FOCUS ON LASER CUTTING
Fibre laser cutting results on steel parts .
The Tower of Power
Eagle ’ s “ Tower of Power ” dataset below is a practical example taken with real-life measurements that compares the number of parts cut per hour using varying power levels .
For a 12mm steel component with an approximate selling price of 2.50 euros per piece , a user can cut approximately 46 pieces per hour ( with each piece costing 2.17 euros to produce ) on a 4kW fibre laser machine . This , said Eagle , results in a profit margin of 0.33 euros per piece , equating to 15.16 euros per hour of work . Upgrading to a 30kW machine , the production rate rockets to 327 pieces per hour , reducing the cost per part to 0.55 euros . The margin per piece now stands at 1.95 euros , translating into an hourly profit of 637.65 euros .
“ It then becomes a straightforward exercise to project the substantial growth in monthly and yearly profits , demonstrating the tangible impact that laser power can have on the bottom line . And that is only by considering different powers : if you add motion dynamics to the equation , which are equally important , the benefits multiply ,” added Eagle Lasers .
iNspire laser cutting system with Eagle Crane Master Store Extended Cross and eTower .
automated , precision-focused manufacturing landscape , reliability is no longer a luxury but a requirement .”
High productivity
When the first three “ highs ” have been successfully addressed , the outcome is a state of high productivity . A truly productive system involves a harmonious interaction of various players and components .
However , productivity does not solely rest on machine speed . While this factor is vital , it won ’ t achieve the full potential of a system on its own .
In the quest for productivity , multiple factors come into play . A fast machine calls for automation systems that can keep pace with it and ensure its continuous operation , even during night shifts and weekends . Software also plays a pivotal role in boosting speed and efficiency while helping to save energy and consumables . Well-developed software should optimise cutting processes , minimize waste and streamline operations .
In the quest for productivity , multiple factors come into play
High profits
Ultimately , high profits are the litmus test of decision-making for every business . Fibre lasers should deliver energy savings , accelerated turnaround times and reduced costs per part , resulting in healthier profit margins .
Summarising Eagle ’ s perspective , Camillo Brena noted : “ If correctly implemented , high performance , usability , reliability and productivity will result in higher profits . However , before purchasing a machine and witnessing its performance on-site , it can be difficult for a potential customer to understand the real-life numbers . After all , upgrading to this kind of technology is a big leap and we should be able to provide prospective clients with as close as possible an estimate of what their results will be once their machine is running .”
To this end , Eagle has devised the “ Tower of Power ” dataset ; a practical example taken with real-life measurements that compares the number of parts cut per hour using varying power levels .
However , reducing production time is of little use if cut parts are left as work-in-progress .
“ We see many manufacturers with high-performing machines on standby because cutting more jobs would simply add to the list of WIP orders that remain unsorted . When implementing an ultra-fast machine , it becomes imperative to establish comprehensive sorting and storing systems ensuring that orders are efficiently processed and delivered . In this way , a fast-cutting machine not only increases profit by speeding up workflow and producing components but also frees itself up sooner , enabling manufacturers to take on additional jobs or expand the product portfolio . This further contributes to their growth and profitability ,” outlined Brena .
Meet Eagle at Blechexpo
The updated Eagle iNspire fibre laser cutter , to be displayed at the Blechexpo exhibition in Stuttgart , Germany ( 7-10 November 2023 ), was designed with these five ‘ high ’ pillars at its core . The machine features a new Eagle
56 | ismr . net | ISMR October 2023