Let there be light. In the beginning there was Einstein Laser technology is a result of Albert Einstein's reflections about the phenomenon of light.

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1 Laser Cutting

2 Application Folder Laser Cutting 2 Let there be light. Genesis 1,3 In the beginning there was Einstein Laser technology is a result of Albert Einstein's reflections about the phenomenon of light. For a long time people did not know what to do with Einstein's insights into the nature of light. His theory that light could consist of particles which move in one direction, created the basis for further research. Because particles must embody energy he assumed that they could also influence atoms with that energy. If the smallest components of matter are constantly "battered" with light in certain wavelengths and frequencies, the result is an intensified light flux whose particles move in parallel. Einstein called this "stimulated emission" of light. For a long time his ideas were not followed up. In first attempts by physicist Charles Town microwaves were used. He named the equipment "Maser" for Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Light, which does not occur naturally In 1960 the first simple laser was built by physicist Theodore Maiman from a flashbulb, mirrors, a ruby and metal pipes. Using a mirror he directed the light onto the ruby. "I have only used things which are already available." Theodore Maiman The result was an intense, parallel light which is not found in nature. But the term laser for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation was already circulating in professional circles. Maiman's accomplishment was only appreciated later on. Although he was twice nominated for the Nobel Prize, he never received the award. Beam me up, Scotty! The strength of this special light fascinated scientists, engineers and science-fiction authors. A number of more or less realistic applications, which inspired each other lively, came up. "Competent handling of a lightsaber is a sign of above-average ability." Obi-Wan Kenobi Lasers in industry, medicine and IT Nevertheless it took a while before the first applications were realised, including the first cutting plant for sheet metal in This was followed by new treatment methods for ametropia and the development of modern information technology with global data networks. The internet would not have been possible without laser technology. In the 1980s lasers became mainstream with compact disc technology in audio, video and data handling. The measurement of distances on building sites using laser technology and night-time laser light shows at open-air events have become routine. NICKELS, Lothar: The history of laser. As of: ; WIKIA, INC. (ed.): Lightsaber. As of: no year, accessed on

3 3 Application Folder Laser Cutting focusing optics process gas laser beam cutting nozzle blade clearance Laser Cutting In CO 2 laser, the light from the source is directed through a deflection mirror to a focusing optic. This focuses the beam with help from lenses and a nozzle. The process gas protects the lens of the laser and keeps the die clearance clean. The light intensity required for cutting is achieved by the optimum interaction of elements. Light as a tool Although lasers are closely associated with high technology and science-fiction, laser cutting is an established part of modern cutting processes. Lasers appear so often in science-fiction that they have become synonymous with the future. Yet laser cutting is one of the most mature industrial cutting processes. The combination of high cutting speeds with unprecedented precision and low thermal loading of the workpiece was new. The first laser cutting plants paved their way into the industry in the 1970s. Because post-processing of the cut edges was often no longer necessary, the technology enabled high gains in efficiency. A further advantage was the possibility to cut free forms. Because light is not subject to wear, there is no deterioration in laser cutting. This lowers the maintenance costs, which pay off higher acquisition and installation costs. Controlling light: The world of process parameters Lasers are capable of almost anything, provided you control them correctly. What matters is having sophisticated process technology to coordinate the four aspects: time, room, energy and material. There are numerous parameters for a cutting solution optimised for the material and finishing process. Dwell time, power density or absorption are only a few of the factors which influence the result. There are many more, such as the focal distance of the lens or the width of the beam. Reach your goal in two steps: 1. Find target parameters through a series of tests and simulations, adjusting to machines, lasers, lenses and materials. 2. Synchronise parameters and make them implementable for the machine. The quality of the control software therefore decides how well the lenses, mechanics and workpieces harmonise. Steering in the right direction: Although laser beams are directed, the light rays are not one hundred percent parallel. Think big: Fibre lasers for the next dimension Fibre lasers are the future of laser cutting: Fibre lasers require only one third of the energy of CO 2 lasers. The light of the fibre laser can be directed over long distances. Therefore larger workpieces can be processed. Resource conservation and sustainable production are trends which pose challenges for machine engineering. Improved control technology will contribute significantly to more efficient resource use. This makes production processes not only more sustainable but also more cost-effective. SCHNEIDFORUM CONSULTING GMBH & CO. KG (ed.): Laser cutting with fibre laser html. As of: no year, accessed on ; BUCHFINK, Gabriela: Werkzeug Laser Ein Lichtstrahl erobert die industrielle Fertigung (Laser tools A beam of light conquers industrial manufacturing). 1st edition, Würzburg: Vogel publishing house, 2006

