Byspeed 3015 BA V010 en
Byspeed 3015 BA V010 en
Byspeed 3015 BA V010 en
Operating Manual
Edition: 10.2004
Product identification
These operating instructions apply to:
Byspeed
Document identification
When reordering please give the document identification and the issuing
date.
Other documents
The overall documentation contains the following documents:
Operating instructions
Spare parts catalog
Diagrams
Supplier documentation
Machine documentation
Machine logbook
Target group
The operating instructions are aimed at the user, the operator and the
maintenance and repair personnel.
Storage
The operating instructions must be freely accessible to the target group at
all times.
Copyright
It is not permitted to pass on and duplicate this document, or to exploit
and disseminate the contents, unless expressly permitted by the owner.
Breaches will lead to compensation claims. All rights reserved.
Argentina Australia
BEHRENDT MAQUINARIAS S.A. LMC LASER SERVICE PTY. LTD
Lima 355 - Piso 8 1/8 Kylie Place
AG-1073 Buenos Aires AUS-3192 Cheltenham, Victoria
Tel.: +54 11 5031 5312 Tel.: +61 3 9555 5525
Fax: +54 11 5031 5303 Fax: +61 3 9555 2970
Austria Brazil
BYSTRONIC AUSTRIA GmbH BYSTRONIC DO BRASIL Ltda.
Wienerstrasse 131 Rua Arapongas, 285
A-4020 Linz BR-83040 200 São Cristóvão
Tel.: +43 732 341 377 São José dos Pinhais - Paraná
Fax: +43 732 341 153 Tel.: +55 41 398 2000
Fax: +55 41 398 1789
Email: [email protected]
England France
PULLMAX LIMITED BYSTRONIC FRANCE SA
Lowfields Avenue 2, Burospace
Leeds LS12 6HH F- 91571 Bievres Cedex
Tel.: +44 113 277 8112 Tel.: +33 1 6941 9984
Fax: +44 113 271 9862 Fax: +33 1 6941 9951
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Germany Greece
BYSTRONIC LASER GmbH ADECA LTD
Mollenbachstrasse 33-35 Ave. Alexandras 56
D-71229 Leonberg GR-11473 Athens
Tel.: +49 (0)7152 6090 0 Tel.: +302 10 822 8503
Fax: +49 (0)7152 6090 20 Fax: +302 10 821 6746
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Hungary Israel
AUTOREL Kft. KATZENSTEIN MACHINE TOOLS
Attila ut 131 / III. 12. 6 Meitav St.
HU-1537 Budapest IL-67898 Tel Aviv
Tel.: +36 1 212 7270 Tel.: 972 3 562 6266
Fax: +36 1 212 7271 Fax: 972 3 562 6299
Email: [email protected]
Italy Netherlands
BYSTRONIC ITALIA SRL BYSTRONIC BENELUX BV
Via del Lavoro 30 Stek 8
I-20030 Bovisio Masciago / MI NL-3371 Hardinxveld-Giessendam
Tel.: +39 0362 5710 46/47 Tel.: +31 (181) 611 020
Fax: +39 0362 5941 35 Fax: +31 (184) 617 774
Email: [email protected]
Poland Russia
ABPLANALP CONSULTING Sp.z o.o. L-SERVICE
Ul. Marconich 11/10 S. Laso, 25-A, 106
PL-02954 Warschau RU-443112 Samara
Tel.: +48 22 858 9478 Tel.: +7 846 279 5403
Fax: +48 22 642 5077 Fax: +7 846 242 6194
Email: [email protected]
Sweden Switzerland
BYSTRONIC AB BYSTRONIC LASER AG
Östra Bangatan 18 Industriestrasse 21
SE-19560 Arlandastad CH-3362 Niederönz
Tel.: +46 (0)8 5944 1550 Tel.: +41 (0)62 956 3333
Fax: +46 (0)8 5944 1555 Fax: +41 (0)62 956 3386
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Taiwan Turkey
CHASER C.D. ENTERPRISE CO.LTD LASERPRESS MAKINA VE CELIK
22F, No. 639, Chung Cheng Rd. SAN.TIC. LTD. STI
TW-238 Shuh Lin City - Taipei Hsien Dedeoglu Cad. Kiremitdere Sok.
Tel.: +886 22 689 7988 NO:60 Çubuklu / Beykoz
Fax: +886 22 689 7986 TR-34805 Istanbul / Turkiye
Email: [email protected] Tel.: +90 216 413 7677
Fax: +90 216 425 2341
USA
BYSTRONIC INC.
