FOCUS ON LASER CUTTING
Below and centre : Results of Eagle ’ s catline cutting technology .
Additionally , users should consider mechanical but highly valued elements such as ergonomics , internal parts accessibility , a clear field of vision between the cutting bed and panel , among others . These resources not only make it easier for operators to harness the full potential of high-performing machines but also contribute to increased productivity , reduced downtime and overall efficiency .
High reliability
The integration of power with dynamics , precision and automation is the key to unlocking the full potential of laser technology . For instance , investing in a high-wattage laser machine without addressing its motion dynamics can lead to sub-optimal productivity .
“ A laser system must be capable of precise and rapid movements to fully exploit its power potential . Conversely , a machine with remarkable speed but a slow material exchange process will waste that speed and won ’ t reach its maximum productivity ,” said Brena .
With the pressure to deliver orders faster , better and at a lower cost , manufacturers must consider a broader spectrum of factors including production volume , growth rate and market demands . Due to the increasingly varied nature of order types and sizes , adaptability is gaining considerable importance and is seen as an investment in future competitiveness as it allows manufacturers to cater to diverse customer needs / market trends .
High usability
“ The second aspect to explore is high usability ,” continued Brena . “ Usability is a critical aspect that must not be overlooked when considering the adoption of laser technology , particularly in the context of highpower machines where maintaining control and precision is even more relevant .”
The usability factor is of special importance in manufacturing , where the implementation of new machinery can be a daunting challenge for operators . Managing a high-end laser requires a high level of skill , knowledge and experience . Hiring and training operators capable of efficiently working with these systems can be a challenge , especially within the prevailing labour shortage environment . In this scenario , manufacturers should not underestimate the relevance of ease of use .
High usability is as much about implementing features that make machine operation more accessible as it is about eliminating all unnecessary steps that complicate the process . An intuitive design has the power to bridge the gap between skilled operators and those who are less experienced . This ‘ democratisation ’ will empower a broader workforce to operate effectively .
As Brena put it : “ Whether it ’ s our smartphones , cars or kitchen appliances , usability has taken centre stage in design and functionality . A laser cutting machine is no different . A good user experience in our field means interface user-friendliness ; level of control ; error prevention systems and quick access and visualisation of data such as files and reports .”
Catline cutting results on mild steel .
While laser equipment , power , speed and ease of use may be easy-to-spot attributes , their effectiveness can be compromised if frequent errors and maintenance requirements halt the machine . This is why high reliability cannot be over-emphasized .
“ Think of high-performing fibre laser cutting systems as Formula 1 cars ,” said Brena , highlighting the analogy . “ Every component is meticulously considered to deliver peak performance , from design to maintenance . Attempting to graft a high-performance engine onto an ordinary car is possible but leads to unreliability .
“ Similarly ,” he continued , “ in fibre laser technology , high power and advanced features will only shine within a well-structured and reliable system which will depend on both the machine ’ s quality and its conception . Like a tailor-made suit versus an off-the-rack garment , proprietary components ( thoroughly tested in-house ) offer unmatched reliability compared to third-party components . In today ’ s
The laser industry is currently experiencing a remarkable surge in power levels , with machines now capable of outputting up to 40 kilowatts ( kW ) of laser power
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