Laser-Machining

As the development of industrial systems progress new processes in laser technology and machining techniques, will be developed. where only laser machining, machining systems can provide the desired results.

Fiber-optic cables are used with Nd:YAG lasers to simplify beam delivery for machining processes. Robotic devices designed specifically for integration with industrial systems will soon be in automated assembly lines. Vision systems, seam tracking devices show promise as a means to process parts with unpredictable geometry.

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Future of Manufacturing:

The future operation of laser machining centers will be similar to working with CNC controlled milling machines or lathes. Fortunately, lasers are ever more generic and custom industrial systems easier to come by; a process done on one industrial system can be reproduced on similar systems from different manufacturers. Given standard tools, standard procedures can be adopted. With increasing computer power, expert systems are being developed to allow operator independent industrial manufacturing.

Technology developments today are being directed toward meeting requirements identified by legacy system users. Industrial systems are more reliable and require less maintenance / service. Beam quality (analogous to tool sharpness) has improved, particularly with higher power CO₂ and Nd:YAG lasers. Sharper, higher power beams are providing the ability to cut thick metals with finishes once thought not possible. Nd:YAG systems cut high nickel alloys up to 2.0 inches thick at speeds greater than EDM. Better beam quality at higher power produces deep penetration welds with very low aspect ratios.

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Process Variables

• laser Power
  Power is the energy distributed within a specified time frame, or Power - Energy X Frequency. Manufacturing is accomplished by delivering power in a continuous wave or in pulses.
• Pulse Length
  Time, expressed in fractions of seconds in which energy is delivered. Usually measured at the half point of the leading and trailing edges of a pulse.
• Pulse Frequency
  Rate, which energy is delivered. Expressed in pulses per second. (Hz).
• Duty Cycle
  Relationship between pulse length and pulse frequency: expressed as a percentage of energy on-time.
• Pulse Energy
  The integral of power over a unit of time.
• Lens
  Optic used to focus a beam on the work surface. Short focal length lenses provide small focus spot sizes (and high power density). Long focal length lenses provide narrow beam convergence angles, necessary to penetrate thick metal sections. Beam diameter is an important consideration in lens selection. Power densities and depth of focus can change with different beam diameters.
• Gas Jet
  Device used to direct a gas flow, either columnar or diffuse.

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Efficient Designs, Incorporated - Links

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