"TRUMPF has introduced the Highspeed and Highspeed Eco, newly designed nozzles that boost the feedrate by up to 100% for solid-state laser machines that employ fusion cutting with nitrogen," said a company spokesperson.
"With this new technology, the piercing process is faster, and laser power does not need to be increased," continued the spokesperson. "These new cutting processes allow for a nearly twofold increase in sheet throughput. Less cutting gas is used because of the nozzle's innovative design. The Highspeed process requires 40% less nitrogen on average; Highspeed Eco, 70% less."
In fusion cutting, gas, under relatively high pressure, blows molten material out of the kerf, incurring high operating costs. Flame cutting utilizing oxygen is commonly used for mild steel, especially for thick sheets.
"The advantage of low gas costs is offset by oxidized cut edges which often need to be reworked," the spokesperson added. "The new Highspeed and Highspeed Eco processes are faster and use less gas, which greatly increases the cost-efficiency of fusion cutting mild steel with nitrogen. In addition, the scope of applications is now broader for 8 kW lasers used in fusion cutting. The laser can now fusion cut sheets as thick as 0.5 inches, instead of 0.4 inches as in the past."
The Highspeed process makes use of a bi-flow nozzle. Some of the cutting gas passes through the center of this nozzle, as does the laser beam. The rest forms a secondary flow around the principal flow to concentrate it onto the kerf, expelling molten material more efficiently.
The Highspeed Eco process relies on a patented nozzle fitted with a sleeve that forces the gas directly into the kerf, ensuring that little or no gas flows off to the side. While this moving sleeve glides across the material during fusion cutting, the nozzle remains 0.06" from the sheet surface. This ensures the nozzle can effortlessly withstand any spatter generated during piercing.
"Highspeed and Highspeed Eco can be used for fusion cutting of mild-steel and stainless-steel sheets at least 0.16 inch thick," the spokesperson said. "Additionally, just one nozzle is needed for the entire material thickness range in these cases, which makes mix-ups less likely and shortens set-up times. Cut edges exhibit low surface roughness and a high-quality, consistent look."
Highspeed Eco and Highspeed can now be used on machines in the TruLaser Series 5000 equipped with an 8 kW solid-state laser. Soon it will be available for use with 6 kW solid-state lasers. The Highspeed process is featured on machines in the TruLaser Series 3000 fitted with a 6 kW solid-state laser. Other machines may be retrofitted with these processes.
For more information contact:
TRUMPF Inc.
Farmington Industrial Park
111 Hyde Road
Farmington, CT 06032
860-255-6000
info@us.trumpf.com
www.us.trumpf.com