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i2i
19-02-2013, 11:36 PM
ok, so here's the billion dollar question.

I'd like to cut 30mm ally plate by laser, how big a laser do i need?

Fivetide
20-02-2013, 12:08 AM
i2i these guys look like they might have one .. :)

8242

I have no idea but I thought I would bump it with this .. forgive me :)

i2i
20-02-2013, 12:15 AM
a good bump

GEOFFREY
20-02-2013, 12:18 AM
Some of James Bonds' "friends" might be able to help you out!!! G.

AdCNC
20-02-2013, 01:43 AM
For 30mm Alloy id say around 3kw+ Mazak do a nice one for around £600,000+ Vat Bargain ;-)

mocha
20-02-2013, 02:06 AM
7kw will get you through 20mm of alloy.. So the laser will be a lot larger than a water jet that would do the job.

John S
20-02-2013, 02:17 AM
About 12 Kw and I don't think there is one in the UK

AFAIK there are a couple of 7Kw models but nothing bigger

Web Goblin
20-02-2013, 07:26 AM
Im not sure that that 30mm thick alu can be laser cut, it would require a huge amount of power. The thickest I have heard of is 20mm and that was done with 7KW. We have a 3KW CO2 and its limit would be 6 or 8mm alu but it doesnt have an ATFR so we dont cut alu with it. We dont want to risk damaging the optics and output coupler with a back reflection. When you get above the 7KW range these lasers tend to be used for welding rather than cutting. If I get a chance I will speak to our laser service engineer today and see if he has heard of anyone cutting 30mm alu. Plasma or water jet would be the way to go then machine the edges if required.

i2i
20-02-2013, 01:01 PM
For 30mm Alloy id say around 3kw+ Mazak do a nice one for around £600,000+ Vat Bargain ;-)

I'll take two, do they come in different colours...

i2i
20-02-2013, 01:03 PM
Im not sure that that 30mm thick alu can be laser cut, it would require a huge amount of power. The thickest I have heard of is 20mm and that was done with 7KW. We have a 3KW CO2 and its limit would be 6 or 8mm alu but it doesnt have an ATFR so we dont cut alu with it. We dont want to risk damaging the optics and output coupler with a back reflection. When you get above the 7KW range these lasers tend to be used for welding rather than cutting. If I get a chance I will speak to our laser service engineer today and see if he has heard of anyone cutting 30mm alu. Plasma or water jet would be the way to go then machine the edges if required.

water jet or plasma sounds good, i'll look into it.

Web Goblin
20-02-2013, 02:32 PM
Water jet would give you a far better finish than plasma. I dont know what the difference in costs would be though.

i2i
20-02-2013, 02:42 PM
i've seen the water jet finish, and it would be ok for the job.

jcb121
21-02-2013, 08:47 AM
as you know I had my CNC water jet cut,

I had it done with Yorkshire profiles, but a few weeks later i had a response from Hydromar UK - Water Jet Cutting Services (http://www.hydromar.co.uk/) and they had a great price.