FOCUS ON FIBRE LASER
FIBRE IN FOCUS
We highlight a selection of the latest new fibre laser cutting innovations in the global market .
“ Clean-cut edges , rapid cutting speeds and efficient operation characterise fibre laser cutting systems .”
In fibre lasers , the laser light is generated and delivered by an inherently flexible medium , which allows easier delivery to the focusing location and target . This is important for laser cutting and welding sheet metal . Other benefits include their high output power and very high optical gain , compared to other types of laser . They can support kilowatt levels of continuous output power thanks to the fibre ’ s high surface-area-to-volume ratio , which allows efficient cooling .
The fibre ’ s waveguide properties reduce or eliminate thermal distortion of the optical path , typically producing a diffraction-limited , high-quality optical beam . Fibre lasers are compact compared to solid-state or gas lasers of comparable power , because the fibre can be bent and coiled ( except for thicker rodtype designs ) to save space . They exhibit high temperature and vibrational stability , as well as extended lifetime . High peak power and nanosecond pulses improve marking and engraving . The additional power and better beam quality provide clean cut edges and rapid cutting speeds .
As a relatively new innovation in laser cutting systems for machining sheet metal ( including non-ferrous materials such as copper , brass and titanium ), the fibre laser offers accuracy , low maintenance costs and efficient operation . It is easy to cool , converting around 70-80 % of its power from the pump source . This is better for power consumption , but also means that less power is being converted to heat . It can also be comfortably used for the efficient processing of gauge and fractional materials , as well as fine feature cutting .
In this article , we highlight a selection of the latest new fibre laser cutting innovations in the market today .
Other benefits include their high output power and very high optical gain , compared to other types of laser
Fibre laser innovations
AMADA ’ s new three-axis REGIUS-AJ fibre laser with linear drive , variable beam adjustment and autonomous laser functions is its fastest fibre laser system to date . Promoted at Blechexpo in October 2021 , all system and process parameters are automatically monitored and adjusted by its laser integration system ( LIS ). LIS functions include the i-Nozzle Checker , the i-Process Monitor and the i-Optics Sensor . Readiness for cutting is monitored during operation and automatically restored after
AMADA ’ s new 4kW VENTIS-3015AJ collisions . fibre laser cutting system .
“ Variable beam adjustment automatically and continuously matches energy distribution in the laser beam ( not just focus diameter and focus position ) to the material to be processed and its thickness . The mode can be adjusted as required during piercing and
AMADA ’ s new REGIUS-3015AJ fibre laser . cutting , making it possible to run the piercing
Laser-cut parts by LVD ' s Phoenix system .
process at high speeds and with increased productivity ,” AMADA explained .
With its VENTIS-3015AJ 4 kW , AMADA recently introduced a laser cutting system with flexible beam guidance .
“ With a 4kW fibre laser resonator , a single laser module and no power combiner , performance is achieved that ’ s usually only possible with 6- or 8kW systems . Using innovative LBC technology , the machine can oscillate the laser beam in the kerf in accordance with predefined patterns . All this results in significantly increased cutting speeds for thin , as well as thick , sheet metal . Achieved surface roughness values are unparalleled in the fibre laser sector and are comparable in quality to those of a CO 2 laser . At the same time , the otherwise usual fibre laser burr can be almost entirely eliminated ,” AMADA told ISMR .
The new ASF II-3015 storage system , which is laid out for a sheet format of 3 x 1.5m and a cutting pallet load of 920kg , is operated electrically without any hydraulics , and equipped with a new pallet changer . It works with a new rolling system so that the
50 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR December 2021 / January 2022