9 Types of Sheet Metal Laser Cutting Machines - GWEIKE

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In recent years, laser cutting machines, as a new and efficient cutting tool, have occupied more of the market share of traditional metal cutting machines. With the technological advancement of the industry and the increasing demands of customers, manufacturers have developed many types of laser cutting machines such as laser plate cutting machines, laser pipe cutting machines, cutting robots, etc. to meet different customer needs. There are many types and functions of these laser cutting machines. For beginners who want to buy a laser cutting machine to improve productivity, choosing a suitable laser cutting machine requires a lot of effort and time. As a professional laser equipment manufacturer and service provider, we have listed the characteristics and advantages of several common metal sheet laser cutting machines on the market to help you find a suitable laser cutter in a short time.

What is a

metal sheet 

laser cutting machine?

Before choosing a metal sheet laser cutting machine, we should know its basic structure and work process of the machine. As that knowledge will allow us to better understand the differences between various types of laser metal cutting machines.

Generally speaking, a laser cutting machine mainly consists of the laser source, laser head, machine bed, beam, and control system.

Laser source

The laser source is the core component of the metal sheet laser cutting machine. Laser sources are mainly divided into CO2 laser tubes and fiber laser sources. The working principle of the CO2 laser tube is to use the transition between the vibration and rotational energy levels of carbon dioxide molecules to generate laser beams. Fiber laser sources generally use optical pumping. The pump light is coupled to the fiber. Photons at the pump wavelength are absorbed by the medium, causing particle number inversion. Finally, stimulated radiation is generated in the fiber medium to output laser light. Nowadays, CO2 laser tube on the market is generally used to cut non-metallic and thin metal plates. Fiber laser sources are mainly used to cut various types of metal thin plates, medium and thick plates. The beam emitted by the fiber optic device is more stable than carbon dioxide, and the laser beam quality is also better.

                                                    Fiber laser source                                                                    CO2 laser tube

Laser cutting head

The laser cutting head is used to process the laser beams emitted by the laser source. The lens inside the laser cutting head makes the laser beam more focused, which is more conducive to cutting.

Beam

The beam is used to fix the laser cutting head, both ends of the beam and the position where the laser head is fixed are equipped with motors. The beam is driven by the motors to move the laser head on the platform, allowing the machine to complete the cutting of various complex graphics.

Machine body

The machine body is the place where cutting materials, beam, and other accessories are placed. The size of the machine determines the size of the material that can be placed at one time.

Control System

Control system is used to input graphics that need to be processed and control the operation of the metal sheet laser cutting machine.

Working process: After the laser cutting machine is powered on, the laser source first emits beams, then the laser cutting head processes and emits the laser beams which directly act on the metal plate to penetrate the plate through high temperature, and finally the beam takes the laser cutting head to different positions of the metal plate to complete the graphic cutting.

Advantages of

metal sheet

laser cutting machine

 

Fast cutting speed

According to research, we conclude that the cutting speed of laser cutting machines is faster than most plate-cutting machines on the market. As the beam emitted by the laser has a large amount of energy, it can quickly penetrate the surface of the materials.

High Precision 

The smallest spot of the laser cutting machine can reach 0.01mm. The cutting accuracy of CO2 laser cutting machines is generally within ±0.05mm, and the accuracy of fiber laser cutting machines is within ±0.03mm, which is suitable for the production of precision workpieces.

Few wearing parts

The service life of the laser source is very long. For the CO2 laser tube, the service life is about 10,000 hours, while the service life of the fiber laser can reach about 100,000 hours. Besides, there is no need to use other media to process materials, which can save a lot of machine maintenance costs and maintenance time.

Intelligent

The laser cutting machines are equipped with intelligent operating systems. After the user inputs the graphics, the laser cutting machine can not only control the machine to complete cutting but also calculate the most appropriate path based on the graphics to be processed, which saves time and cutting materials.

Suitable for batch processing

Due to its fast cutting speed, stable performance, and intelligent operating system, the laser cutting machine can be used for batch processing. In addition, the laser cutting machine can be equipped with CNC accessories such as the automatic loading and unloading machine, coiling machine, the exchange platform, which greatly improve the efficiency of the laser plate cutting machine and saves more labor costs.

Types of 

sheet metal 

laser cutting machines

After understanding the main components and working principles of metal sheet laser cutting machines, let's get to the point of taking a look at some of the common laser metal cutting machines on the market and their characteristics.

