Learn how the Coherent StarCut Tube and StarFiber laser-powered cutting machines helped NPX Medical gain a competitive edge in stent manufacturing and more.

The subject of material loading and unloading automation is well established in sheet laser cutting with a multitude of solutions and complexity. In contrast, tube laser cutting systems equipped with vertical storage systems, for tubes and section bars, capable of handling bars automatically and allowing for unmanned production changes have only been available for a few years.

Cambus Medical uses Coherent StarCut Tube, a laser-powered tube cutter machine powered by lasers, and Select Laser Welders for business success.

These machines feature a rock solid cutting platform (the SL uses a metal cast base), and contour cutting accuracy greater than +/-5 um. Fine cutting of any metal or plastic is possible with the choice of a fiber laser or a Monaco USP Laser.

Tube Lasers Cutting Systems Ky

Our system solutions have the most flexible selection available for small and large-scale production. They are available in diameters of 10 to 324 mm and lengths of pipe and profiles up to 12.5 m.

When you look closely at a fiber-laser in operation, some things may not be as obvious. A fiber laser's beam diameter is one-third larger than that of a co2 beam. This allows it to have a higher power density. This allows the fiber not only to cut faster but also to pierce much faster. The fiber's smaller beam size allows it to cut intricate shapes, and leave sharp edges. Imagine cutting the logo of your company from a tube where the spacing between the letters is 0.035inches. A fiber can achieve that cut while a laser with CO2 cannot.

Tube Lasers Cutting Systems Ky
Laser

Laser

A job shop is only as diverse as the parts it produces. The same applies to those who operate a tube laser. Parts of different sizes can be found in one tube. Laser-cut parts as small as 2 inches must be unloaded by the machine. Each one can be as long as 15 feet. You must also be able unload the parts without damaging them. This can be difficult with soft metals like aluminum.

Gulf States Saw & Machinery Co., Inc. offers tube laser manufacturing capabilities that allow our customers to replace manual processes, and optimize the cutting process.

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Another thing to consider is the modular design of the fiber laser. These modules are small enough to be carried in a briefcase and allow for redundancy. The resonator does not completely shut off if one module fails. The fiber laser acts redundantly in that it can produce more power temporarily in order to support the damaged module until repairs can take place. (This can, by the way can be done on the field). Other times, the fiber-resonator can continue producing lower power until repairs can take place. A CO2 resonator issue can lead to the complete resonator being down.

The CO2 resonator requires much more energy and is larger. Electricity is used to combine gases to create the laser beam. Mirrors aid in the light's intensity and prepare it for exiting the resonator. The beam must travel along a path that includes several cooled mirrors to reach the lens after it has exited the resonator. This causes the beam to lose power and quality.

Tube Laser Cutting Systems K40
Tube Laser Cutting Systems K40

StarCut Tube's tube-cutting laser machine StarCut Tube provides the highest precision and contour cutting accuracy, at a range of +/-5um.

Their high cutting efficiency is what distinguishes CO2 lasers. Their main area of use is in the medium to large range of materialthicknesses. Laser beam cutting edges excel in throughburr-free and low scoring. This means that cut parts can be further processed without the need to rework.

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Motion Dynamics is a leading manufacturer of neurological sub-assemblies, including steerable catheters and “pull-wire” assemblies, making use of our StarCut Tube machines for precision cutting of key components.

Some things are difficult to see until you have a closer look at the fiber laser operating. Fiber lasers have a larger power density than CO2 laser beams because their beam diameter is typically one-third that of CO2 beams. This allows fiber to cut more quickly and also allows it pierce better. This allows the fiber to cut intricate shapes with sharp edges and leaves a smaller beam size. Imagine that a fiber can cut the company logo from a tube with spacing of 0.035 in between its letters; a CO2 laser is incapable of doing this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Maximum material cutting thicknesses by 1000W fiber laser cutting machine: Carbon steel has a maximum thickness of 10mm; stainless steel has a maximum thickness of 5mm; aluminum plate has a maximum thickness of 3mm; and copper plate has a maximum thickness of 3mm.

A fiber laser cutting machine generates a laser beam using active optical fibers and transmits it to the machine's cutting head via a transport fiber. This extremely hot laser is condensed into a narrow beam and is used to cut through various metal thicknesses.

Laser tube cutting is a method and technique for cutting tubes, structural shapes, or channels. These items will be cut to the required length during the process. It can also make holes or designs in tubing. It is a precise cutting method. It can also be used on a variety of materials in a variety of shapes and sizes.