185 Commerce Drive
NY-11788 Hauppauge
Tel.: +1 631 231 1212
Fax: +1 631 231 1040
Email: [email protected]
Table of contents
1 Product description
Table of contents
2 Safety regulations
Table of contents
Table of contents
3.7.5 Nozzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 32
3.7.5.1 Nozzle selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 33
3.7.5.2 Nozzle designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 34
3.7.6 Nozzle cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 35
3.7.6.1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 35
3.7.6.2 Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 36
3.7.7 CutControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 37
3.7.7.1 Design and operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 37
3.7.7.2 CutControl with Bylaser 5200 ARC. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 38
3.7.8 Crossjet (optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 39
3.7.8.1 Oil mist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 40
3.7.8.2 Cross blowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 40
3.7.9 Sensing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 41
3.7.9.1 Capacitive sensing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 41
3.7.9.2 Tactile sensing (optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 42
3.8 End plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 44
3.8.1 Flap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 44
3.8.2 Shuttle table console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 45
3.9 Beam guidance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 46
3.9.1 Beam protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 47
3.9.2 Deflecting mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 48
3.9.3 Adaptive optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 50
3.9.3.1 Focal position with flat mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 51
3.9.3.2 Focus correction with adaptive optics. . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 52
3.9.3.3 Focal position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 53
3.10 Shuttle table system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 54
3.10.1 Shuttle table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 54
3.10.2 Support grid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 55
3.11 General assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 56
3.11.1 Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 56
3.11.2 Axes drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 57
3.11.3 Linear measuring systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 58
3.12 Cutting gasses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 59
3.12.1 Cutting gas quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 59
3.12.2 Cutting gas consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 60
Table of contents
4 Operating elements
Table of contents
5 Commissioning
Table of contents
6 Operating
Table of contents
Table of contents
Table of contents
7 Maintenance
Table of contents
8 Repairs
Table of contents
Table of contents
Table of contents
9 Decommissioning
Table of contents
Table of contents
11 Disposal
11.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 3
11.1.1 Safety regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 3
11.1.2 Personnel requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 3
11.2 Disposal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 4
11.2.1 Packing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 4
11.2.2 Operating resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 4
11.3 Assemblies suitable for disposal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 5
11.3.1 Material groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 5
11.4 Disposal centers, govt. agencies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 6
11.4.1 Return to manufacturer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 6
11.4.2 Notification of govt. agencies and manufacturer . . . . . 11 – 6
Table of contents
12 Cutting technology
12.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 3
12.1.1 Material specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 4
12.2 Design guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 5
12.2.1 Sheet formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 5
12.2.2 Cutting gap clearance for laser cutting . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 5
12.2.3 Rectangularity of the cut edges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 6
12.2.4 Roughness of the cut edges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 7
12.2.5 Contour radii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 9
12.2.6 Sheet thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 10
12.2.7 Common separating cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 11
12.2.8 Hanging hole for the paint shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 12
12.2.9 Edge deformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 12
12.2.10 Cut-outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 13
12.2.11 Brackets (bended parts only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 13
12.2.12 Relief cuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 14
12.2.13 Intermittent limb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 14
12.2.14 Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 15
12.2.15 Marking similar parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 16
12.3 Definitions and limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 17
12.3.1 Definition of limit thickness / normal thickness. . . . . . 12 – 17
12.3.2 Definition of part area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 19
12.3.3 Definition of part size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 20
12.3.4 Definition of web width / minimum web width . . . . . . 12 – 21
12.3.5 Part separation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 22
12.3.6 Hole templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 23
12.3.7 Achievable part precision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 24
12.4 The laser cutting process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 26
12.4.1 Laser fusion cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 26
12.4.2 Plasma cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 27
12.4.3 Laser flame cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 28
12.4.4 Laser sublimation cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 29
12.4.5 The cutting process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 30