1.CO2 sheet metal laser cutting machine

A CO2 sheet metal laser cutting machine is a laser cutter that uses a carbon dioxide laser tube as the laser source. This kind of cutting machine has relatively low power and is generally used to cut non-metallic materials and thin metal plates. The price is cheap but the cutting effect and efficiency are worse than those of fiber laser cutting machines.

 

2. Hybrid sheet metal laser cutting machine

The hybrid laser cutting machine is a laser cutting machine equipped with two lasers (CO2 laser tube & fiber laser source) and two laser cutting heads. The CO2 laser is used to cut non-metallic materials, and the fiber laser source is used to cut non-metallic materials. The hybrid laser cutting machine can save customers space and purchasing costs and is mainly used for cutting thin plates. The following LFLC is a CO2 &fiber laser cutting machine independently developed by GWEIKE.

3. Single platform metal sheet fiber laser plate cutting machine

The single-platform metal sheet fiber laser cutting machine is a common metal laser cutting machine on the market. It is generally equipped with one fiber laser source and one working platform. Work platform size and laser source can be customized according to processing demands. The single-platform sheet metal fiber laser cutting machine is moderately priced and can meet most cutting needs. It is suitable for customers with limited budget and moderate processing volume.

The picture below is GWEIKE's classic single platform sheet metal fiber laser cutting machine LFLN.

4. Dual-platform sheet metal fiber laser cutting machine

Compared with the single-platform fiber laser cutting machine, the dual-platform fiber laser cutting machine adds an exchange platform. Users can replace the materials on another exchange platform while the laser cutting machine is cutting one plate. This greatly saves the time of changing materials and improves the cutting efficiency. The price of a dual-platform laser cutting machine is higher than that of a single-platform machine, and a dual-platform fiber laser cutter is suitable for customers who need to process products in batches.

The picture below is GWEIKE's dual-platform sheet metal fiber laser cutting machine LFGC.

Want more information on Single-platform Fiber Laser Cutting Machine? Feel free to contact us.

5. Full cover sheet metal fiber laser cutting machine

The full-cover fiber laser cutting machine adds a protective cover based on a single-platform cutting machine or a double-platform fiber laser cutting machine and glass to prevent laser radiation. Since the laser cutting machine will produce smoke when cutting, adding a protective cover can avoid the spread of smoke and protect the environment around the laser cutting machine. The radiation-proof glass on the protective cover can better protect the operator's eyes from being harmed by the light radiation emitted by the laser cutting head. It is more suitable for users with high requirements for the processing environment.

The picture below is GWEIKE's full cover sheet metal fiber laser cutting machine LFGA.

6. Tube and sheet metal fiber laser cutting machine

The tube and sheet metal fiber laser cutting machine extends the beam and rotary based on the general plate cutting machine. It can be used to cut both plates and metal pipes in one machine. It greatly reduces the customer's procurement cost and also reduces the machine's floor space. It is suitable for customers who have both plate processing and pipe processing demands.

The picture below is GWEIKE's LFCNR tube and sheet metal fiber laser cutting machine.

7. Bevel sheet metal fiber laser cutting machine

The main difference between bevel sheet metal fiber laser cutting machines and general fiber laser cutting machines lies in the laser cutting head. The general fiber laser cutting head cannot tilt and can only move left and right and up and down on the beam, while the bevel cutting head can tilt from 0 to 45 degrees and can produce some workpieces with a certain slope. This greatly expands the application range of laser cutting machines and also reduces many workpiece processing processes and costs for customers who need to produce special-shaped parts.

The picture below is a sample cut by GWEIKE GKSSLG-30KW.

8.

Automatic loading and unloading sheet metal fiber laser cutting machine

Generally, a metal sheet fiber laser cutting machine and an automatic loading and unloading device constitute an automatic loading and unloading fiber laser cutting machine. This kind of fiber laser cutting machine is used for batch processing. The automatic loading and unloading device replaces manual labor. It enables uninterrupted work throughout the day, which not only saves labor costs but also increases the production efficiency of the fiber laser cutting machine.

The picture below shows an automatic loading and unloading sheet metal fiber laser cutting machine LFMB produced by GWEIKE.

