10 Questions You Should to Know about laser cutting machine software

Here at Laser 24, your local laser cutting company, we are incredibly passionate about what we do. We are dedicated to the laser cutting industry and are enormously proud of our knowledgeable team, providing laser cutting and press braking solutions to your projects. Established for over a decade and over a century of industry experience, we have finely tuned our processes and can offer both outstanding efficiency and accuracy for your laser cutting solutions.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from ezcad.

We are often asked about our high-performance capabilities, and so we have put together our top ten most commonly asked questions.

Why use a fiber laser to cut materials?

Laser cutting has a huge advantage over alternative cutting methods. Using a laser cutter is as quick as it is economical while offering incredible accuracy.

As a modern method of metal cutting, the laser cutting service is constantly developing and advancing. The benefits grow as the industry grows – and Laser 24 is proud to invest in the latest technologies as they’re released, so you can feel confident you’re getting the best quality cut, at high speeds and at the most affordable price.

What machinery do you use to cut?

Our range of machinery represents the most up-to-date laser cutting technology available. We have the Bystronic ByStar 12kW Fiber Laser cutter, and a Bystronic ByStar 10kW Fiber Laser cutter.

Last year we invested in a Timesavers 22, to ensure an efficient method of deburring the profile surface. When cut by laser, we can then deburr the laser cut profiles to a high-quality finish all in one process.

We can also provide a folding service for your parts with our 80tonne Xpert Bystronic Press Brake.

How accurate is our laser cutting service?

Fiber laser cutting is the ideal technology for cutting flat sheet metal, as it can provide minutely detailed accuracy.

A fiber laser cut line, programming the laser to cut to no width can be as small as 0.3mm. When compared to alternative cutting methods, such as Electro Discharge Machining, The Bystronic ByStars produce a more accurate process.

What materials can you cut?

We can supply several materials, in many thicknesses, grades, and finishes. From mild steel cutting and aluminium cutting, to brass and copper laser cutting, and much more.

We stock up to 65 tonnes of high-quality flat sheet metal at any one time and can help you identify the right material for your project – and to keep things economical, we only charge you for the material you use.

We can also accept free issue material if you want to supply your own, provided it passes our quality checks.

To learn more about the materials we stock, visit our materials page.

What are the thinnest and thickest flat sheets you can supply and laser cut?

The thickness our lasers can cut depends on the material we’re working with. Thanks to our Bystronic ByStar 12kW Fiber Laser cutter, we can cut up to 30mm thick in mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium. The thinnest material we can cut is 0.5mm in steel and aluminium.

The largest part size we can cut is x mm, depending on the part, material and thickness of the sheet required.

Get in touch to discuss your project requirements and our laser cutting solutions.

How can I send you my enquiry?

We accept CAD files, which we programme into our software. Laser cutting materials require the digital file to be provided in a vector format – ideally in DXF, DWG, NC or STP file formats. This is due to the laser cutter following cut paths defined by the software. PDFs can be accepted too, this depends on the size of the project, call our team today to discuss – 733 883

I don’t have a CAD drawing – can you help?

If you don’t have a CAD drawing, we can accept a dimensioned PDF. If you have neither of these files, we can work with you to create a drawing, this is dependent on the number of laser cut profiles you require.

Our expert Programming Office is on hand to help with your requirements – get in touch for more information on our services.

How quickly can you create a component?

Laser 24 works tirelessly to produce parts and components as quickly and efficiently as possible. When we provide a quote, we will also provide an accurate lead time for our press braking and laser cutting services. When you place your order, we will confirm these lead times so that you can track your order and be confident you’ll have your component when you need it.

The lead time itself will depend on how busy our Production Team are, and the material you require – but the process generally takes just a few days.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of laser cutting machine software. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

If you need your parts delivered faster than the lead time specified, get in touch and we’ll do everything we can to help.

Can I see some examples of your work?

