Lasers for Metal Processing

Experts in high-power laser cutting solutions for all metal cutting needs for Australian manufacturers.

Cutlite High-Power Laser Cutting Machines Are Changing the Game

Laser cutting has been a vital component of Australia’s manufacturing sector for many decades, due to its precision and efficiency in processing sheet metal. Now, the industry is experiencing a major technological shift with the advent of high-power laser cutting machines, led by Cutlite Penta from Italy. Laser cutting machines now commonly deliver 15kW of power, with more advanced machines exceeding 50kW. These high-power laser cutting machines are revolutionising metal processing by enabling faster cutting speeds and significantly reducing operating costs. With lower gas usage, shorter cycle times, and reduced energy consumption per part, the cost per part is drastically decreased.

Additionally, these advancements in laser power make it possible to cut through thicker gauge steel, a capability that was previously limited to Plasma or Oxy cutting. This new generation of high-power laser machines from Cutlite are transforming the landscape of metal processing in Australia, bringing the quality, speed, and efficiency of laser cutting to thicker materials that were once considered impossible to cut with lasers. Whether you aim to boost production efficiency or explore new fabrication possibilities, the latest high-power laser cutting machines from Cutlite are expanding what’s possible in metal processing.

New generation of high-power laser cutting machines

How Thick Can High-Power Laser Cutting Go?

A high-power laser cutting machine from Cutlite with power up to 15kW can typically handle cutting through materials up to 30mm thick, making it ideal for a wide range of applications in sheet steel processing.
Laser cutting machines to consider for this application:

However, as laser power increases, so does cutting capability. Cutlite high-power laser cutting machines with power levels of 30kW or more can cut through materials up to 50mm thick, providing new opportunities for processing extremely thick gauge materials with precision and speed.
Laser cutting machines required for this application:

For specific materials, high-power laser cutting machines will typically handle:

  • Mild Steel: High-power lasers can cut up to 30mm with a 15kW laser and up to 50mm with lasers exceeding 30kW.
  • Stainless Steel: Capable of cutting up to 50mm with a 15kW laser and up to 70mm with higher power lasers.
  • Aluminium: Generally more challenging to cut, but high-power lasers can handle thicknesses up to 30mm with a 15kW laser and up to 50mm with lasers above 30kW.
  • Hardox (Wear-resistant Steel): Known for its toughness and hardness, Hardox can be cut up to 25mm thick with a 15kW laser and up to 50mm with lasers above 30kW, allowing for the precise fabrication of wear-resistant parts.

The exact thickness that can be cut will depend on several other factors, such as laser cutting machine configuration, specific cutting conditions, assist gas used, material quality and suitability, quality requirements and cycle time constraints.

lr laser cutting metals w

What Quality and Speed Can Be Expected?

When it comes to high-power laser cutting, the quality and speed that can be achieved are highly variable and depend on numerous factors, such as the type of laser cutting machine, the cutting process employed, and the material being processed. There are also trade-offs to consider between speed and quality – generally, increasing speed can reduce edge quality, while prioritizing quality may slow down the cutting process.

However, recent innovations are helping to bridge the gap between speed and quality:

  • Mixed-Gas Cutting: This unique process from Cutlite combines the benefits of both Oxygen and Nitrogen cutting, allowing for higher cutting speeds while maintaining good edge quality. Oxygen helps to speed up the cutting process, particularly in thicker materials, by creating an exothermic reaction, while Nitrogen prevents oxidation, resulting in cleaner cuts. Mixed-gas cutting strikes a balance, offering faster processing times without significantly sacrificing quality.
  • Custom-Designed Cutting Heads: Advanced cutting heads have been specifically designed by Cutlite to optimise the use of high-power lasers. These cutting heads can handle the increased power output more efficiently, allowing for faster cuts while maintaining high precision and quality.

Laser cutting machines that maximise speed and quality:

high power laser cutting metals 80mm wWhen it comes to laser cutting, it is never a disadvantage to have more power than you need. High-power laser cutting machines from Cutlite allow you to handle a wide range of applications with varying material thicknesses and cutting requirements. Even if a particular application does not require the full extent of the laser’s power, having a more powerful machine generally results in faster cutting times, particularly for less demanding applications.

On the other hand, not having enough power can limit your capabilities and prevent you from tackling more challenging projects. Insufficient power may restrict your ability to cut thicker materials or achieve the desired cutting speeds and quality. Investing in a high-power laser cutting machine ensures that you have the capability to handle both current and future demands.

Can I Laser Cut Tubes?

Laser cutting is not limited to flat sheets of metal; it also excels at cutting tubes. Tube cutting is essential for a wide range of applications, including the fabrication of frames, structures, and components in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction.

High-power laser tube cutting machines from Cutlite offer significant benefits:

  • Precision and Flexibility: High-power laser tube cutting machines from Cutlite can cut both round and square tubes with exceptional accuracy. The precision of these tube cutting machines can perform straight or bevel cuts which are clean and consistent.
  • Versatility in Sizes and Lengths: High-power laser tube cutting machines from Cutlite can handle tubes of various diameters and lengths. This flexibility allows manufacturers to cut tubes to specific sizes and shapes as needed, accommodating a wide range of project requirements.
  • One-Step Cutting Process: One of the major advantages of laser cutting is its ability to perform complex cuts in a single step. Unlike traditional methods that may require multiple stages or additional processing, high-power lasers can cut tubes to length, shape, and angle all in one operation. This streamlined process reduces setup time and minimises the need for secondary operations.
  • Enhanced Speed and Efficiency: High-power lasers cut tubes quickly, improving overall production speed. The efficiency of laser cutting means that manufacturers can complete more orders in less time, optimising workflow and reducing lead times.
  • Reduced Waste: The precision of laser cutting minimises material wastage. High-power lasers cut with minimal kerf (the width of the cut), which means that more of the tube material is utilized effectively, leading to cost savings and less scrap.

 

Laser cutting machines that can cut tube:

laser cutting metal tubes 1w
Fiber laser technology allows cutting complex shapes without special equipment. This is an example of laser cutting square rectangle tubes

Trust the Experts: Cutlite Penta and Laser Resources

When investing in high-power laser cutting technology, you want to be assured that you’re choosing the best in the field. Cutlite Penta, an Italian manufacturer, stands as the industry leader in high-power laser cutting machines. Renowned for their innovation and expertise, Cutlite develops their machines in-house, including custom-designed cutting heads, advanced drives, and cutting-edge features like mixed-gas cutting. They were pioneers in introducing 30kW and 50kW laser machines to the market, and their commitment to advancing laser technology continues to set new benchmarks for performance and capability.

Cutlite Penta’s machines represent the pinnacle of high-power laser cutting technology, offering unparalleled precision, speed, and versatility. Their dedication to research and development ensures that you benefit from the latest advancements, enabling you to confidently handle even the most demanding cutting tasks.

Locally, you are supported by Laser Resources, a trusted partner with over 30 years of experience in the Australian market. Our factory-trained engineers are committed to providing exceptional service and support, ensuring that your Cutlite high-power laser cutting machine operates at peak performance. From installation and training to ongoing maintenance and support, Laser Resources is here to ensure that your investment in high-power laser cutting technology delivers the results you need.

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Lasers for Metal Processing

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