Advanced Technology Machine Solutions

CO2 LASER PLOTTERS:

Benefits:

• Multifunctionality: CO2 laser plotters are known for their multifunctionality, which means they can be used for a variety of applications such as cutting, engraving and marking.
• High precision: Laser plotters are known for their high precision, which makes it possible to produce very accurate and intricate designs in a variety of materials.
• No direct contact with the material: Unlike some traditional machining methods, such as milling or mechanical cutting, CO2 laser plotters do not require direct contact with the workpiece, which can be advantageous for some applications.
• Wide range of materials: CO2 laser plotters are effective for processing a wide variety of materials, including wood, plastic, leather, fabric, glass, rubber, paper and coated metals.
• Low pollution: CO2 laser plotters generate relatively little pollution, which can be advantageous in some manufacturing environments.
• Speed.
• Operation speed: Laser plotters can be very fast compared to some traditional processing methods, which can increase production efficiency.
• Laser plotters can be very fast compared to some traditional processing methods, which can increase production efficiency.

Disadvantages:

• Limitations in metal cutting: CO2 laser plotters are less effective at cutting metal compared to Fiber lasers. They can be used to cut thin metals, but for thicker material thicknesses, they are far less efficient and effective.
• Cost.
• Costs: Investment in CO2 laser plotters can be expensive. In addition, maintenance, repair and component replacement costs can also be higher than for some other technologies.
• High energy consumption: CO2 laser plotters consume large amounts of energy, which can lead to higher operating costs.
• Requirement for ventilation: When cutting or engraving certain materials, CO2 laser plotters emit large amounts of exhaust fumes and an intense, pungent odor. The use of CO2 lasers requires adequate ventilation of the room and processing area preferably supported by air purification systems.

Cutting thickness on a CO2 laser machine depends on the material being processed and the laser power used: 

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- Wood: up to several centimeters

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- Plastics: up to several centimeters 

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- Coated metal: thin sheets - usually up to a few millimeters

Cutting speed depends on the power of the laser, the type of material and its thickness. In CO2 laser plotters built on stepper motors, the head speed is about 1400 mm/s. Note that such speeds are mainly used for engraving or cutting paper and thin films. Plotters equipped with servo drives can reach is even higher speeds. 

The quality of the edge cut depends on the choice of processing parameters. Typically, for most materials, we can achieve a smooth edge, especially for wood and plastics. When cutting metal, there may be some deformation or changes in the structure of the material. 

Dust generation can occur, especially when cutting organic materials. CO2 laser plotters use extraction and filtration systems to extract and filter the fumes

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The size of the table (working field) depends on the specific model of the device. Our standard offer includes CO2 laser plotters from a working field size of 500 x 300 [mm] to 2000 x 3000 [mm]. As a machine manufacturer, we are able to customize the size of the field according to individual customer requirements.


FIBER LASER CUTTERS:

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Benefits:

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• Cutting speed: Fiber laser cutters are definitely faster than CO2 laser plotters, and those built on linear motors can reach speeds of up to 230 m/min
• Precision.
• Precision: fiber laser cutters offer very high cutting efficiency, and the extremely small diameter of the laser beam makes it possible to create precise parts.
• Low maintenance costs: These are mainly the cost of consumable parts, e.g., lenses, laser source, and booster gases.
• Low maintenance costs.
• No direct contact with the material: Unlike some traditional methods such as milling or mechanical cutting, fiber laser cutters do not require direct contact with the workpiece, which can be advantageous for some applications. 
• Less energy consumption: In other types of lasers, such as CO2 plotters, the energy consumption of the laser source is higher.
• Work speed: The fiber laser cutter provides high precision cutting. The high consistency and small diameter of the laser beam allows to significantly reduce working time compared to the use of, for example, plasma technology.

Disadvantages:

• Higher initial cost: The investment in a fiber laser cutter is usually higher than, for example, a CO2 laser plotter. It is worth making a more detailed calculation before making a purchase decision, as very often the higher cost of purchasing the machine is very quickly compensated by higher productivity and lower operating costs.
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• Limited material thicknesses: When buying a fiber cutter, it is necessary to clearly define to what thickness we will cut materials, because the source (on whose power depends the thickness of the cut) is one of the most costly components of the machine. 
• Limited application in some materials: Fiber cutters are versatile metal cutting tools that also work well for cutting highly reflective materials such as brass or copper. An obvious limitation is the unsuitability of this technology for processing plastics and organic materials. 
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The thickness of the cut on the fiber laser cutter, is dependent on the material being cut and the laser power used, the following are examples (It is worthwhile to consult your needs with an advisor before purchasing the machine in order to select the right source for our applications.): 

- 1 kW source: stainless steel up to about 5 mm, carbon steel up to about 10 mm 

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- source 2 kW: stainless steel up to about 6 mm, carbon steel up to about 12 mm 

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- source 4 kW: stainless steel up to about 10 mm, carbon steel up to about 22 mm

Cutting speed depends on laser power, material type and thickness. In fiber laser cutters. Laser cutters on servo motors reach speeds of up to 120 m/min, while those equipped with linear motors are capable of reaching 230 m/min.

