Bystronic laser cutting machines provide intuitive operation for a high performance finish 07 May 2012 The Bystar CNC laser cutting machines from First Cut are classic examples of Swiss precision manufacturing. Bystronic’s high-quality solutions for the economical processing of sheet metal and other sheet materials are renowned for their quality finishes and ability to enhance productivity. “The robust compact design combines with state of the art cutting and piercing technologies to produce a high quality range of laser cutting machines,” says Andrew Poole, Managing Director of First Cut. Operation The Bystar laser system consists of a laser module, the respective laser controller, which is integrated directly in the laser unit, and a closed-loop cooling system. “The Bystronic laser unit is separate from the cutting machine and contains the kinematically suspended ultra-stable resonator,” First Cut’s Capital Equipment Director, Steve van Wyk explains. A compressor circulates the laser gases at high velocity, which ensures a laser beam of consistently high quality. “The high performance optics with special mirror geometry and cooling, transfer the laser beam to the cutting head. Dependent on the model, the OCS unit monitors the output coupler, while the EMS unit monitors the end mirror of the laser source,” says Van Wyk. Capacitive sensing maintains a constant distance between the nozzle and the material. The robust cutting bridge of the laser cutting machines runs on profiled rollers along precision-ground flat and Vee-shaped guides, while the cutting carriage runs on precision linear guides. The main axes are driven without intermediate gearing, by high torque AC motors and via rack-and-pinions adjusted for zero play. “Before cutting, the position of the sheet (X/Y) can be detected by the cutting head without contacting the sheet. The cutting plan is then adjusted automatically to this position. Once cutting commences, the CutControl unit increases process reliability and monitors the process of fusion cutting [N2] of stainless steel and steel. It detects the amount of light reflected from the workpiece, and, if the cut is poor, regulates the feed rate or if necessary, stops the feed, retraces the cutting position and repeats the cut. It also enables precise edge detection,” says Van Wyk. Maximised accuracy and reliability A number of salient features are incorporated into the laser cutting range to ensure maximised accuracy and reliability. “The ByPos auto focus unit automatically adjusts the height of the focal point to suit the type and thickness of the material, and keeps it constant over the entire cutting area,” says Van Wyk. The CLS (cutting lens sensor) increases the reliability of the laser cutting machine and avoids consequential costs. The CLS unit integrated in the Z-axis monitors the cutting lens and detects and prevents potential burn-through before it can develop. The laser module is switched off immediately and a suitable warning message is displayed on the operating terminal. Depending on the model, different piercing techniques produce consistent and high performance results. The Bylaser 4400/6000 utilises RPP, an extremely reliable, high-speed piercing process. “Penetration through the material is detected and used as the start signal to begin the cutting process immediately. RPP cuts the average piercing time by more than 30%, compared with conventional piercing techniques,” says Van Wyk. CCP is a fast and reliable pulsed piercing technique used by the Bylaser 5200 ARC. The piercing process is monitored and the laser cutting machine begins cutting as soon as the beam has pierced the material. The CrossJet unit, available on the Bylaser 5200ARC, delivers certain advantages when machining heavy gauge mild steel. Oil mist is sprayed onto the sheet before the piercing cut to prevent hot metal pearls from sticking to the sheet. Once the laser has pierced the sheet, they are blown away with compressed air. The nozzles on all models of the Bystar laser cutting machines are automatically cleaned by a brass brush mounted on the machine frame. The frequency of the cleaning cycle is programmed on the operating terminal. “The Bystar laser cutting machines are renowned for their excellent dynamic performance thanks to an optimum drive/CNC design. Together with Bystronics’ ByVision controller, the modular and versatile laser cutting range is extremely easy and intuitive to operate and provides high levels of availability and maximum transfer rates,” Poole concludes. |
