Laser
Many of Gulf States Saw & Machinery Co., Inc.'s tube-laser-cutting systems incorporate intelligent machine functions, such as intelligent monitoring, setup, cutting, and other functions. These automated functions make it easier to operate and increase machine efficiency. These lasers are versatile and can be used in many industries.
Parts are held by automatic tabbing (do in FabCreator) and a set jaws on both the idler and drive chuck.
Some things are difficult to see until you have a closer look at the fiber laser operating. Fiber lasers have a larger power density than CO2 laser beams because their beam diameter is typically one-third that of CO2 beams. This allows fiber to cut more quickly and also allows it pierce better. This allows the fiber to cut intricate shapes with sharp edges and leaves a smaller beam size. Imagine that a fiber can cut the company logo from a tube with spacing of 0.035 in between its letters; a CO2 laser is incapable of doing this.
You may have noticed that we haven’t discussed cutting speed yet. It is possible to cut up to 500 inches per minute on a tube, but that’s not always realistic. In laser tube cutting, the real focus should be on how long it takes to load a tube, index it so it’s in the right position for cutting, pierce and cut it, and unload the part. It’s more about part-processing time with laser tube cutting machines, not cutting speed.
North America's foremost magazine for the metal fabricating and metal forming industry, FABRICATOR. The magazine features news, technical articles, as well as case histories, that help fabricators do their jobs more efficiently. Since 1970, FABRICATOR is serving the industry.
PowerLine C CO2 laser systems use CO2 lasers to precisely drill, cut, scribing and mark many nonmetals, such as glass, or organic materials.
Combined laser system for tube and sheet metal cutting.Tubes up to Ø 4.72" (120 mm)Sheets up to 236" x 79" (6000 mm x 2000 mm)Fiber Laser
The tube's inherent nature means that a laser generator is not required. While flat sheet laser cutting machines are now available with laser generators of up to 12 kW, tube-cutting machines typically require a maximum power of 5 kW. Tubes require you to be aware of the opposite side when cutting. A more powerful laser would cut through the tube's other side. (Officially, the tube laser can be used to process a beam or channel.
Our system solutions provide the best selection of options for flexible production of small and large quantities.
Coherent StarCut Tube "hybrid", version has the greatest flexibility for cutting various medical devices in metals or other plastics from tubes or flat stock. This laser machine is a turnkey solution that combines two lasers in one compact housing.
Fiber lasers are capable of cutting thin materials with high speeds. Fiber lasers are very efficient and low in power consumption, but require very little maintenance. Laser cutting technology is able to cut steel, stainless and aluminum as well as nonferrous metals such copper and brass.
The other factor to keep in mind is that the traditional method of checking for bows and twists in the tube can take up to five or seven seconds before cutting commences. With the traditional means of touch sensing, you have to trade productivity for accuracy. Again, in the age of fiber laser cutting, this can seem like a lifetime, but working with tube is not as simple as working with sheet metal.
Shape laser technology allows for a complete customization and cut-to-length capabilities in just one step. Finished or semi-finished parts are produced from raw material.
Learn how the Coherent StarCut Tube and StarFiber laser-powered cutting machines helped NPX Medical gain a competitive edge in stent manufacturing and more.