Lasershape adds laser cutting system for thick materials to its capabilities

Nottingham, England - Lasershape has installed a new Trumpf laser cutting systen at its facility, which enables high-quality cuts on thick material using a solid-state laser.

Related: Laser cutting high-strength steels and wear plates

The company’s TruLaser 5030 fiber CNC laser cutting center with BrightLine technology and LiftMaster automated load/unload from Trumpf is one of the first of its type in the UK. The machine was installed in March 2014. Using BrightLine, it is possible to change from thin to thick sheet processing on a single machine platform without any loss of quality. Up to 25 mm thick steel, stainless steel, and aluminium can be cut using a solid-state laser.

BrightLine technology enables vast beam diameter adjustability, a capability that conventional fiber lasers have lacked. Larger beam diameters that provide wider kerfs are required to more effectively process thicker materials with greater stability. A wider kerf also makes it easier to remove parts from the material skeleton. Other advantages include the ability to cut smaller contours and the absence of spatter when piercing.

In early 2014, the existing laser profiling machines at Lasershape were at full capacity, despite the company's 24-hr, seven-days-a-week operation. As a consequence, the decision was taken to introduce a new machine—this time with automation.