12.4.6 Gas parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 31
Table of contents
12.5 Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 32
12.5.1 Technology wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 32
12.5.1.1 Functionality examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 33
12.5.1.2 Adaptations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 35
12.5.1.3 Peculiarities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 35
12.5.1.4 Guidelines for initial cut types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 36
12.5.2 Piercing and initial cuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 40
12.5.2.1 Outer contour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 41
12.5.2.2 Inner contour (cut-outs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 42
12.5.3 Programming process macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 43
12.5.4 Radii on inner and outer contours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 44
12.6 Cutting parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 45
12.6.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 45
12.6.2 Adapt cutting parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 47
12.6.2.1 Reasons for parameter adaptations . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 48
12.6.2.2 Requirements for parameter adaptations . . . . . . . . 12 – 48
12.6.3 Procedure for optimizing the cutting parameters . . . . 12 – 49
12.6.3.1 Cutting focal position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 51
12.6.3.2 Laser power cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 53
12.6.3.3 Gas cutting pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 54
12.6.3.4 Cutting feed rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 55
12.6.3.5 Nozzle distance, cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 56
12.6.4 Cutting laser 5200 ARC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 57
12.6.4.1 Focal position and beam diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 57
12.7 Machining process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 59
12.7.1 Summary of the various technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 59
12.7.2 Cutting structural steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 60
12.7.2.1 Machining thick sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 62
12.7.2.2 Piercing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 62
12.7.2.3 Cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 62
12.7.2.4 Normal sheet thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 63
12.7.2.5 Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 64
12.7.2.6 Sheet thicknesses at the limit range . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 67
12.7.2.7 Unsuitable parts for production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 69
12.7.2.8 Cutting with nitrogen (N2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 70
12.7.3 Pulsed cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 71
12.7.3.1 Pulsed cutting (application examples) . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 71
12.7.3.2 Pulsed piercing (application examples). . . . . . . . . . 12 – 71
12.7.3.3 Guide values. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 73
12.7.3.4 Parameter adaptations for complex contours . . . . . 12 – 75
Table of contents
Table of contents
Table of contents
Table of contents
Chapter 1
1 Product description
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 Overview
E D A C
A Laser machine
B Laser
C Shuttle table system
D Exhaust air filter
E Cooling unit
The laser cutting machine is for industrial cutting and engraving of sheets
made from non-flammable, metal materials and sheets with a protective
film, in the stipulated range.
Only materials approved for the laser cutting machine may be processed.
This information can be taken from the order confirmation and must be
made available to the operating personnel by the user.
Fig. 1.1-2 Laser cutting machine with Bylaser 4400 or Bylaser 5200 ARC
A H E
G
B D
C
A Control cabinets
B Laser
C Operating terminal
D Shuttle table console
E Shuttle table system
F Material carriage and rotating loader (optional)
G Tool cabinet
H Machining area
Fig. 1.1-3 Type plate on the machine frame and on the cutting bridge
Machine frame
Cutting bridge
A D
B E
F
C
G H
A System name
B Job number
C Total weight of machine in kg
D Date of manufacture
E Machine number
F Equipment number (technical identification number of the com-
plete laser cutting machine)
G Max. weight of a sheet in kg/m2
H CE conformity certification
Control cabinet
A D
B E
C F
G H I J
K
L
A System name
B Job number
C Total weight of machine in kg
D Date of manufacture
E Machine number
F Equipment number (technical identification number of the com-
plete laser cutting machine)
G Mains voltage
H Mains frequency
I Electrical power
J Peak current
K Rated current
L CE conformity certification
1.2.1 Capabilities
Y = 1,500 mm
Steela) 0.8…25.0 mm
Aluminuma) 0.8…12.0 mm
Mains frequency 50 Hz / 60 Hz
P Laser 0% 35 42 61 0.83
Back-up fuse 25 AT
Mains frequency 50 Hz 60 Hz
a) Aerosols are gaseous, liquid or solid (powder) components dissolved in the air.
The compressed air supply must be clean and dry with low oil
content. If necessary, oil and water traps must be installed as
close as possible to the filtering system.
1.2.6 Environment
The temperature in the workshop must be between 15° and 35°C. Direct
sunlight on the machine components is prohibited.
In tropical climates or workshop temperatures above 35°C, an air-condi-
tioned room is needed.
The dew point of the ambient air must be below 10°C in order tom avoid
condensation on cooled components.
For a constantly good-quality cutting result it is necessary to place the
machine on a vibration-free footing.
Vapors, for example from spraying equipment or solvents, can absorb the
laser light and thus impair the performance of the machine. In addition,
the vapors represent a substantial explosion hazard in conjunction with
the laser beam.
1.3 Equipment
Chapter 2
2 Safety regulations
This chapter describes the safety measures for protection of people and
machine. The symbols and warnings used in these operating instructions
are explained below.
Despite all safety precautions a risk remains when using this product.
These must be taken into consideration at all times. Before work may be
started with this product, the safety regulations must be read and under-
stood.
DANGER
Immediate danger, leading to severe injuries or death!
WARNING
Dangerous situation, possibly leading to severe injuries
or death!
