Reading Between the Lines: Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturers of laser machines often publish performance specifications as a guide for comparing their machine against the competition. Of course, the specifications provided will favor that company’s machine, and they may be based on actual measured performance, or on the theoretical optimal performance of motors and positioning systems. The reliability of quoted performance often depends on the honesty of the manufacturer.

To complicate matters even further, comparison terms are often unique to particular manufacturers, and may include: cut speed inches-per-minute; inches per second; feed rates; slew speed; rapids; acceleration; look ahead contouring; multiple heads; laser type; laser power; laser pulse rate; energy absorption; edge quality; mechanical accuracy; laser wavelength; “easy” job set up and many more.

But how useful is any of this information in determining your particular needs?

 

The True Test: Throughput

Despite all of the different claims you may encounter, the only speed measurement that matters is throughput—how many parts finished to suitable quality and accuracy can the machine produce each hour; reliably, hour after hour and shift after shift. And ultimately, the only true calculation you should rely on is the machine’s actual performance on your materials and typical parts.

To determine throughput, have the potential manufacturer(s) cut a standard part and material. Find out:

• Is the software user-friendly and functional for your needs? How easily and quickly can you set up a job for cutting?
• How many parts can be cut in a typical shift? Be sure to specify the desired finished part quality in terms of precision, dimensions, edge quality, etc. These factors will all affect the final outcome.
• How much time does it take to load and unload the machine?
• What is the waste removal process (including fume extraction)?

Once you have this information, you can evaluate whether or not these numbers will fit into your overall cost structure.

 

Final Results

It is clear “cut speed” alone does not accurately demonstrate a machine’s performance. There are many factors that affect the final result, and evaluating the machine based on your parts is always the best way to determine the throughput of a machine tool.

Beam Dynamics offers a completely seamless process from start to finish: the software package, material handling, acceleration, laser type, job set-up, finished part quality and, of course, “cut speed” all add up to the best throughput performance at an acceptable cost.

Contact us today to test your materials and find the optimum throughput for your parts!