple marketplaces you can look at! Here are some of your options: Alibaba, IndiaMART, and Made-In-China.
Flatbed Lasers vs. Galvo Lasers: Which is Better For Your Needs?
Probably the two-most common comparisons when it comes to laser cutters, in whatever type are flatbed laser cutters and Galvo laser cutters. Although you would immediately notice their physical differences, there’s actually a lot more than what meets the eye.
Here’s a quick comparison table that differentiates the two:
| Flatbed Laser Cutting Machines | Galvo Laser Cutting Machines |
Cost |
|
|
Cutting Speed | Slow for more intricate and bigger designs and styles. | Fast for small or medium size and intricate designs. |
Accuracy | High precision and accuracy for large projects. | Precise and accurate for a considerable size. |
Maintenance | Requires regular maintenance. | Requires minimal maintenance. |
Work Area | Large working area, suitable for larger-sized projects. | Limited to small, fixed working areas. |
Automation | Can be integrated with automation systems. | Can be integrated with automation systems. |
Material | Versatile and can be used for many types and sizes of materials. | Just limited to small materials and is only efficient to work on non-metallic products. |
Flatbed CO2 Laser Cutting Machine
Fiber lasers aren’t the only laser type that can be house by a flatbed laser cutter. You can also find CO2 flatbeds that are also highly reliable for the purpose of marking and cutting organic materials or non-metallic components.
Check out some of the flatbed CO2 laser cutting machines offered in the marketplace!
What Can You Produce With Flatbed Laser Cutting Machines?
Like other laser cutters, flatbed laser cutting machines might be called “cutting machines,” but they’re not limited to “cutting.” You can also use them for engraving, marking, and other subtractive methodologies.
How Thick Can a Flatbed Laser Cutting Machine Cut?
The rule of thumb of the thickness level of flatbed laser cutters is about 20mm. This, however, still depends on the type of material used. For metals, it would be within the range of 15mm to 25mm. For non-metallic applications, however, it can go as high as 45mm.
To know for sure, the best way to approach this is to ask your flatbed laser cutting machine manufacturer about the specifications of the machine you are going to purchase.
https://youtu.be/mkojjU1O6OI?si=Z9FW-_4Wsj6jk3Pa
What are the Parts of a Flatbed Laser Cutter?
A flatbed laser cutting machine isn’t necessarily different from a general one. It also has the same parts and components, and the most common ones are:
Flatbed
It is the component that holds the workpiece in the entire structure. From the term alone, it is a flat surface that’s designed to secure a material or workpiece in place.
Cutting Head/Laser Generator
The cutting head is the part of the flatbed laser cutter that performs the cutting. It’s the one that moves around. It’s usually identified and partnered with a laser generator because that is where the light or laser beam source comes from.
Power Supply
Like any other electrical machine, a flatbed laser cutter is usually equipped with a power supply. In essence, it’s what connects the laser cutter, laser generator, and the controller.
Water Chiller
If the machine endures and takes the heat without dissipating it, the machine might overload – or worse, be caught on fire. Water chillers are present in flatbed laser cutters because it removes the heat, keeping the generator or the power supply operational.
Controller
Without a controller, operators wouldn’t be able to regulate – or even turn the machine on. It’s the major component of a flatbed laser cutting machine, responsible for controlling the movement and operation.
Gas Cylinder
It’s the working medium for flatbed laser cutters – particularly in fiber laser cutting and CO2 cutting. You’ll seldomly see cylinders because they’ll be stored or kept in a safe place, far from where the outside environment can react when it’s mixed with air.
Filter and Air Cleaner
Since most flatbed laser cutting machines are computer-controlled, the reflectors and pathways (as well as other components of the board) need to travel along a smooth and clean path. Filters help make this a reality by filtering and cleaning the air that transcends to the generator.
Motor
Last but most definitely not least is the motor. Different manufacturers believe in different motors. However, to be frank, the best motors we’ve ever seen are Servo motors. Stepping motors can be used for these machines and equipment too, but the performance of Servo motors exceeds most of our expectations.
To be clear, these aren’t the only components of a flatbed laser cutter – these are just the primary and most essential ones! You can check out the complete list of the parts and components from your manufacturer!
What are the Applications of a Flatbed Laser Cutter?
Flatbed laser cutters are used in a wide array of businesses and industries. The bulk of where it’s used is usually in industries that require meticulous checking and energy. Here is a quick list of the top applications, to name a few:
- Automotive Industry
- Aeronautics, Space, and Defense (ASD) Industry
- Military Industry
- Manufacturing Industry
- Structural and Construction Industry
- Architecture and Engineering Industry
- And Many More!
Why Choose Cheeron Laser?
At Cheeron Laser, our commitment to excellence in laser technology is driven by a genuine passion for innovation and customer success. Our team’s expertise, combined with our cutting-edge laser solutions, empowers businesses to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
Reach out to us now to explore how we here at Cheeron Laser can transform your laser cutting and engraving experience!
Have questions? Don’t worry, you can contact our team for a consultation or to learn more about our cutting-edge solutions – the best part? –we can give you a free quotation! Just contact us and we will be right with you!
Your success is our priority, and we look forward to being your trusted partner in laser technology.
So whether you are in the market for a flatbed laser cutter, a coil-fed laser cutting machine, or sheet and paper laser cutters, we got just what you need!