Laser Cutting Machine Offers CO2 or Fiber Laser Source

The compact Knuth Laser-Jet 1512 and 2512 laser cutting machines offer small footprints and flexibility for single-part and small-batch production. The machines can be equipped with either a carbon dioxide (CO₂)_­ or fiber laser with different beam powers, enabling a range of possible industrial applications. The 1512 model handles material sheet sizes ranging to 5 × 4 ft., while the 2512 accommodates sheets ranging to 8 × 4 ft.

The CO_2­ laser source (FEHA) is suitable for cutting metal, wood, plastics and foam, among other materials and is available in 600-, 1,000- or 1,500-W versions. In non-alloy or low-alloy structural steels, the laser is capable of high cutting power in plate thicknesses ranging to 8 mm. In high-alloy stainless steel or aluminum materials, the laser cuts plate as thick as 3 mm and is capable of achieving completely blank, oxide-free cut surfaces and burr-free bottom edges, Knuth says. The high beam quality and the high-pressure cutting head also enable laser fusion cutting, using high-pressure nitrogen as the cutting gas.

The fiber laser source (IPG) generates a wavelength 10 times shorter than the CO₂ laser for a more focusable beam, and requires an optically sealed enclosure. According to Knuth, the fiber laser beam is better absorbed by metallic materials, particularly those with strong reflective properties, including stainless steels, aluminum, copper and copper alloys. The ytterbium fiber lasers are available with beam powers of 1,000, 1,500, 2,000 or 4,000 W. Stainless steel, aluminum and brass can be cut in plate thicknesses ranging to 6 mm, with even thicker plates possible using the 4,000-W laser source. For non-alloy and low-alloy structural steels, plates thicker than 12 mm can be cut.

According to Knuth, the Laser-Jet’s ergonomically designed structure eases the loading of sheets and unloading of cut parts. Both models are equipped with a GPlus 4000 PC-based control. Its user interface features an integrated technology database for fast, flexible creation of cutting jobs and simplified control of cutting operations, the company says.