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2024 Laser Cutting Machine Guide-How to choose a high-quality laser cutting machine?

2024-12-5

Choosing a high-quality laser cutting machine requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors. Here are some suggestions:

Clarify your needs

Processing materials and thickness: Determine the main types of materials to be cut, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc., as well as the thickness range of the materials. Different materials and thicknesses have different requirements for the power, beam quality, etc. of the laser cutting machine. Generally speaking, higher power is required to cut thicker materials. For example, if you often process carbon steel with a thickness of more than 12mm, it is recommended to use a 4000w-6000w machine; 1500w-3000w is recommended for thicknesses of 8-10mm; 1000-2000w is recommended for thicknesses of 5-8mm; and 500-1000w is recommended for small thicknesses.

●Cutting accuracy requirements: If the cutting accuracy requirements are high, such as precision parts processing, you need to choose a laser cutting machine with high-precision positioning and repeat positioning accuracy. Its positioning accuracy can generally reach 0.05mm, and the repeat positioning accuracy can reach 0.03mm.

●Production efficiency requirements: Consider the required cutting speed and production efficiency based on the production plan and order volume. For example, for large-scale production companies, high cutting speeds and fast cutting cycle times can improve production efficiency and reduce production costs.

●Workpiece size and shape: Determine the maximum size of the workpiece to be processed, and whether there are any special shapes or complex contours to be cut. Some laser cutting machines have larger table sizes and more flexible cutting head movement to meet the processing requirements of workpieces of different sizes and shapes.


Focus on core components

●Laser: Laser is the core component of laser cutting machine, which directly affects the cutting effect and quality. Common lasers on the market include fiber laser, carbon dioxide laser, etc. Among them, fiber laser has the advantages of good beam quality, fast cutting speed, high stability, low maintenance cost, etc., and has gradually become the mainstream choice. Well-known laser brands include Maxphotonics, Raycus, etc.

●Laser cutting head: The performance of the cutting head also has an important impact on the cutting accuracy and quality. A high-quality cutting head should have good focusing performance, beam transmission stability and autofocus function, and be able to adapt to the cutting needs of different materials and thicknesses. Common brands include Bochu Black King Kong, Jiaqiang, Wanshunxin, etc.

●CNC system: The CNC system determines the convenience of operation, programming function and motion control accuracy of the laser cutting machine. Bochu and Weihong are CNC system brands with a high market share, which are stable, reliable, powerful and easy to operate.

●Transmission components: including servo motors, guide rails, racks, etc., which affect the running accuracy and stability of the equipment. Selecting high-precision and high-quality transmission components can ensure the cutting accuracy and long-term stable operation of the laser cutting machine. Transmission components of well-known brands usually have better performance and reliability.


Inspect equipment performance

●Cutting speed: Cutting speed is one of the important indicators to measure the efficiency of laser cutting machine, but it is not the case that the faster the better. Cutting quality and precision must also be considered comprehensively. Generally speaking, under the same power, the cutting speed of fiber laser cutting machine is faster than that of carbon dioxide laser cutting machine.

●Cutting accuracy: including positioning accuracy, repeated positioning accuracy, cutting surface roughness, cut verticality, etc. High-precision laser cutting machines can ensure that the cut workpieces are accurate in size, smooth in edge, and have good verticality, thus reducing subsequent processing steps.

●Stability: Equipment stability is crucial for continuous production. A stable laser cutting machine can maintain consistent cutting quality and performance during long-term operation, reducing production interruptions and quality problems caused by equipment failure or performance fluctuations.


Consider equipment quality and reliability

●Brand and reputation: Choosing a laser cutting machine manufacturer with a well-known brand and good reputation can usually guarantee the quality of the equipment and after-sales service. You can learn about the market reputation and user satisfaction of different brands by consulting industry reports, user reviews, case studies, etc.

●Equipment materials and craftsmanship: High-quality laser cutting machines have high requirements on equipment materials and manufacturing processes, such as using high-strength steel to manufacture the bed, and undergoing precision processing and welding processes to ensure the rigidity and stability of the equipment, with good appearance quality and no obvious flaws or welding defects.

●Quality certification: Check whether the equipment has passed relevant quality certifications, such as ISO9001 quality management system certification, CE certification, etc. These certifications are a recognition of the quality and safety of the equipment.


Emphasis on after-sales service

●Technical support: The manufacturer should have a professional technical team that can provide users with timely and effective technical support, including equipment installation and commissioning, operation training, troubleshooting and other services. Before purchasing, you can understand the manufacturer's technical support capabilities and service response time.

●Repair and maintenance: Understand the warranty period, warranty scope and coverage of the after-sales service network of the equipment. Convenient and fast repair and maintenance services can reduce equipment downtime and reduce repair costs. In addition, you can also ask whether the manufacturer provides regular equipment maintenance plans and spare parts supply guarantees.

●Software upgrade: As laser cutting technology continues to develop, the software of the equipment also needs to be continuously upgraded to improve performance and functionality. High-quality manufacturers usually provide users with free or paid software upgrade services to ensure that the equipment always maintains the advanced technical level.


Evaluate cost performance

●Price factor: Under the premise of meeting your own needs and budget, compare the prices of laser cutting machines of different brands and configurations. Don't just pursue low prices, but ignore the quality, performance and after-sales service of the equipment. It is not necessarily the case that the more expensive the equipment, the better. You need to consider various factors comprehensively to find the product with the best cost performance.

●Long-term operating costs: In addition to the purchase price, the long-term operating costs of the equipment must also be considered, including laser maintenance costs, electricity costs, replacement costs of wearing parts, etc. For example, the maintenance cost of a fiber laser cutting machine is relatively low, and the photoelectric conversion efficiency is high, which can save a lot of operating costs.


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