Applications: Understanding Speed

The actual cycle time required to produce parts of suitable quality and on a consistent basis depends on several factors. The maximum speed capability of the motion configuration of systems is only a minor factor of the Cycle time. More importantly, Cycle time is determined by the following factors:

1. Laser Power – 60 watts, 100 watts, 200 watts, 400 watts with any of our table sizes. Material cutting speeds will increase linearly with higher laser power output.
2. Material cutting speed – Each material absorbs the beam energy in a different way. Coupled with the thickness of the material, the cutting speed is determined for a specific laser power (in Watts). For example, for 3mm (0.118”) Acrylic cutting speed ranges between 1.5”/sec and 1.75”/sec using a 100 watts laser power and double that using 200 watts laser power.
3. Sequencing efficiency refers to the path the motion travels for one cut segment to the next. This is determined by the software ensuring that parts will be cut in order based on the least amount of distance between parts.
4. Tool-off speed is the speed the motion travels between cut segments. This can be adjusted and preset with the software and is independent of the cutting material and operation.
5. Acceleration and deceleration rates also contribute to the cycle time. Those are preset as well and their values will affect the smoothness of the motion and the quality of the finished part.
6. Cutting bed accessibility will determine how long it takes to load and unload the machine. All impacts systems could be accessed from 3 sides allowing for quick and easy loading of material and removal of finished parts.
7. Efficiency of optics – In order to get the maximum beam strength and quality from a laser system (and therefore the maximum cutting speed) the collimated beam path must be aligned and the Lens must be clean. All impact systems are pre-aligned before shipping. Alignment with our 1 plane 3 mirror systems could be done in a matter of minutes. The Lens is protected with air pressure to keep it clean. A quick wipe of the lens is all that is required on a weekly basis (see maintenance guide).

All of the above factors have been incorporated into Impact machines design to achieve an optimum cycle speed while maintaining high quality of parts and perfect consistency over time.

© 2008 Impact Lasers