Laser cutting is often the preferred process for metal cutting, and indeed there are innumerable systems in production today cutting and profiling a wide range of metal parts for a multitude of applications.
Many of these systems use high power CO2 lasers to process large sheet sizes, often 4.0 metres x 2.0 metres, and up to 25mm thick. However, many alloys and higher-value metals are only available in smaller sheet sizes and in these instances, and also when thinner sections are being processed, the larger CO2 laser systems are less cost effective and can also become somewhat unstable at the lower power settings needed for thinner materials.
Designed specifically for smaller sheet sizes, and ideally suited to smaller production runs and thinner sections, is LaserCube, a compact Fiber laser-cutting platform that delivers superior cutting performance combined with low operating costs. Available from Bromsgrove based TLM Laser, LaserCube is targeted at existing sub-contractors who wish to add cost effective capacity for smaller components.
Manufactured by the worlds leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance fiber lasers IPG, LaserCube is flat bed cutter is the ideal cutting tool for metals, including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper, brass and exotic alloys. Ideally suited to smaller part sizes, prototypes and smaller production runs, the LaserCube provides the most cost-effective capacity addition and lowest cost of ownership of any professional laser cutter.
Although compact in size, LaserCube is truly a general-purpose laser cutting system with high-velocity motion stages and high CW power lasers, providing fast and efficient cutting of carbon steel parts and reflective metals such as copper, brass and aluminium. With many alloys or higher-value metals only available in smaller-size sheets, the 1,250 mm cutting bed of the LaserCube is the perfect size for cost effective material processing. The system is also available in a wide range of different power configurations, allowing users to select the power they need.
The range of fiber lasers used within the system, are entirely solid state, with no mechanical cavity resonators or mirrors and no adjustable or replaceable parts within the laser. Light is delivered along a flexible optical fiber pipe that is plugged directly into the laser cutting head, eliminating the need for optics and any adjustments in the beam delivery path. With an emission wavelength of just 1 micron, fiber lasers’ efficiency in cutting metals is better than traditional CO2 alternatives, allowing higher cutting speeds or the option of using a lower power laser. Typical estimates show an IPG fiber laser cutting 1 mm thick steel approximately 3.5 times faster than an equivalently powered CO2 system.
The LaserCube system is offered with lasers ranging in power from 500 W to 4000 W. By offering such a broad range of options, users are able to select the exact cutting solution required.
Each laser is equipped with a 100 micron output fiber and can be used over a dynamic operating range from 10% to full power with no change in beam divergence or beam profile throughout the entire range. This allows a single laser to be utilised for both high and low power applications, ideal for processing different thicknesses of metal.
Cutting Head Standard Features
The FLC-30 cutting head use in LaserCube has been designed specifically for metal cutting applications. Taking advantage of the IPG fiber delivery, it has an extremely low weight to minimize moving mass when cutting small parts at high speed. Rated for laser power up to 10 kW and having an integrated height sensor, the FLC-30 head is compatible across the LaserCube product range.
The LaserCube system is ideally suited to applications within the Aerospace, Medical and Automotive sectors where high precision cutting is required on materials, which are often exotic in nature.
TLM Laser will be happy to provide more information on LaserCube to sub-contractors seeking a compact and cost effective solution for laser cutting smaller parts, smaller production runs and prototype development.
For further information, please contact:
Mr Andy Toms
Director
TLM Laser
2 Navigation Court
Harris Business Park
Stoke Prior
Bromsgrove
B60 4BD
Tel: +44(0) 1527 959 099
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.tlm-laser.com
