CA Machine Tools - Metalworking Blog

Fast, Flexible Processing

Fast, Flexible Processing
LVD’s Electra FL fiber laser cutting system is
fast and flexible, offering high speed thin sheet
processing, low operating cost and the ability
to cut a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous
materials.
Increased beam absorption of the solidstate fiber laser light by the material delivers
processing speeds up to twice as fast as a CO2
laser source.
Electra FL is easy to use and operate featuring
LVD’s touch screen control and user interface,
Touch-L. A 19” touch screen and graphical
user interface efficiently and effortlessly guide
the user through all necessary man-machine
interactions. Touch-L also incorporates a part
programming and nesting feature to import
parts directly to the control, apply cutting
technology and nest sheets at the machine.
A compact, modern design, Electra FL maximizes uptime with an integrated shuttle table
system or modular automation options which
include a compact material warehousing tower
(CT-L) inclusive of integrated load/unload
system.
Key Features oF the electra Fl:
• High speed cutting in thin sheetmetals
• Processferrous and non-ferrousmaterials
• 30%wall plug efficiencyfor low operating
costs
• Multi kWhigh efficiency fiber lasersource
for dynamic processing
• Maintenance –free lasersource
• No laser gas required for laser beam generation
• Simple beampath delivery
• Intuitive LVDTouch-L 19”touch screen
control system
• Integrated shuttle table system
• Automation compatible

Outstanding edge quality

Constant beam length system keeps the diameter of the laser beam constant, always maintaining the focal point at the same position in the material.
This results in:
• higher cutting speeds being maintained over the complete working area
• superior cutting quality over the complete working area. Edge function for cutting sharp corners particularly in thicker plate.

Start-up function for optimal lead ins.

Total power control: automatic adjustment of laser power as a function of speed change. Pulse function for cutting high quality small holes Numerous other processing technologies: engraving, marking,cutting of coated material, etc. Back reflection control: important while cutting aluminium, copper and other reflective materials Process Control (optional): control of the piercing and cutting process.

There are three main types of lasers used in laser cutting. The CO₂ laser is suited for cutting, boring, and engraving. The neodymium (Nd) and neodymium yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd-Yag) lasers are identical in style and differ only in application. Nd is used for boring and where high energy but low repetition are required. The Nd-YAG laser is used where very high power is needed and for boring and engraving. Both CO₂ and Nd/ Nd-YAG lasers can be used for welding

Common variants of CO₂ lasers include fast axial flow, slow axial flow, transverse flow, and slab.

CO₂ lasers are commonly “pumped” by passing a current through the gas mix (DC-excited) or using radio frequency energy (RF-excited). The RF method is newer and has become more popular. Since DC designs require electrodes inside the cavity, they can encounter electrode erosion and plating of electrode material on glassware and optics.  Since RF resonators have external electrodes they are not prone to those problems.

CO₂ lasers are used for industrial cutting of many materials including mild steel, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, paper, wax, plastics, wood, and fabrics. YAG lasers are primarily used for cutting and scribing metals and ceramics.

In addition to the power source, the type of gas flow can affect performance as well. In a fast axial flow resonator, the mixture of carbon dioxide, helium and nitrogen is circulated at high velocity by a turbine or blower. Transverse flow lasers circulate the gas mix at a lower velocity, requiring a simpler blower. Slab or diffusion cooled resonators have a static gas field that requires no pressurization or glassware, leading to savings on replacement turbines and glassware.

LVD offers a comprehensive range of laser cutting systems, whether you need a cost-effective machine or a more sophisticated automated solution. From the economical Orion to the Impuls Series of large sheet processing systems, LVD has the laser cutting solution that meets your requirements.