Laser machining center- Here you have success!
How a laser machining centre works
A laser machining centre is a high-precision machine tool used in metalworking to cut, weld, engrave/mark or harden materials. These machines use a focussed laser beam to concentrate energy on a small area of the workpiece, allowing material to be processed quickly and precisely.
The processing process of a laser machining centre begins with the generation of a laser beam in a laser generator. This beam is guided through mirrors or fibre optics to a focussing head. In the focussing head, the laser beam is strongly bundled by a lens and concentrated to a tiny point, resulting in an extremely high energy density.
Cutting
When cutting metal, the laser beam penetrates the material and heats it to such an extent that it melts or vaporises. A gas, usually nitrogen or oxygen, is injected coaxially with the laser beam to blow the molten material out of the kerf. This enables precise and clean cuts with minimal material loss. The cutting process is particularly effective when processing thin sheets, but thicker material can also be cut with sufficiently powerful lasers.
Welding
During welding, the laser beam creates a weld seam by melting the edges of the metal parts to be joined and fusing them together. This results in extremely strong and precise welded joints that often do not require additional materials or extensive post-processing.
Engraving and marking
Engraving and marking (also known as labelling) with a laser machining centre involves the targeted removal of material surfaces to create patterns, texts or barcodes. The laser beam is controlled in such a way that it only minimally affects the surface of the metal, resulting in high-resolution and permanent markings.
Control system
A laser machining centre is controlled by computerised control systems (CNC). These systems utilise CAD/CAM software to plan and execute precise cutting, engraving and welding operations. CNC control enables high accuracy, repeatability and efficiency when processing complex workpieces and materials.
Laser machining centres are highly valued in the metalworking industry due to their precision, speed and versatility. They enable the production of complex geometries and fine details that would be difficult or impossible to realise using conventional mechanical methods.
Applications in industrial production
Laser machining centers are used in numerous industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical technology, electronics, jewellery manufacturing, toolmaking, mechanical engineering, packaging, shipbuilding and architecture.
Laser machining centers can precisely process various metals, including steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper, brass and titanium.
Here are ten examples of workpieces that are processed using laser machining centres:
- Automotive parts: Body panels, exhaust systems and engine parts
- Aerospace components: structural parts and turbine blades
- Medical instruments: surgical tools and implants
- Electronic housings: precision housings for electronic devices
- Jewellery: Finely engraved and cut jewellery
- Tools: Cutting and punching tools
- Machine components: Precision components for machines and systems
- Packaging materials: Laser-cut packaging and labels
- Ship components: Precisely cut and welded ship components
- Architectural models: Detailed models and components for architecture
Accessories and equipment for a laser machining centre
Important accessories include safety goggles, extraction and filter systems to remove fumes and dust, and precision clamping devices to hold workpieces securely in place. Operating fluids such as coolants and cutting gases, for example nitrogen or oxygen, are essential to improve the processing quality and extend the service life of the machine. Furthermore, laser safety housings and monitoring systems can provide additional safety.
Leading manufacturers of laser machining centres
In our list of manufacturers, you will find companies that produce laser machining centres for metal processing.
The following terms are frequently searched for: DMG Mori laser machining centre, GF Machining Solutions laser machining centre, Kern laser machining centre, Pfeifer laser machining centre, Baublys laser machining centre, Trumpf laser machining centre, Senfeng laser machining centre, Reishauer laser machining centre
Choosing the right laser machining centre
If you want to buy a laser machining centre, there are several important features and specifications to consider.
- Firstly, the power of the lasering is crucial as it determines the machine's ability to cut different metal thicknesses. High wattages allow thicker metals to be cut.
- The precision and accuracy of the machine are also crucial. This is influenced by the quality of the CNC control and the stability of the mechanical components.
- Ensure high repeat accuracy and low tolerances.
- Another important feature is the machine's work surface. It should be large enough to accommodate the workpieces you want to machine.
- The cutting speed and the ability to adjust the cutting parameters are also important factors to ensure efficiency and flexibility.
- In addition, safety features, such as protective housing and monitoring systems, as well as the availability of spare parts and service play an important role.
- Finally, you should pay attention to the software compatibility and user-friendliness of the control software to ensure smooth integration into your production processes.
Find the laser machining centre that suits your production requirements now at maschinenauswahl.de.