10 Things to Consider When Buying home laser cutter machine
10 Key Considerations When Choosing a Sheet Metal Laser Cutting ...
Choosing a proper sheet metal laser cutting machine is crucial for customers to ensure cutting precision, efficiency and cost-effectiveness during metalworking. With numerous options available in the market, it’s essential to know what to look for. Here are 10 key considerations to keep in mind when you selecting a sheet metal laser cutting machine.
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1. Laser Power
The power of laser is one of the most paramount factors to consider. Laser power, measured in watts, determines the thickness of materials that can be cut and the speed at which cutting can be performed. Generally speaking, the higher power can cut through thicker materials more quickly but tend to be more expensive. For instance, a 1kW laser might be suitable for cutting thin sheets, while 6kW would be necessary for the thicker materials.
2. Cutting Speed
Cutting speed has a direct impact on your productivity. A faster cutting speed means more parts can be produced in a given time. However, the optimal speed depends on the type of materials being cut and thickness. Manufacturers often provide cutting speed charts that can help you choose the right machine based on your specific needs. Here is our comparison chart for your reference.
Comparison Table of Different Laser Powers Between Sheet Thickness and Cutting Speed in SENFENG
Laser power Max thickness of sheet Max cutting speed 1.5kW 12mm 23-30m/min (1mm thick sheet) 3kW 16mm 30-45m/min (1mm thick sheet) 6kW 20mm 45-55m/min (1mm thick sheet) 12kW 40mm 15-18m/min (6mm thick sheet) 20kW 60mm 23-25m/min (6mm thick sheet) 30kW 80mm 23-30m/min (6mm thick sheet) 60kW 100mm 26-30m/min (8mm thick sheet)3. Cutting Precision and Accuracy
Precision and accuracy are also of great concern, especially for industries requiring intricate designs and tight tolerances. The quality of laser beam and the stability of the machine affect the precision of cuts. Look for machines with high positioning & repositioning accuracy, typically in the range of ±0.03mm. In SENFENG, our machines are usually at the repositioning accuracy of ±0.02mm.
4.Type of Laser Generator
There are several types of laser generator, including CO2, optical fiber and diode lasers. Each has its own advantages and applications:
CO2 Lasers: Good for cutting non-metal materials and thicker metals.
Optical Fiber Lasers: More energy-efficient, faster and ideal for cutting thin, medium and thick metals.
Diode Lasers: Often used for engraving and marking rather than cutting.
Remember to choose the laser generator that best fits your materials and work requirements, instead of pursuing for the more and more high power.
5. Automation and Software Integration
In general, modern laser cutting machines come standard with various levels of automation and software integration. Automation can significantly increase productivity by reducing manual handling and setup time. Look for features such as automated loading and unloading, material handling system and advanced nesting software that maximizes material usage and minimizes waste.
6. Cost of Ownership
The initial purchase price is just one part of the overall costs. Need to consider the total cost of ownership, including maintenance, consumables, power consumption and potential downtime. Fiber laser generator, for example, tends to have lower operating costs compared to CO2 laser generator due to its higher energy efficiency and lower maintenance requirements.
7. Material Compatibility
Ensure the machine is compatible with the types of materials you intend to cut. Different laser generators interact differently with various materials. For instance, fiber laser generator is excellent for cutting metals like steel, aluminum and copper, while CO2 is better for cutting non-metals such as wood, acrylic and plastics.
8. Support and Service
As everyone knows, reliable technical support and intimate service are crucial for minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operation. Choose a manufacturer or supplier known for excellent customer service, comprehensive training and prompt technical support. Check for available warranties and the ease of getting replacement parts.
9. Space and Requirements for Installation
Take into account of the space available in your facility for the new machine. Laser cutting machines vary in size, and you need to ensure there is enough room for early installation, operation and later maintenance. Some machines require special installation conditions, such as proper ventilation and stable foundations.
10. Environmental and Safety Factors
Laser cutting machines should comply with environmental regulations and safety standards. Give priority to machines equipped with proper exhaust system to handle fumes and dust, and ensure that safety features such as protective enclosures and interlocks are in place. This is particularly important if you are cutting materials that produce hazardous fumes.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of home laser cutter machine. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Tips for Buying a Laser Cutter/engraver - Instructables
Hello this is Geordie and I wrote the "10 Tips and Tricks for Laser Cutting and Engraving" instructable. For close to 2 years I ran the laser cutter/engraver at my local maker space, ADX Portland and I continue to use their laser to make my own artwork and designs.
One of the most common questions I've received since posting the "Tips and Tricks" instructable, is people asking me for advice on buying their own laser. So I've decided to write a quick instructable about that.
Disclaimer:
I’ve only ever used one machine and that is the Epilog Helix laser at ADX Portland. So that is the only machine I can talk about directly. So rather than reviewing specific companies and machines this article is going to be more about what to look for and think about when buying a laser.
There are a lot of cheap imports, mostly from China, on the market. But lasers are complicated machines and they do break and need to be repaired. Make sure the company you buy from is reliable and offers good support for you and their machine after you buy it.
Here are some questions to think about:
How hard or easy is it to get replacement parts?
Do they have tech support?
How easy is it to get a question answered?
Do they have a good website?
Are there tutorials on how to use and/or fix the machine?
Can it be upgraded?
The two main issues I would focus on when it comes to picking a machine are the size of the bed and the power of the laser.
The machines bed size will determine how big a piece of material you can fit in the machine to cut or engrave. A bigger bed will allow you to cut or engrave larger pieces and even if your doing something small, like laser cut jewelry, a bigger bed will allow to cut out multiple pieces at once rather than one at a time. Also some machines have a fixed bed and some have a bed that can go up and down. A bed that goes up and down allows you to engrave different sized objects. The cutting depth doesn’t change but if you want to engrave a logo on a leather shoe rather than on a flat piece of leather, having a bed that you can lower to get the shoe in the machine is important.
The next issue is the power of the laser. The strength of the laser is measured in Watts. The more watts the more powerful the laser is. The laser, I used, started out with a 30 watt laser and was then upgraded to a 50 watt. The strength of the laser is most important for cutting. Remember the thickness of material that a laser can cut is determined by the focal point of the lens and not the power of the laser. So adding a more powerful laser won’t allow you to cut thicker material. But it will allow you to cut faster and more reliably. A weaker laser will mean having slow the laser down to be able to make good cut.
I would suggest getting the largest machine you can and starting with a weaker laser. A bigger bed will allow you to work on bigger designs or cut and engrave multiple pieces at once. You can upgrade the laser in it to a more powerful one later.
Hope this information helps out. If you can’t afford your own laser I would suggest looking for Maker space where you can use their laser or find a shop that will engrave and cut for you at a good price.
Geordie
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