About Functionality

1. How easy is the machine to operate?
2. What materials can the laser cut?
3. How much training will I require?
4. Does the machine have a crash sensor?
5. What flexibility do I have in power settings?
6. How does your machine deal with waste materials?

 

1. How easy is the machine to operate?

The machine controls are easy to use and require little specialized training. An LCD display provides information about the file to be cut and allows editing of the laser settings. Additional buttons allow the user to move the cutting head, raising and lowering the bed, controlling the exhaust machine and regulating the gas pressure. The user can select a job file from the control panel that resides on any PC networked to the machine through our DNC software.

2. What materials can the laser cut?

The ability to cut a broad spectrum of materials is one of the strongest attributes of the laser. It is generally more cost effective than conventional cutting since it is faster and does not require cutting tools. Laser cutting is also a non-contact, non-force process well suited for cutting delicate or fragile parts that cannot take the stress of traditional machining. The thickness, cut pattern, and size of the part can vary depending on the material. A partial list of materials includes:

• Acrylic
• Alumina
• Cardboard
• Ceramic
• Composites
• Delrin
• Fabric
• Fiberglass
• Foam
• Laminate
• Leather
• Masonite
• Matte Board
• Nylon
• Paper Products
• Plastics
• Plywood
• Polycarbonate
• Polyester
• Rubber
• Stainless Steel
• Steel
• Styrene
• Teflon
• Vinyl
• Veneer
• Wood

 

Materials that cannot be machined by other means because of lack of conductivity, abrasiveness, or hardness can usually be cut using a laser. Materials with high reflectivity can also be cut but special precautions must be taken. A laser can also easily cut hard plastics with adhesive backs that gum-up stamping tools or knives.

3. How much training will I require?

The machine controls are versatile, yet easy to understand. BEAM machines include custom designed CAM software which manages the entire cutting process, without requiring specialized user training. During the initial machine setup, Beam Dynamics will provide free training onsite. This training typically lasts for one or two days.

4. Does the machine have a crash sensor?

Yes, the cutting head includes a crash sensor and break-away nozzle to reduce the risk of damage from setup errors.

5. What flexibility do I have in power settings?

The control panel is easy to understand and allows you to control all of the machine functions as well as download files, view and edit settings.

6. How does your machine deal with waste materials?

A dual exhaust machine provides efficient removal of cutting fumes. The vacuum cutting bed provides material hold-down and removes smoke from through-cutting. An additional top exhaust port removes residual smoke from engraving.

Many of our customers simply vent outside, but check the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for its particular properties. Some materials may require a fume filtration machine and dust collector. Check with Beam Dynamics or the material supplier before cutting any questionable materials.

As for material waste, the honeycomb bed allows small pieces to fall through, which will gather in the plume. A shop vacuum can be used to remove the collected material waste.