Drive clears the air for laser cutting machines

A Lenze-ACTech product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Nov 26, 2003

A UK manufacturer is using Lenze smd drives to clear the air from the cutting bed on its range of laser cutting machines.

A UK manufacturer is using Lenze smd drives to clear the air from the cutting bed on its range of laser cutting machines.

The company's machines are used to cut intricate patterns and designs in a wide range of thin sheet materials from leather and PVC to multilayer labels and textiles, many of which create fumes and fine debris.

The smd provides a cost effective and reliable method of accurate speed control for the extraction fans that have to be finely adjusted for each type of material.

The laser cutting machines are frequently used to cut delicate materials such as the 3D effect lettering on basketball vests; the effect is created using several layers of coloured material and bonding sheets.

The laser is used to cut through the different layers without harming the one underneath, producing a stepped graphic affect.

The smd inverters allow the air extraction volume to be finely judged, removing fumes and keeping the laser field clear without disturbing the material on the cutting bed.

The 0.55kW smd drive is wired to a potentiometer on the front panel of the machine to achieve this delicate manual control simply and easily.

Other materials such PVC produce large amounts of fumes and lightweight debris when laser cut which requires high extraction rates to maintain operator safety and protect machine components.

The smd's high power capacity, available from a diminutive 146 x 93 x 92mm size and its ability to drive three-phase motors from a 240V single-phase supply ensures that the high extraction rates are possible even when machines are plugged into domestic 240V AC power supplies, as is often the case with garment related applications.

Laser cutting power on these machines varies between 10 and 200W depending on the application, examples range from interiors for the motor industry to medical applications such as artificial skin.

The air extraction fine control is matched by very fine laser control for which the company also purchase Panasonic servo equipment from Lenze.

Unlike other machines on the market, laser power is always proportional to linear velocity, reducing laser power when slowing down around corners to avoid damage from overexposure.

This is particularly important in paper backed and laminated materials.

Thanks to the climate change levy regulations, customers can also claim back the cost of the smd drive; each machine is supplied with the documentation to allow this to be done, providing an added incentive to the purchaser.

In addition to unparalleled economy and simple programming, the smd also offers a long track record of reliability in demanding applications, which was a strong deciding factor in specifying these drives.

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