CAUTION
Dangerous situation, possibly leading to minor injuries
or damage to property!
2.
3.
The safety and monitoring devices serve to protect personnel and may not
be removed, bridged or bypassed.
The system components are automatically controlled by electric and pneu-
matic drives. Remaining within the safety devices during operating can be
dangerous.
Work on mechanical, electrical and gas equipment may only be carried out
by qualified personnel or under their supervision!
Improper use and operating can lead to hazards and to damage to the
machine!
For this reason it is forbidden:
to transport persons
to process prohibited materials
to remain within the danger zone. The operator is obliged to ensure
that no unauthorized persons remain within the danger zone.
DANGER
Lingering within a danger zone
While the laser cutting machine is operating it is forbid-
den to linger within the machining area!
Keep unauthorized personnel away from the working
area
Access to the emergency stop buttons on the operating terminal and the
shuttle table console may not be blocked by obstacles.
Hazards can arise during loading and unloading in particular, as well as
when moving the shuttle table or the material carriage in and out.
CAUTION
Crushing hazard when loading and unloading the
shuttle table or the material carriage
Wear protective gloves and steel-capped boots!
The clear space around the laser cutting machine must be designed so
that the supply and removal of material at the shuttle table is not im-
paired.
WARNING
Crushing hazard when moving the shuttle table or
the material carriage in and out
When traversing the shuttle table or the material car-
riage take care that no persons are in the path.
The signs must be permanently fixed and be easily visible. If signs are
badly aged or illegible, they must be replaced.
The locations of the signs may not be altered during replacement.
The positioning of the individual signs can be taken from Chapter
6 ›Operating‹ and Chapter 8 ›Repairs‹.
WARNING
The laser cutting machine corresponds to Laser
class 4 in special operating mode (i.e. not com-
pletely screened laser beam).
The direct laser beam, as well as reflected and scattered
radiation, are present a hazard to the eyes and skin.
Limit access to laser area
Cover or remove reflective objects
Remove flammable objects
Avoid generation of explosive solvent vapors
Wear laser safety goggles
WARNING
Direct laser beam.
In special operating mode the laser cutting machine cor-
responds to Laser class 4.
The direct laser beam can cause life-threatening injuries
on the whole of the body!
The following points must be observed when using the laser cutting ma-
chine:
Never expose yourself to direct laser beams!
Do not make any changes to the mountings of optical components!
Observe the operating instructions!
Avoid irradiating the eyes and skin with reflected and scattered radiation.
Laser safety goggles must be worn for the special operating mode. These
laser safety goggles are sufficient protection against reflected and scat-
tered radiation.
Laser safety goggles to DIN 58215 with Protection class L5A must be
used. These protective goggles are available at trade outlets or from the
manufacturer of the laser cutting machine.
Fig. 2.4-1 Laser safety goggles, protection class L5A (to DIN 58215)
WARNING
High voltage, 25,000 v DC
Voltages above 50 v and currents greater than 20 mA
are dangerous and can be lethal.
Work on high voltage components may only be carried
out by the manufacturer's servicing personnel.
WARNING
Dangerous electrical voltage
Improper or negligent handling of electrical systems or
operating resources can lead to severe injuries or death.
Work on electrical systems or operating resources may
only be carried out by qualified personnel or under their
supervision.
The following points must be observed when dealing with electrical sys-
tems or operating resources:
Use only original fuses with the specified amperage!
In the event of a fault in the electrical supply, switch the machine off
immediately!
Electrical components on which maintenance work is being carried out
must be isolated unless otherwise specified.
First check that isolated components are voltage-free, earth and short-
circuit, and isolate adjacent live components!
Inspect the electrical equipment regularly. Rectify faults such as loose
connections or charred cables immediately.
When working on live parts get a second person to assist who can oper-
ate the Emergency stop or main switch in an emergency. Close off
the working area with a red and white safety chain and warning sign.
Use insulated tools only!
WARNING
Danger of injury by ejected parts and leaking com-
pressed air
Do not perform any assembly or dismantling work, or
unscrew or tighten any screw connections, while the
system is under pressure.
Depressurize all subsystems which require opening be-
fore commencing maintenance and repair work.
In combination with oxygen and an open flame, leaks in the gas supply
can lead to explosions. Check that the gas supply is connected correctly.
WARNING
Explosion hazard
Do not oil or grease oxygen connections.
This can lead to explosion as the result of a chemical re-
action.
Further information on the gas supply and its dangers can be found in the
laser module operating instructions.
