CNC laser tube cutting machine for metal is developing rapidly. Many customers have many doubts about how to choose suitable CNC tube cutting equipment. This article will explain this in detail and hope it will be helpful to you.
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How to Choose the Right CNC Laser Tube Cutting Machine for Metal
Assess Your Material Requirements
The first step in choosing a CNC laser tube cutting machine is to evaluate the types of materials you’ll be working with:
Material types: Ensure the machine can handle the metals you commonly use, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or brass.
Tube shapes: Consider the variety of tube profiles you need to cut, including round, square, rectangular, oval, triangular, and special shapes like H-beams or U-channels.
Dimensions: Determine the maximum tube length, diameter, and wall thickness you’ll be processing
Laser Power and Type
Laser type: For metal cutting, fiber lasers are generally preferred over CO2 lasers due to their efficiency in cutting reflective metals.
Power output: Higher power (measured in watts) allows for cutting thicker materials and faster processing speeds. Most industrial machines offer power ranges from 1kW to 4kW.
Cutting Capabilities
Cutting speed: Look for machines with high-speed cutting capabilities to maximize productivity.
Precision: Check the positioning and repositioning accuracy. For instance, the ELECNC-T series offers positioning accuracy of ±0.03mm and repositioning accuracy of ±0.02mm.
Cutting features: Ensure the machine can perform the types of cuts you need, such as straight cuts, bevel cuts, joint cuts, and perforations.
Examine Automation Features
Automatic loading/unloading systems: These are essential for high-volume production.
Automatic focusing: Features like the automatic focusing laser head on the can improve efficiency and reduce human error.
Automatic support devices: Look for intelligent pipe holder designs that prevent deformation during long pipe cutting.
Software and Control Systems
User-friendly interface: Choose a machine with intuitive controls and programming options.
CAD/CAM integration: Ensure the software can easily import and process your design files.
Specialized software: Look for machines with dedicated tube cutting software.
Machine Construction and Durability
Frame construction: Look for machines with high-strength, stress-relieved frames to ensure stability and precision over time.
Enclosed processing area: This feature, as seen in the ELECNC-T series, enhances operator safety and protects the working environment.
Workspace and Installation Requirements
Machine footprint: Ensure you have adequate space for the machine, considering the maximum tube length it can handle.
Power requirements: Check that your facility can provide the necessary power supply for the laser and auxiliary systems.
Ventilation needs: Consider the requirements for fume extraction and cooling systems.
Cost and Return on Investment
Purchase price: Prices can vary widely, with dual-purpose sheet metal and tube laser cutting machines ranging from $42,500 to $122,000.
Operational costs: Factor in expenses for maintenance, spare parts, and consumables.
Productivity gains: Assess how the machine’s features and capabilities will improve your production efficiency and quality, potentially leading to cost savings or increased revenue.
Manufacturer Support and Reputation
Technical support: Ensure the manufacturer offers comprehensive training and ongoing technical assistance.
Spare parts availability: Check the availability and cost of replacement parts.
Warranty and service agreements: Review the terms of the warranty and available service plans.
Plan for Future Needs
Scalability: Choose a machine that can accommodate potential increases in production volume or diversity of materials.
Upgradability: Look for machines that offer options for future upgrades or additional features.
Test and Compare
Sample processing: Provide samples of your typical workpieces for test cuts.
Performance metrics: Compare cutting speed, quality, and ease of use across different machines.
Factors affecting the price of CNC laser tube cutting machine
- Laser type and power: Fiber lasers are generally more expensive than CO2 lasers. The greater the laser power, the higher the price.
- Table size: The larger the table size, the higher the price.
- Control system: The degree of advancement of the control system directly affects the price.
- Configuration: The degree of automation, auxiliary functions, etc. will affect the price.
- Brand: The price of equipment from well-known brands is relatively high.
- Origin: The price of imported equipment is generally higher than that of domestic equipment.
Conclusion
By carefully considering these factors, you can select a CNC laser tube cutting machine that not only meets your current metal processing needs but also positions your business for future growth and efficiency. Remember that the ideal machine will balance performance, versatility, and cost effectiveness for your specific applications.
FAQ
1.Maintenance and care of CNC laser tube cutting machine
- Regular cleaning: Keep the inside and outside of the equipment clean, especially the cutting head and optical lens, to prevent dust and debris from affecting the cutting quality.
- Cooling system maintenance: Regularly check the level and quality of the coolant and replace the coolant in time.
- Lubrication system maintenance: Regularly check and replace the lubricating oil to ensure the flexible operation of the transmission parts.
- Check the gas line: Regularly check whether the gas line is leaking to ensure sufficient supply of cutting gas.
- Calibration: Regularly calibrate the equipment to ensure cutting accuracy.
2.Common faults and solutions of CNC laser tube cutting machine
- Unstable laser power: Check whether the laser power supply, cooling system, and optical path are normal.
- Cutting fracture: Check whether the laser power, cutting speed, and focal position are appropriate, and adjust the cutting parameters.
- Cutting edge burrs: Check whether the cutting gas pressure, cutting speed, and focal position are appropriate.
- Cutting deformation: Check whether the workpiece is firmly fixed and whether the cutting sequence is reasonable.
- Control system failure: Check whether the connection line and software of the control system are normal.
3.How to choose the appropriate CNC tube laser cutting parameters
- Material type and thickness: Select the appropriate laser power, cutting speed and auxiliary gas according to the thermal conductivity, reflectivity and other characteristics of the material.
- Cutting shape: For complex shapes, it is necessary to adjust the cutting speed and focus position.
- Cutting quality requirements: Adjust the cutting parameters according to the requirements for cutting edge quality, surface roughness, etc.
- Production efficiency: Increase the cutting speed as much as possible while ensuring the cutting quality.