9.3D sheet metal fiber laser cutting machine

 

The 3D fiber laser cutting machine is a special type of sheet metal cutting machine designed and developed for cutting irregular metal plates. This machine eliminates the beam as an accessory, allowing the laser cutting head to rotate 360 degrees, thereby achieving incomplete cuts. Cut on a flat surface. The picture below shows the latest 3D five-axis fiber laser cutting machine developed by GWEIKE, which has ultra-high precision and flexibility.

The above is a brief introduction to several common laser cutting machines. If you are interested in one of the cutting machines and want to know more information, you can check it on our website or contact us directly. It's our pleasure to provide you with the best laser cutting machine according to your needs.

Understanding Laser Cutting and Its Application on Sheet Metal

Laser cutting technology, with its precise and efficient method, utilizes intricate cuts made by diode laser or state-of-the-art kilowatt-level lasers to slice through sheets of various materials. This advanced technology offers a multitude of advantages over traditional cutting techniques, making it a preferred choice for cutters. Laser cutting technology is capable of creating narrow kerf, allowing for more intricate cuts on materials ranging from mild steel to reflective metals.

What is Laser Cutting?

Laser cutting is a precise and efficient manufacturing process that utilizes high-powered laser beam to melt, burn, or vaporize materials, including sheet metal. As a tool to cut and shape materials, laser cutting has become widely popular in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics for the fabrication of sheet metal. It offers several advantages over traditional cutting methods and is commonly used in engraving as well.

Laser cutting works by focusing a laser beam onto a specific point on the sheet metal parts, which melts or vaporizes the material. This process is guided by a computer-controlled machine that follows a predetermined cutting path. The result is a clean and accurate cut with minimal heat-affected zone.

Why is Laser Cutting Preferred for Sheet Metal?

Let&#;s explore the reasons and applications of laser cutting in sheet metal fabrication.

• Versatility: Laser cutting can be used on a wide range of sheet metal materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and copper. It can also handle different thicknesses, from thin foils to thicker plates. This versatility makes laser cutting suitable for a variety of applications in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and automotive. Why not see this article for details?
• Precision: Laser cutting processes offer high precision and accuracy. The laser beam can be controlled to cut intricate shapes and patterns with tight tolerances. This level of precision is particularly important in industries where precise cuts and tight tolerances are required.
• Efficiency: Laser cutting offers efficient production processes due to its speed and automation capabilities. The laser beam can cut through sheet metal at a high speed, reducing production time and increasing productivity. This is especially beneficial in industries where large volumes of sheet metal need to be processed.
• Minimal Material Waste: By using focused laser beams in the heat affected zone, laser cutting minimizes material waste during the fabrication process. This leads to cost savings and improved sustainability.

Types of Lasers Used in Sheet Metal Cutting

CO2 lasers and fiber lasers are the two main types of lasers used for cutting sheet metal. Each type has its own advantages and is suited for different applications.

CO2 Lasers

CO2 lasers are a common type of laser used in sheet metal cutting. They generate a high-powered laser beam flame using a mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and helium gases. CO2 laser cutting machine has a wavelength of around 10.6 micrometers, which is well-suited for cutting non-reflective materials like stainless steel and aluminum. These lasers are known for their excellent beam quality and high cutting speeds, making them suitable for various sheet metal applications.

Fiber Lasers

Fiber Lasers: Fiber lasers have gained popularity in the manufacturing industry for sheet metal cutting. Fiber laser machine utilizes glass fibers to amplify the laser beam, resulting in higher laser power and intensity. A fiber laser cutter uses a solid-state laser source and has a wavelength of around 1.07 micrometers, which is highly absorbed by metals, including reflective materials like copper and brass. This makes fiber lasers ideal for cutting a wide range of sheet metal materials. They offer fast cutting speeds, high precision, and energy efficiency, making them a preferred choice for many industrial applications.

Choosing the Right Laser for Your Needs

When selecting a laser for sheet metal cutting, several factors come into play. These include the type and thickness of the material, desired cutting speed, level of precision required, and overall production needs. The CO2 laser is often preferred for thicker materials and applications that require high cutting speeds, while fiber lasers excel in cutting thin sheets to medium-thickness materials with precision.

When choosing sheet metal laser cutting, it is crucial to consider the specific requirements of the project. This will help determine the best laser type for working with metals and engraving. It is also important to factor in maintenance, initial investment costs, and operational costs associated with different lasers before making a final decision on which laser will be suitable for cutting the workpiece based on its material thickness.