WARNING
Fire hazard
There is a danger that the gases and cutting residues
are insufficiently extracted by the extraction system and
can ignite.
The extraction system capacity must correspond to the
specifications at all times. Adhere to maintenance inter-
vals in accordance with the maintenance schedule.
When processing flammable materials (e.g. aluminum),
suitable extraction and filter systems must be installed.
2.4.6.1 General
The laser output coupler and the lens in the cutting head are made of zinc
selenide. These components present no hazard in an undamaged condi-
tion.
If a lens is thermally damaged, toxic vapors are produced. In addition,
damage to the coating releases thorium fluoride, which is slightly radioac-
tive.
CAUTION
Toxic vapors and dust particles
Wear breathing equipment and protective gloves.
Return defective lenses to the cutting machine manufac-
turer in a sealed container.
Ventilate the working area well after a damage incident.
CAUTION
Poisoning
Inhalation of oil mist or oil vapors can lead to nausea
and sickness.
Avoid contact with oil mist and oil vapor. Ensure ventila-
tion is sufficient.
WARNING
Explosion hazard
Do not bring aerosols and aerosol cans into contact with
not objects, machine components, gases or vapors.
Place work equipment on suitable surfaces (e.g. tool
cabinet).
2.5.1 User
2.5.1.1 User
2.5.1.2 Operator
A person instructed in the operation of the machine is referred to as the
operator. The operator operates and supervises the use of the machine
during normal operating.
The operator's training includes participation in a course held by the man-
ufacturer.
2.5.2 Qualifications
Only persons instructed and trained by the user may work on the ma-
chine. The personnel is responsible for third parties within the working ar-
ea.
Personnel being trained, instructed or taught are only allowed to operate
the machine under constant supervision by an experienced person!
2.5.3 Responsibility
2.7 In an emergency
Personal injury
Carry out first aid measures
Call a doctor
Inform direct supervisors
Observe country-specific and company regulations
Chapter 3
This chapter describes the location and function of the various assemblies.
Furthermore, it contains information on the safety and monitoring devic-
es, which the product is equipped with.
3.1 Overview
A B C D E F G H I J K L
The machine is equipped with various safety devices, which may only be
activated in emergency situations.
The light barrier monitors the hazard areas around the shuttle table and
the rotating loader. As soon as the light beam is interrupted, the drives for
the respective handling systems are switched off. The controls store the
last program step.
A B
A Laser machine
B Shuttle table system
C Safety light barrier
D Rotating loader (optional)
The control states of the light barrier are visualized at the shuttle table
console using the reset button.
Button lights The light barrier safety circuit is working and activated
DANGER
Lingering within the danger zone
Moving parts such as the cutting bridge, carriage or the
z-axis, present a crushing hazard which can cause life
threatening injuries.
Nobody may remain within the machining area when the
protective door is closed.
The safety door must be locked before a work process can be started on
the laser cutting machine.
3.3 Laser
The laser beam is generated in the upper section of the laser. The turbine,
the vacuum pump, the gas treatment, the water distributor for the cooling
unit and part of the controls are located in the lower section.
Further details on the laser can be found in the operating instruction for
the corresponding type.
C D
A B
3.5 Frame
The CNC, LSM and STL cabinets are fitted to the frame. The three control
cabinets are connected to each other and equipped with ventilators for air
circulation.
Air conditioning units are fitted in the doors of the CNC and the STL cabi-
nets in order to keep the temperature inside the cabinets at the optimum.
A B C
A CNC cabinet
B LSM cabinet
C STL cabinet
The CNC controls (Computer Numeric Control) are located in the CNC cab-
inet. The cabinet door is equipped with an air conditioning unit.
The CNC controls convert plans and process parameters into axis move-
ments. They control the course of the laser beam across the workpiece by
a combination of movements of the cutting bridge, carriage and z-axis.
They automatically adjust the travel speed and the laser power to the con-
tours of the parts geometry.
The machine executes the plans independently of program input. The
computer therefore remains available for creating and editing geometries,
while the machine processes the cutting plans.
The supply and the power distribution are located in the LSM
(Laser Supply Module) cabinet. The main switch for the laser cutting ma-
chine is fitted on the outside of the door. When switched off the main
switch can be secured with a padlock.
The controller for the table change and the safety functions are located in
the STL (Table Laser Control) cabinet. The cabinet door is equipped with
an air conditioning unit.
The laser cutting machine operating computer is also located in this cabi-
net (see Chapter 3.5.2 ›Computer‹).