4 Application Folder Laser Cutting 4 A bright future: Control technology which can be individually optimised. You control the laser cutting process Every cutting process opens up a range of specific advantages and economic opportunities. In order to exploit these advantages to the maximum, the technology must be under full control. The potential of laser cutting with its high possible cutting speeds and dynamic can only be opened up with sophisticated control technology. Not all cutting is the same: Active control achieves goals more quickly. The specialists at ProCom understand the processes of laser cutting and put their expertise at your disposal. We support technological progress and see ourselves as making an active contribution to it. Working closely with you, we will develop innovative automation solutions with creativity and passion. Solutions that will make your laser cutting machines even more efficient: with simple handling even in complex applications, higher capacity and better cutting edge quality, your customers will increase their profits and will always be a cut ahead of the competition. Benefits for Your Customers + Quality + Fast and precise cutting with ProCom CNC-integrated height control levels irregularities Cutting without loss of quality: automatic setting of all parameters relating to quality from the CNC Look-ahead to optimise processing speed Quick, jerk-free movement through freely parameterisable rounding Special insertion strategy and cut joint compensation Laser power control using parameter-controlled characteristics Probing cycles for the Z axis (start of the operating point) Gas valve control Formula management Laser beam switches on/off quickly Efficient machine operation + The result of experience and creativity Windows-based operating system environment Standard, intuitive and visual menu layout Extensive macro library integrated into the CNC Support for a large range of data formats, such as DIN, DXF, HPGL, ESSI, DWG Configurable and extendable material parameter database in the CNC Interactive graphic determination of starting point and retry Misalignment correction using joystick and laser pointer Graphic visualisation of the processing progress

5 5 Application Folder Laser Cutting You want to cut precisely! Laser Cutting is your application. High level of machine availability + Thanks to intelligent software Access to operating status, warnings and error messages issued by the drive regulator from the CNC control system Service functions (e. g. freely configurable text message alarm, maintenance intervals, log files) Cost-effectiveness + Time and material savings Job-queue operation: while one job is being cut, others can be assembled Slotting in of urgent jobs during continuous processing Convenient calculation functions Open interfaces allow easy integration of the machine into modern production management. Tool changing systems, marking systems etc. can be connected and controlled. Control of the laser power subject to the speed and shape Caliber cutting Process management + Shape your own processes Several drill and tap kits, milling Integration of intelligent cameras, printers and laser pointers In addition to cutting, it is also possible to weld and engrave Benefits For You + Quick commissioning + Quick set-up, reliable operation CNC from ProCom facilitates modular set-up of the automation solution: you can choose for yourself how many IOs are needed and expand these as necessary. Minimal, time-saving cabling of the components thanks to modern bus technology (EtherCAT) Faster and easier machine commissioning Remote maintenance, online meeting and remote access via Team-Viewer Room for individuality + Make your ideas reality! Integration of your own user interface Individual extensions to CNC software: you can integrate these yourself or have ProCom experts take care of them for you. Tried and tested CNC core software developed by ProCom offers maximum freedom. Freely configurable process peripheries, machine configuration in the CNC Support for high-tech drive technology Expert knowledge about controlling high-precision linear motors Experience with applications smaller than 10 µm on workpieces

6 Application Folder Laser Cutting 6 Reliable hardware Intelligent CNC/CAM software High-performance components, e.g. drives Individual consulting = Automation a cut above the rest Basis for our solutions: the CNC300ET Basis for the ProCom automation solutions is the CNC300ET with its high dynamics, intelligent contour machining and clear graphical user interface. It comes into its own when you require not only a high level of precision and maximum capacity, but also complex functions for individual machine designs. The CNC300ET is based on the tried and tested ProCom CNC core software. Fitted with technology packages for waterjet cutting, laser cutting and plasma cutting, which make our expertise in various processes available to you, it provides incisively better results. A compact and robust design facilitates spacesaving installation in the control box. A CD-ROM drive is available as an option, which makes it possible to save even more space. The CNC300ET supports Ether- CAT as interface with the drives and the field level. It therefore offers you maximum flexibility and provides access to the whole range of EtherCAT-based drives and peripheral components. Development partnership is a beneficial relationship. As a development partner, you will receive expert advice in all matters relating to automation and reliable support, based on our 30 years of experience. Outstanding technical expertise is what we deliver for all your cutting processes, including waterjet, laser and plasma cutting. As a specialist in this field of technology, we understand the cutting process. Individuality is something we can always accommodate, enabling us to provide you with the best possible support for your very specific machine designs that give you the competitive edge. Integration takes place seamlessly with ProCom automation solutions, since we offer overall solutions that meet your needs precisely, from CNC control, through CAM software, to drive technology. Sound advice in all issues relating to automation is all part of the package with us. A cut above the rest! Throughout the world, thousands of ProCom solutions are being used successfully. ProCom customers are among the market leaders in their industries.

7 In ProCom you have a development partner on whom you can always rely. 7 Application Folder Laser Cutting

8 Laser Cutting Contact us! ProCom GmbH Luisenstraße 41 D Aachen Phone Fax