The Process of Laser Cutting Sheet Metal

The process of laser cutting sheet metal involves three main steps: preparing the sheet metal, setting up the laser cutter, and executing the cutting process. Here&#;s a brief overview of each step.

Preparing the Sheet Metal

Before laser cutting can begin, the sheet metal needs to be properly prepared. This involves cleaning the surface to remove any dirt, dust, or contaminants that could interfere with the cutting process. Measure and mark the desired cut path on the sheet metal. Additionally, the sheet metal may need to be flattened or straightened to ensure it is flat and uniform, which helps achieve accurate and precise cuts.

Setting up the Laser Cutting Machine

Material Selection: The appropriate laser cutting parameters, such as power, speed, and focus, need to be determined based on the type and thickness of the sheet metal being used. Different materials require different settings to achieve optimal cutting results.

CAD Design Import: If the desired design or pattern for laser cutters or laser engraving on metal workpieces is not already programmed into the machine, it needs to be imported from Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. This allows the machine to follow the specific cutting path and produce the desired shape or design.

Machine Calibration: The laser cutting machine needs to be calibrated to ensure accurate cutting. This involves aligning the laser beam and verifying the focus to achieve precise cuts. Calibration may also include adjusting the laser cutting speed and laser power settings based on the specific requirements of the project.

Executing the Cutting Process

Material Clamping: The sheet metal is securely clamped onto the cutting bed or table to prevent movement or vibration during the cutting process. This ensures that the laser light accurately follows the programmed cutting path.

Laser Cutting: The laser cutting machine is activated, and the laser beam is directed onto the sheet metal at the predetermined cutting path. The laser light heats and melts or vaporizes the material, creating a clean and precise cut. The machine&#;s computer numerical control system ensures that the laser follows the programmed cutting path with high accuracy.

Cooling and Removal: After the cutting process is complete, the sheet metal may need to be cooled to prevent warping or distortion, and the laser cutters need to be coole/d to prevent reduce the longevity of the machine and the quality of their cuts. Cooling can be done using air or water. Once cooled, the cut pieces can be removed from the machine and further processed or used for their intended purpose.

Laser cutting is widely used for various applications due to its precision and versatility. It offers advantages such as faster production times, minimal material wastage, and high-quality cuts. Whether you need intricate designs or simple shapes, laser cutting can provide efficient results for your sheet metal projects.

Safety Measures in Laser Cutting Sheet Metal

This section highlights important safety precautions that should be followed during laser cutting, especially when working with metals. It is important to consider the material thicknesses and radius when determining the appropriate settings for the laser. Following these precautions will help ensure a successful result.

Handling the Laser Cutter

• Training and Certification: Operators should receive comprehensive training on how to safely operate the laser cutter. This includes understanding the machine&#;s controls, safety features, and emergency shutdown procedures. Certification programs can help ensure that operators have the necessary knowledge and skills to operate the typical laser cutter safely.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Operators must wear appropriate PPE during cutting operations to protect themselves from potential hazards. This typically includes safety glasses or goggles to shield the eyes from laser radiation, as well as gloves and protective clothing to safeguard against sparks, hot metals, and potential chemical exposure in the cutting process.
• Machine Maintenance: Regular maintenance and inspections of the laser cutter are essential for safe operation. This includes checking for any loose or damaged parts, ensuring proper ventilation, and keeping the machine clean to prevent the buildup of debris or flammable materials.

Workplace Safety Practices

• Ventilation and Air Quality: Adequate ventilation is necessary to remove fumes, smoke, and gases generated during the laser cutting process. Proper ventilation systems should be in place to ensure good air quality and to minimize the risk of respiratory issues or exposure to hazardous substances.
• Fire Safety: Laser cutting can generate sparks and heat, increasing the risk of fire. It is important to have fire prevention measures in place, such as fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and a clear evacuation plan. Consider using inert gases to blow the molten metal for improved safety during laser cutting metals. Additionally, flammable materials should be stored and handled properly to minimize fire hazards.
• Emergency Preparedness: A well-defined emergency response plan should be in place, including procedures for handling accidents, injuries, or equipment malfunctions. All employees should be familiar with the plan and know how to respond in case of an emergency.

By adhering to these safety measures, operators can minimize risks associated with laser cutting metal.