3.5.2 Computer
The computer is located in the STL cabinet. The drives are accessible from
behind a flap in the side wall of the STL cabinet.
Visualization is by means of the user interface on the operating terminal.
A CD-RW drive
B ZIP drive
C 3½inch disk drive
The machine can be operated either by means of the keyboard, the mouse
or the TFT touch screen.
A description of the operating terminal can be found in Chapter
4.2.3 ›Operating terminal‹.
A lockable tool cabinet with six drawers is built into the frame.
From top to bottom the following items can be found in the drawers:
Tools and replacement nozzles
Cutting heads and alignment tools for beam adjustment
Cleaning material for lenses and mirror
Protective goggles
Material for laser cutting machine maintenance
3.5.6 Netbox
The netbox (B) is located behind the covering on the frame (A). It is
equipped with a router and a hub.
A Cover
B Netbox with router and hub
The valve island (B) with the pneumatic valves is located behind the cov-
ering on the frame (A). The valves are mounted on a plate which can be
pulled out at the front.
The supply unit is fitted to the rear part of the frame. It supplies the laser
cutting machine with compressed air and clean air. The clean air is treated
in am air filter1).
The Crossjet oil tank is also located on the supply unit, together with the
pressure regulator and cutting gas pressure indicator.
1) The air filter contains two adsorber units. These operate cyclically, i.e. in one element
the air is filtered and dried, whilst the second regenerates.
B A
C
D
H
G
K
J
A Pressostat
B Beam path ventilation pressure reduction 2 bar
C Activated charcoal filter
D Compressed air connection
E Water trap / prefilter
F Filter
G Main air pressure reduction 6 bar
H Air filter fault indicator
I Electrical connection
J Crossjet oil tank
K Cutting gas indicator (N2 / O2)
L Clean air filter
All lubrication points of the laser cutting machine are supplied with lubri-
cant by the central lubrication unit. An exception to this are the motor
bearings of the x- and y-axes (which are lubricated manually using a
grease gun).
To access the central lubrication unit the cover at the left of the CNC cabi-
net must be removed.
The central lubrication system allows the time spent on lubrication point
maintenance to be reduced to a minimum. Each lubrication point is also
provided with the optimum lubricant quantity.
During the lubrication cycle the x- and y-axes move across the
entire working area at 5 m/min. This guarantees optimum dis-
tribution of lubricant.
At the end of the lubrication cycle the axes travel to the refer-
ence position.
The level in the lubricant container is monitored. If the level is too low, an
error message, Lubricant container empty is issued at the operating
terminal.
Lubricant refilling for the central lubrication is described in Chapter
8.4.2 ›Central lubrication‹.
The sheet clamping serves to fix the sheet to be machined onto the shut-
tle table, thus ensuring cutting quality during highly dynamic cutting.
3.6.1 Extraction
WARNING
Fire hazard
Generation of flammable or explosive mixtures.
When changing material from steel to aluminum or vice
versa, the dust funnel must be emptied!
The cutting area is divided into eight extraction chambers. The appropri-
ate extraction flaps are opened depending on the position of the cutting
head.
The extracted air is passed across an exhaust air filter and cleansed of
emissions.
WARNING
Toxic vapors when cutting plastics
The vapors given off during combustion are highly toxic.
They cannot be completely removed by the extraction
system.
Plastics may not be cut on laser cutting machines (with-
out special extraction systems)!
Small parts falling through the support grid are lead to the small parts
trays by special guides. These can be pulled out for emptying by pulling
the handle.
Five small parts trays are located below the base frame of the laser cut-
ting machine and, optionally, four below the shuttle table.
3.7 Bridges
The cutting bridge travels along the x-axis. It carries the carriage, which
travels along the y-axis.
The laser beam is deflected from the x- to the y-axis by the deflecting mir-
ror fitted to the rear of the bridge.
X-
X+
Y+
Y-
A Cutting bridge
B Carriage
3.7.2 Carriage
The carriage carries the z-axis, the connector box with all supply lines,
and the Crossjet.
B C
A Carriage
B Z-axis
C Crossjet
3.7.3 Z-axis
The z-axis represents the final beam guidance element. The laser beam is
focused in the cutting head and receives the required power density on
the workpiece for cutting.
The z-axis moves the cutting head vertically. It raises the cutting head for
positioning between different figures on the workpiece and ensures that
the nozzle distance remains constant even if the workpiece is uneven. The
z-axis is driven by a ball screw drive.