Absolutely! You can view case studies from Laser 24 as well as read real feedback from our happy customers. See our fast, accurate and affordable laser cutting service in action on our projects page, or keep an eye on our Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

From simple signage to large-scale sculptures – our factory has worked on a huge variety of projects making us one of the top laser companies in the UK.

How do I get a quote?

When you’re in the laser business, you get a lot of questions. Below, we’ve answered 10 of our most frequently asked questions.

CAN A CO2 LASER CUT METAL?

Yes. A properly outfitted CO2 laser can cut metal. We’ve developed a metal cutting option, which allows CO2 lasers to cut metals with relative ease. We’ve been doing it for years.

HOW THICK OF MATERIAL CAN I CUT?

It depends. More specifically, it depends on three primary variables:

• Laser wattage
• Material type
• Material thickness

If you have a particular metal you’d like to discuss, you can always contact us to discuss the specifics of your material. We will help you determine how or if you’re able to use a CO2 laser cutter to process your desired thickness.

Another option is to send a piece of your material to us and we will cut it into a shape and send it back to you. Then, you can see the edge quality and cut quality for yourself to determine if it meets your standards. Click here if you’re interested in having us test your material on a Kern Laser System.

HOW FAST CAN WE CUT THE MATERIAL?

It depends. Laser cutting speeds depend on three primary variables:

• Laser wattage
• Material type
• Material thickness

For example, let’s look at how wattage impacts CO2 laser cutting speeds.

If you’re cutting ⅛” acrylic plastic on a 150W laser, it’s going to cut 3-4 inches per second. Now, if you take that same material and cut it on a 400W laser, it’s going to cut at about 6-7 inches per second.

HOW FAST CAN I ENGRAVE?

Engraving speeds on Kern Laser systems are anywhere from 100 inches per second to 150 inches per second. These speeds are for surface engraving, which typically uses a lower power to mark the surface of a material.

3D engraving, which involves putting depth into a material, anywhere from 3/16”  to 1/4″, has speeds that vary from 20 inches per second to 45 inches per second. 3D engraving speeds depend on the intricacy of the pattern.

HOW DOES THE LASER CREATE THE DEPTH OR 3D EFFECT IN THE WOOD?

The laser engraves at varying depths to create a 3D effect using grayscale. Our KCAM software is able to read 256 different shades of grey, and those shades tell the laser what depth to engrave to.

For example, if you drew a three-inch square and made half of it black and the other half light gray, the laser could engrave it at around 30-40 inches per second. The black part of the square would engrave much deeper into the wood than the light gray would.

WHAT IS THE MAIN SAFETY CONCERN WHEN OPERATING THE LASER SYSTEM?

Overall, operating a laser system is safe. Like all CNC equipment, when operating an open bed (Class 4) laser system eye protection is required. Always rely on your company’s LSO (laser safety officer) to determine the correct laser safety glasses. And remember, enclosed (Class 2) laser systems — like our FiberCELL and LaserCELL — do not require safety glasses.

IS THERE A RADIATION HAZARD INVOLVED WITH YOUR LASER SYSTEMS? 

No. This is an infrared radiant energy that is produced when operating the laser. It’s the same energy that is used in commercial and residential appliances like microwaves. It is a well-tested, very safe way of creating heat.

WHERE ARE YOUR SYSTEMS BUILT?

We design and build all of our systems in our factory here in Wadena, Minnesota. It’s been this way since . Everything in the system is American-made.

WHAT OPTIONS CAN BE ADDED TO KERN LASER SYSTEMS? 

Pipe rotary, k-vision, metal cutting, Z12 monument package, advanced safety package, fume scrubbers and PhotoGrav software.

To discuss available options, please contact us.

DO YOU OFFER TECH SUPPORT?

Yes. We have a technical support team capable of helping with any issue you have. When you call Kern Laser Systems during business hours, you will be greeted by a live receptionist. We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service. Please check out our testimonials to hear from our customers about their experiences with tech support.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Ezcad2 software.