Achieving the Best Cutting Results

Tips for Clean and Precise Cuts

To achieve high-quality cuts when laser cutting sheet metal, it is essential to employ effective cutting techniques. Here are some tips to ensure clean and precise results:

1. Optimize cutting speed: Adjusting the cutting speed can significantly impact the quality of the cuts. Finding the right balance between speed and precision is crucial.
2. Choose the appropriate cutting technique: Different materials may require specific cutting techniques such as fusion cutting, plasma cutting, or other methods. Understanding which technique works best for each material ensures optimal results with laser focus.
3. Utilize cutters with extreme precision: Investing in high-precision cutters can make a substantial difference in achieving clean cuts. These tools offer narrow kerf widths and tight tolerances, ensuring accuracy.
4. Maintain cleanliness: Keeping the sheet metal clean before and during the cutting operation helps prevent any debris or residue from interfering with the process, resulting in cleaner cuts.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

While striving for efficiency, it&#;s important to be aware of common mistakes that can compromise the quality of your laser-cut sheet metal. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

1. Neglecting proper calibration of your laser cutter can impact cutting speed, metal thickness, and the ability to accurately bend metals over time. Regular calibration ensures consistent performance and precise cuts.
2. Ignoring material considerations: Different metals have varying properties that affect their response to laser cutting operations. Understanding these characteristics helps avoid issues like burning or warping.
3. Overlooking maintenance routines: Regularly maintaining your equipment, including cleaning lenses and replacing worn parts, helps maintain optimal performance and extends the machine&#;s lifespan.
4. Failing to account for material thickness: Adjusting settings based on metal thickness is crucial for achieving desired results without compromising quality or efficiency.

By following these tips for clean and precise cuts while avoiding common mistakes, you can enhance your sheet metal laser cutting operations, ensuring superior quality with every cut made.

Why Choose Baison Laser Machines for Sheet Metal Cutting

In conclusion, Baison Laser is a leading resource in manufacturing with CNC machining. With a deep understanding of laser cutting and its application on sheet metal, they offer a wide range of machines that cater to different needs.

Superior Quality and Precision

Baison Laser Machines are known for exceptional quality and precision in sheet metal laser cutting. These machines are designed using advanced technology, ensuring high-performance results. Baison Laser Machines offer excellent beam quality, resulting in clean and precise cuts, even for complex shapes and intricate designs. With high repeatability and accuracy, Baison Laser Machines deliver superior quality cutting edge, meeting the highest industry standards.

Excellent Customer Service

At Baison Laser, we take pride in delivering excellent customer service to our clients. We provide comprehensive support throughout the entire process, from selecting the right machine for the cutting speed and bend of different metals to after-sales service. Baison&#;s team of experts is readily available to assist customers with any queries or technical issues related to material thickness, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. Our dedication to customer satisfaction sets us apart and establishes long-lasting relationships with our clients.

Wide Range of Options for Different Needs

Baison Laser Machines offer a wide range of options to cater to diverse sheet metal laser cutting needs. We provide a variety of machine models with different power capacities, bed sizes, and cutting speeds, allowing customers to choose the perfect machine for their specific requirements.

Baison can handle various sheet metal materials and thicknesses, making them versatile for a range of applications. Whether it&#;s a small fabrication shop or a large industrial operation, Baison Laser Machines provide customizable solutions to meet any sheet metal laser cutting demand.

So why wait? Take advantage of Baison Laser Machines&#; expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to elevate your sheet metal laser cutting projects. Get free sample proofing and experience the best laser cutters today.

FAQs

What materials can be cut using laser cutting machines?

Laser cutting machines are versatile and can cut various materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, mild steel, copper, brass, and more.

How accurate are laser-cut parts?

Laser-cutting provides exceptional accuracy with tolerances as low as ±0.1mm depending on the material thickness and machine capabilities.

Is laser-cutting cost-effective compared to other cutting methods?

Laser-cutting is highly cost-effective due to its precision, minimal material wastage, and reduced setup time compared to other cutting methods like plasma cutting.

Conclusion

By now, you should have a good understanding of laser cutting sheet metal, from the basics to safety precautions and best practices. Is there a particular aspect of this process that you find most intriguing? Share your thoughts in the comments. If you&#;re ready to explore the precision and efficiency of Baison Laser machines, reach out to our experts for personalized assistance.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Single Table Fiber Laser Cutting Machine.