Configuration of BEAM Laser Machines

Beam Dynamics laser machines use a sealed CO₂ laser mounted inside the machine base. The power of the laser varies from 100 Watts to 500 Watts, depending on the model. The laser beam is directed by a series of mirrors inside a moving Gantry (moving in the Y direction) and then to a moving Carriage (moving in the X direction). The Carriage contains a focusing lens which focuses the beam to an extremely small spot. Most cutting occurs where the beam is focused to its smallest size - as small as 0.004" (for some specialized applications, the beam can be even smaller). The focused beam is directed down onto a cutting bed which supports the material. After the cutting point, the beam diverges and is dispersed into an enclosed plenum.

The material is held down by vacuum pressure and is typically supported by an aluminum honeycomb surface. The aluminum is only minimally affected by the laser and keeps the material flat while allowing air to flow through. The areas around the material being cut are usually sealed to optimize the vacuum hold-down.

The cutting process starts with a design drawn in a CAD or graphics program, such as AutoCAD. These drawings are generally 2D, but include multiple layers used to separate features of the design or cutting operations (such as a “Cut” layer and an “Engrave” layer). The completed design is imported into Laser-Link, which is Beam Dynamics’ proprietary CAM program.

Laser-Link imports DXF, HPGL, Gerber and AutoCAD drawing files. The geometry is displayed and can be edited or manipulated. New geometry can also be created directly in Laser-Link. The user then selects a layer in the drawing and assigns a setting from a menu-based database of laser settings. This database can be edited and accepts an unlimited number of material settings.

After a file has been processed by Laser-Link it is downloaded to the machine. From the control panel, the user selects and downloads any pre-processed file. The control panel displays all settings and information about the file.

After the file and material have been loaded, the user selects a starting point (using the Jog keys) and then starts the machine. The machine first moves the platform up until the material to be cut touches the focus sensor (this sets the correct focus for that material). The machine then moves through all of the X-Y vectors in the file, turning the laser on at the appropriate times. A dedicated micro-processor controls the laser power. As the mechanical system accelerates or decelerates, the laser power ramps up and down proportionally. This insures consistent cut depth and quality. The X-Y system uses linear encoders to get precise feedback on positioning.

Automatic Digital Registration of printed parts on existing registration marks assures perfect alignment when cutting. You can program the system to use up to 10 registration marks, which can be programmed to read crosshairs, printed dots, the edge of the part, or even an area of the printed graphic itself. You will no longer have to try to align parts by eye. With our Digital Registration System, parts are aligned quickly and precisely, to within .001".

At the heart of the Lumen is Beam Dynamics’ proprietary SoftTouch Power Control system. Soft-Touch adjusts the Lumen’s power according to the material being cut, allowing an extraordinary range of materials and un-paral-leled flexibility. This unique technology is what takes the Lumen to a new level in cutting machines and allows you to have full control of your cutting machine’s power.

Multiple processes, such as Engraving and Cutting, can be combined and run together. Because the process is non-contact, the sequence of cutting is usually not critical and the parts do not need to be clamped in place. All of our machines contain a range of safety interlocks and warning indicators that protect the user from exposure to the laser beam and protect the machine from damage.

The cutting process does create fumes and debris. These are removed from the machine via the vacuum hold-down pump and a secondary duct. The equipment requires an external exhaust fan ducted outside or connected to an air filtering system.

 

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