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A lot of things in our lives are made by machines. Lasers, millers, or welders. Today we’ll  discuss laser machines, and how to choose the right one for your production.

Types of laser machines

Let’s begin with the basics — kinds of equipment. Lasers are divided into 3 big groups: diode, fiber and CO2. We are going to discuss each separately.

Diode lasers

These machines work by the principle of a lens, through which the sunlight goes. They simply burn materials.

Diode lasers have small power, from 5 microwatt to 6,5-7W.

This type is perfect for engraving wood, plywood, paper, cardboard, and some others. Diode equipment has a small dot of affection, and that’s why they can reach the peak of the precise engraving.

Though, they don’t see the glass. It’s invisible to them, as a vampire in a mirror. That’s why glass has to be painted before work.

Compact size is also convenient; all of the elements fit in this small, light-weighted shell. Furthermore, the focus length can be regulated in a wide spectrum.

These lasers are not suitable for the cutting; they won’t be able to go through any material wider than 2-3 mm. Plastics and self-adjusting pellicles will inflame or be damaged.

CO2 laser machines

Here, the laser is formed in a special glass tube, which is filled with a mixture of gases. Electrical discharge passes through this mixture, and as a result, the laser is being generated.

CO2 equipment allows you to cut a wide variety of materials: wood, plywood, glass, plastic, fabric, rock, and rubber. Also, it perfectly engraves them with low power. Transparent materials are not a problem for this laser as well!

Laser CO2 tubes require cooling during the work; otherwise, they have a chance to start malfunctioning due to the overheating. Cooling is provided by the water, and if on low power the pump might be enough, then further on you would need a chiller.

Wattsan recommends the cooling of laser tubes by chiller even for models 0203, so the possibility of overheating would be fully excluded and the machine would serve longer.

The size of the CO2 tube might be a minus for this type of laser. They can range from 50 cm in length up to 2 meters. Also, the diameter might vary. That’s why some problems might appear during tube changing.

Special bindings and protective hoods on Wattsan machines allow the insertion of any tube with a higher power without replacing them.

Fiber lasers

This laser has two core elements: diode pumps and an optic cable, in which the light-conducting fiber is placed. Inside the fiber, which is pumped by erbium, neodymium, or ytterbium, the laser beam is created.

Fiber lasers range in power from 1 kW to 6-8 kW and even 20 kW. This power is ideal for cutting metals such as stainless steel, copper, titanium, and brass. This type has a small laser dot, which provides a clean and precise cut of materials.

Metal cutters are relatively expensive, and as a result, they are frequently utilized in large factories or professional workshops. These machines are not intended for recreational use.

Let’s choose the machine: parameters

Laser equipment is not the cheapest thing in the world, so you should know what to look at while making a choice.

Manufacturing

We usually have a motive for purchasing something. The same is true for a laser machine. You should question yourself, “Why do I need it?” “How much will I produce, and how much will I produce?”

The answers to these questions will determine a variety of factors, including laser tube power and working area size — a table-top or wide-format laser machine will suffice.

Materials

Now, when you decide on the type of production, you have to choose the material from which you’ll be making your goods. Is it made of plywood, glass, or metal? The sort of laser machine will differ depending on this. And, of course, the laser power. About it.

Laser power

It ranges from 40 W to 2 kW and beyond. Each laser tube has a unique purpose. Low-power models rated at 40-50 W are ideal for engraving a variety of materials.

The 80-90 W tubes are used for plywood, wood, glass, plastic, fabric, fur, etc. cutting. Also, they may engrave, but not as detailed as low-powered tubes.

100-120 W versions are installed on machines that are taking part in big manufacturing.

Kilowatt tubes are used to cut metals such as stainless steel, copper, and aluminum.

The wattage determines many factors, including the power module, the size of the special binders, and the price.

Size of the working area

Among the parameters that are based on the purposes of the manufacture is a machine’s table format. Are you going to make doors? Do you want to take part in the fabric production? Have you decided to sell personalized stamps as a hobby?

All of that affects the size of the working area. Small table-top 0203 is suitable for the same small objects when the 1610 LT is able to freely cut out big rolls of fabric.

Here we can talk about the rotary device. It is needed when working with cylindrical workpieces. Also, in that case, equipment with a lifting table would be required.

And if you decided to work with pipes, you would need not a regular metal cutter but a laser pipe-cutting machine.

Price

The choice might depend less on the previously mentioned aspect than on the budget. You shouldn’t chase the most valuable and ‘cool’ machine; sometimes even the easiest in technical meaning equipment may serve you right and be perfect for your goals.

At Wattsan, we follow the rule of sufficiency. The machine should answer the client’s inquiry, not excess.

Wattsan for you

Textiles, advertising, toys and souvenirs, décor and furniture, and other industries employ laser technology. Wattsan machines can become your loyal assistants in any of your chosen niches.

Wattsan can provide you with a machine for every purpose.

  • Determine the size of the work table. 1800×3000 mm or 200×200 mm. Or perhaps you require a conveyor table? Or the kind of machinery that can deal with pipes?
  • Additional upgrades: Wattsan can make improvements to the model based on your requests. Do you prefer a stronger laser emitter or a protective cabin?

We value quality

Our laser machines are built with a reinforced frame that ranges in thickness from 3 mm to 8 mm. As a result, there will be no vibrations or faults throughout the process. Due to the nature of the task, “Hard” models, most of the metal cutters and tube cutters have a more reliable construction 

Reaching another dimension of quality is possible thanks to the strengthened portals. Made out of aluminum, they come in three types: a 3rd generation aluminum portal, a lightweight portal that meets the ZL101A and GB/T17 standard, and one with titanium for operating at speeds over 120 m/min.

We did over 50 modernizations in total, so you can work without downtime or problems.

Conclusion

  1. There are several kinds of laser cutters — diode, CO2 and fiber ones. The choice of the cutter depends, first of all, on the type of emitter that is suitable for your tasks.
  2. When selecting equipment, consider the kind and volume of your production, the materials and the needed tube power for processing them, the size of the working space, and the financial element. This allows you to select a computer with the best capabilities.
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