C
Z+
Z- E
A Cutting head
B Cover for tactile sensor connection (optional)
C Focal length of cutting head in inches
D Z-axis
E Nozzle
The beam is deflected from the y- to the z-axis by the adaptive mirror fit-
ted above the bridge.
The nozzle and the complete cutting head electronics are fitted into the z-
axis. The focal length is altered using various sizes of cutting head.
The cutting gas is supplied by the cutting head. During cutting, this drives
molten material away from the cut and thus protects the focusing lens
from splashing slag. The stream of cutting gas is shaped by the nozzle
such that the greatest possible amount of gas flows through the cut.
3.7.4.1 Structure
The lens built into the cutting head bundles the laser beam. The cutting
gas supplied through the z-axis is targeted by the nozzle on to the work-
piece. Using the two knurled screws on the cutting head, the lens is dis-
placed within the cutting head in order to center the laser beam in the
nozzle.
A A
A Lens adjustment screws for centering the laser beam in the cutting
nozzle
The various cutting heads vary in the focal length of the lens. The focal
length influences the applicability of the cutting head.
The following focal lengths are available:
5,0" 1-10241
7,5" 1-10242
A number of cutting heads with varying focal lengths are available in order
to provide optimum cutting results for the material concerned. The follow-
ing table shows their applications.
Galvanized structur- ≤4 N2 ≤ 12
al steel
Lens
0.6 mm
5.0"
7.5"
1.4 mm
ø 130 µm
ø 190 µm
3.7.5 Nozzles
A Nozzle body
B Nozzle
The most effective nozzle to use can be taken from the appro-
priate parameter set.
H25 3-04276
HK30 3-06112
Double nozzlea)
Capacitive sensing
High pressure
H 20 Nozzle diameter 2.0 mm
High pressure
H K 17 Nozzle diameter 1.7 mm
Capacitive sensing
Double nozzle
Capacitive sensing
N K 15-10 Nozzle diameter 1.0 mm (inner)
Nozzle diameter 1.5 mm (outer)
The nozzle cleaner consists of a brass brush mounted on the base frame.
It is an important tool for ensuring problem-free work.
3.7.6.1 Application
The nozzle head is soiled by splashes during operations. Material residues
are removed by traveling across the brush with the nozzle head.
The nozzle cleaner is suitable for the following materials:
Structural steel (all thicknesses)
Stainless steel (all thicknesses), in particular for stainless steels with
protective film
Aluminum to 3 mm
When cutting thick aluminum plates the droplets cling heavily to the noz-
zle. These can subsequently only be removed with a brush or by hand.
CAUTION
Burns hazard
There is a danger of burns when cleaning the nozzle by
hand.
Wear protective gloves.
3.7.6.2 Replacement
When the brush is full of splashed metal it loses ist effectiveness and must
be replaced.
3.7.7 CutControl
A B
A Photodiode
B Deflecting mirror
C Cutting head
D Light reflected from the workpiece
E Workpiece
The light reflected during the continuous wave cutting of steel is deflected
via a concentric reflecting condenser and measured by silicon photo-
diodes. Mirror and photodiodes are integrated in the z-axis. The measure-
ment signals from the photodiodes are converted by the SENSOS-Print
(integrated in the z-axis) and transmitted to the PROMON card in the CNC
control cabinet. The CNC controls process this signal and monitor the cut-
ting process.
Piercing, pulsing and engraving are not monitored. CutControl is not acti-
vated until after the initial cut acceleration. A deteriorating cutting process
is recognized by the signal change and influenced by the subsequent con-
trol functions.
Feed rate reduction If the signal reaches the alarm or plasma threshold
the feed rate is reduced in stages to a predefined per-
centage. This reduction continues until the signal falls
below the alarm or plasma threshold or until the max-
imum reduction is reached. The reduced feed then re-
mains constant during the Reduced feed rate
period.
If the alarm ceases or the plasma extinguishes, cut-
ting is accelerated again to the original target feed
rate (value in cutting parameters).
Stop feed rate If the signal value does not fall back below the alarm
or the plasma threshold, or the stop threshold is ex-
ceeded, cutting is stopped and the head raised. After
cutting has stopped and the beam withdrawn, the
process is reset by a specific distance (but no further
than the last piercing) and the cut repeated.
The number of resets is limited to a maximum value
per contour section, after which a normal STOP func-
tion is triggered. This prevents uncontrolled endless
repetition under faulty cutting conditions.
When using the Bylaser 5200 ARC, steel piercing (cutting gas: oxygen) is
programmed by default as pulsed piercing (CPP). Piercing is monitored
by CutControl. Immediately after piercing the contour is cut.