Laser cutters on servo motors can reach speeds of up to 120 m/min, while those equipped with linear motors are capable of reaching 230 m/min.

Edge quality: With the proper selection of operating parameters, the edge after cutting with a fiber cutter is smooth and does not require additional grinding/finishing, no chipping, no burrs.

The edge of the fiber cutter is smooth and does not require additional grinding/finishing, no chipping, no burrs.

Dust can occur, however, more harmful are the combustion gases generated during cutting hence fiber laser cutters are equipped with extraction systems to effectively remove them from the cutting area.

The waste occurs in the form of material residue. Most often, the machine is equipped with a system for collecting and removing waste that falls below the working table (drawer system).

The machine is equipped with a system for collecting and removing waste that falls below the working table (drawer system).

The size of the table depends on the specific model of the machine. Our standard offer includes fiber laser cutting machines from 400 x 600 [mm] to 2000 x 4000 [mm] working field size. As a machine manufacturer, we are able to customize the field size according to individual customer requirements.


Plasma cutting machines:

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Benefits:

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• The ability to cut through thick parts: Plasma cutters can cut much thicker parts than fiber cutters or CO2 plotters.
• Low investment cost.
• Low investment cost: Compared to other cutting technologies, especially fiber cutters, the cost of purchasing a plasma cutter is lower.
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• Possibility to use different materials: Plasma cutters can be used to cut almost all metals, steel, aluminum, copper, etc. Basically, the main limitation is the required electrical conductivity of the material being processed.

Disadvantages:

• Higher maintenance costs: Compared to other technologies, the maintenance costs of plasma cutters can be higher due to faster wear of consumable parts, among others, electrodes and plasma nozzles.
• The cost of maintenance of plasma cutters can be higher.
• Noise and dust generation: The plasma cutting process generates noise (it is possible to reduce it by cutting under water) and large amounts of dust. Significant UV emissions are also a major problem, which necessitates the use of additional labor protection measures.
• The process is also a major concern.
• Restrictions on cutting certain materials: some materials can be challenging for plasma cutters due to their tendency to form slag.
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• Required regular maintenance: Regular maintenance and replacement of consumable parts, such as electrodes and nozzles, are essential to keep productivity and machining quality at an appropriate level. It can cause more frequent production downtime.
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• Heat deformation: Due to the localized intense heat, plasma cutters can cause additional heat deformation in materials.

The cutting thickness of plasma cutters is one of the biggest advantages of this technology. Plasma cutters can cut much thicker parts than fiber cutters or CO2 plotters.

Dust/waste: Plasma cutters generate a lot of dust, so it's important to choose the right dust extraction for the machining being done.

The size of the table depends on the size of the machine.

Table size depends on the specific model of the machine. Our standard offer includes plasma cutting machines from a work area size of 1500 x 3000 [mm] to 2000 x 6000 [mm]. As a machine manufacturer, we are able to customize the field size according to individual customer requirements.

Water cutting machines:

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Benefits:

• High edge quality: The edges obtained by hydro-abrasive cutting are usually of very high quality and usually do not require further processing.
• No deformation.
• No heat deformation: Waterjet cutting does not lead to significant heating of the workpiece as is the case with laser and plasma cutters. As a result, this technology does not introduce additional thermal changes in the structure of the material.
• Universality in material cutting: Waterjet cutters allow you to cut a very wide range of materials such as metals, titanium, aluminum, glass or natural stone. There are no such limitations as, for example, in the case of plasma cutters (electrical conductivity of the material).
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• Ecology: cutting with hydro-abrasive technology can, in some terms, be considered a fairly ecological method. The processing of the material does not generate harmful dust or fumes, and with the use of appropriate filtration and purification systems, the water used for cutting can be reused many times.

Disadvantages:

• Treatment time and cost: Waterjet cutting time is greater the greater not only the thickness but also the hardness of the material being processed. The greater the resistance of the material, the longer it takes to process it and thus its costs increase.
• The more resistance the material has, the longer it takes to process it and thus its costs increase.
• Boundaries of the cut geometry: Due to the diameter of the water jet, waterjet technology is not suitable for cutting very complex, small shapes.
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• Noise: Waterjet cutting is not one of the quietest processes. The high-pressure water jet as well as the sound of the pump itself are significant sources of noise.
• Noise.
• Corrosion: A fairly obvious issue but one to keep in mind. Because materials are in direct contact with water in a waterjet cutter, they may be more susceptible to corrosion.
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The thickness of cutting materials using hydro-abrasive technology is the largest among the other solutions (CO2 and fiber laser cutters, plasma cutters) and with the use of a suitable pump and head can easily reach up to 200 mm.

Cutting edge: Typically, workpieces cut with water do not require further machining of the cut surface, the edge is smooth, with no visible burrs or blemishes.

Cut edge.

Dust/debris: In this method, no toxic dust and fumes are emitted and the amount of waste is minimized. The residues generated during operation, i.e. used abrasive and particles of cut material, collect at the bottom of the water tank and are disposed of.

Waste.

The size of the table depends on the specific model of the machine. We offer waterjet cutting machines from a working field size of 500 x 500 [mm] to 4000 x 8000 [mm] as standard. As a machine manufacturer, we are able to customize the field size according to individual customer requirements.