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Sheet metal processing involves a variety of processing methods, including laser processing and tarepan processing. Laser processing uses a laser beam to heat and process metal.
This article explains the advantages and disadvantages of laser processing, the types of laser processing machines, and the difference between laser processing and tarepan processing.
If you are considering laser processing in your manufacturing process, please read to the end.
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What is laser processing in sheet metal processing?
Sheet metal processing refers to the technology of cutting, bending, drilling, and otherwise processing metal sheets to create products in a variety of shapes.
Among them is laser processing,A processing method for cutting and drilling by melting and evaporating metal through the irradiation of high-power laser beams.It is.
It has many advantages over conventional machining methods, including the ability to process complex shapes with high precision.
Types of laser processing machines
Laser processing machines can be divided into several types, depending on the type of laser used. By understanding the characteristics of each, it is important to select the best laser processing machine for the material to be processed and the application.
▼Types of laser processing machines
- CO2 Laser
- ultrashort pulse laser
- fiber laser
- YAG Laser
- UV Laser
CO2 Laser
The CO2 laser isGas laser processing machine that uses carbon dioxide as a medium to generate infrared raysThis is the most commonly used type of laser processing machine for cutting, welding, and drilling of metals.
Compared to other laser processing machines, the machine is relatively inexpensive, making it suitable for those who wish to reduce installation costs. However, while the machine itself is relatively inexpensive, running costs are high because of the laser gas supply required.
ultrashort pulse laser
Ultrashort pulsed lasers are,Processing machine that emits laser light with a very short pulse widthIt is It has the advantage of being suitable for microscopic processing with minimal thermal effects, and can process a wide variety of materials.
Ultrashort pulsed lasers have pulse widths from a few femtoseconds to a few picoseconds, where femtoseconds and picoseconds represent one thousand trillionth of a second and one trillionth of a second, respectively.
The high peak output and short pulse width minimize thermal effects on the material. Therefore, it is effective for heat-sensitive materials and when fine processing is required.
fiber laser
Fiber lasers are,Laser processing machine using optical fiber as a mediumIt is characterized by higher power and faster processing speed than CO2 lasers.
Fiber lasers are laser processing machines that have been attracting attention in recent years. Their high output and excellent beam quality enable high-precision, high-speed processing. Fiber lasers are also more compact and easier to maintain than CO2 lasers, making them easier to install.
YAG Laser
YAG laser is,Laser machine using a composite oxide called yttrium aluminum garnet.It is.
Compared to the CO2 laser, the wavelength is 1/10 shorter and the laser beam is less reflective on metal surfaces, making it easier to process metals.
UV Laser
UV lasers are,1/3 of the wavelength of a basic laser, with wavelength in the same region as ultraviolet lightIt is called a "UV laser" because of the
UV lasers minimize thermal effects on materials due to their short wavelength. Therefore, UV lasers are effective for heat-sensitive materials and when microscopic processing is required.
Difference between sheet metal fabrication tare pan and laser
In addition to laser processing, there is another method of sheet metal processing called tarepan processing. Turret punching is a process in whichProcessing technology to cut under high pressure using a dieIt is.
Laser processing is capable of processing complex shapes and high precision, while tarepan processing is characterized by low initial cost and high processing speed.
Some materials that cannot be processed by laser processing can be processed by Tarepan, so research in advance.
Advantages of Using Laser Processing in Sheet Metal Fabrication
Laser processing has attracted much attention in recent years because of its many advantages over conventional sheet metal processing methods. The main advantages include the following
▼ Advantages of using laser processing in sheet metal fabrication
- Beautiful finish
- High flexibility in processing
- Possible to reduce work time
Beautiful finish
Laser processing is a non-contact process,The material is not easily distorted or deformed, and the finish is extremely beautiful.This is an advantage. Also, fewer burrs and chips reduce the need for post-processing.
In conventional processing methods, distortion or deformation of the material may occur due to contact between the tool and the material. Laser processing, however, uses laser beams to perform processing, so there is no physical contact with the material. Therefore, the material is less likely to be distorted or deformed, and a high-quality finish can be achieved.
High flexibility in processing
Laser processing is for processing using CAD data,Even complex shapes can be easily processed.Since it does not require a die like the tarepan process, it is also suitable for high-mix low-volume production.
Conventional processing methods require the fabrication of special dies to process complex shapes. However, laser processing does not require a die, allowing for flexible response to design changes, making it ideal for prototype production.
Possible to reduce work time
Laser processing is,Because machining is performed using CAD data, even complex shapes can be machined in a short time.Also, since molds are not required, setup time can be reduced.
Conventional processing methods require many manual processes, which require a lot of work time and labor costs. With laser processing, however, these processes can be automated, reducing work time and labor costs and improving production efficiency.
Disadvantages of using laser processing in sheet metal fabrication
While laser processing has many advantages, there are also several disadvantages. The main disadvantages include the following
▼Disadvantages of using laser processing in sheet metal fabrication
- Running costs are high.
- Slow processing speed
Running costs are high.
Laser processing machines areRunning costs tend to be higher.
Note that because it uses more energy than other machines, the cost of electricity, gas, and other utilities is also higher, as are the costs of maintenance and replacement of focal lenses and mirrors.
Slow processing speed
Laser processing is,Processing speed is slower than tarepan processingThis is a disadvantage. In particular, processing thick plates takes time.
This is because the material is melted and evaporated for processing, which may reduce production efficiency.
Summary
In this article, we explained the advantages and disadvantages of laser processing, types of laser processing machines, and the difference between laser processing and tarepan processing.
While laser processing has advantages such as beautifully finished products and a high degree of processing flexibility, it also has disadvantages such as high running costs and slow processing speed.
After comparing the advantages and disadvantages, consider introducing laser processing.
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Taiga" is a manufacturing platform for component remanufacturing and high-mix low-volume production. It enables the development of difficult or new parts, small-lot production, prototyping, and mass production to proceed efficiently and cost-effectively.
If you are considering manufacturing parts using laser processing, please contact us!Taiga."Taiga is a free service that allows you to consult with experienced contractors.
We can efficiently proceed with the development of difficult or new parts, small-lot production, prototyping, and mass production while keeping costs low.
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