For steel (cutting gas: oxygen), this procedure offers the following advan-
tages:
High process reliability
Short piercing time
The Crossjet is located beside the cutting head. It prevents melted materi-
al from sticking to the material surface by spraying an oil / air mix.
A weld shielding agent is used for the oil (see Tab. 7.3-2).
E
D
G B
F
H C
Oil is sprayed onto the surface of the workpiece before piercing. This oil
film reduces the adhesion of the slag that escapes upwards during pierc-
ing. The extent of the oil film depends on the flow rate, the nozzle diame-
ter and the duration of the spraying process.
After piercing, compressed air blows the material escaping upwards away
to the side. This reduces the material adhering to the workpiece and the
nozzle.
3.7.9 Sensing
The tactile (mechanical) sensor allows the distance to be senses for all
materials. However, it is primarily utilized for electric non-conductive ma-
terials. The tactile sensing is mounted on the side of the z-axis.
The tactile sensor is lowered onto the work piece. The distance from the
workpiece to the cutting head is determined by means of a linear potenti-
ometer. The nozzle distance is then adjusted relative to the sensor.
A Fixing screws
B Casing
C Sensing ring
The end plate closes the end of the machining area. The bridge and the
base frame are attached to the end plate.
Fig. 3.8-1 Laser cutting machine end plate (without shuttle table)
3.8.1 Flap
A flap (A) is fitted above the table change opening, which opens automat-
ically for a table change. It closes the machining area off during machin-
ing. This ensures that no outside air is taken in.
Material splashes and small parts are cleared from the grate by the brush
(B) at each table change.
A Flap B Brush
The shuttle table system and the rotating loader (optional) can be operat-
ed manually by means of the shuttle table console. It is equipped with the
necessary buttons and an emergency off button.
The laser beam is directed from the resonator to the output coupler and
via the polarization mirror, deflecting mirror and focusing lens to the
workpiece.
The route of the laser beam, between the laser beam's exit from the laser
and the mounting of the cutting head on the z-axis, is known as the beam
path.
The bridge and carriage move during operating, together with the deflect-
ing mirrors mounted on them. This alters the length of the beam path.
This laser beam guidance principle is known as Flying optics.
WARNING
Fire and explosion hazard
The laser beam can ignite flammable and explosive liq-
uids and vapors. Conversely, foreign bodies, fluids and
gases can have an adverse effect on the beam quality.
Cleansing agents and solvents and their vapors must be
kept away from the beam path!
D C B A
H G F E
DANGER
Invisible laser beams
The protective beam path covers may not be removed
or modified!
The beam protection tune between the laser and the
machine may not be subject to mechanical loads!
The laser beam can exit unprotected or damage the
tube if the beam protection tube is bent.
The beam path is totally closed off by structural components, bellows and
protective covers.
Bellows and protective covers protect persons from stray radiation and
from contact with the laser beam. They also protect the optics from exter-
nal influence.
Deflecting mirrors are used along the machine axes to deflect the laser
beam. The mirrors are flat mirrors. The beam quality (the parallelism, for
example) is maintained with flat mirrors.
D
B
E
F
G H
The angle of incidence and the angle of reflection are measured against
the axis of incidence. The angle of incidence and the angle of reflection are
equal.
If the deflecting mirror is rotated by a given angle, the direction of the re-
flected beam alters by twice that angle.
A B
C
D
D E
A Aperture
B Pressure sensor
C Water circulation
D Deformation of the mirror
E Adaptive mirror
On machine using flying optics, the focal position changes within the
working area of the laser cutting machine. The greater the distance be-
tween the laser's output coupler and the lens in the cutting head, the low-
er the focal point. The reason for this lies in the natural divergence of the
laser beam. This results in different qualities of cut across large working
areas.
B C D E
A G I
A Laser
B Deflecting mirror
C Curved wave front
D Flat mirror
E Beam
F Lens
G Workpiece
H Cutting area
I Focus behavior over the entire cutting range
By using the adaptive optics it is possible to keep the focal point constant,
independent of the distance from the focusing lens to the laser, controlling
it to suit to the process and workpiece.
B C D E
K
+40 µm I
A 0
-40 µm
A Laser
B Deflecting mirror
C Curved wave front
D Beam
E Adaptive mirror
F Plane wavefront
G Lens
H Cutting area
I Workpiece
J Focus behavior over the entire cutting range
K Focal position
In addition to the focus correction, the focal position can be adapted to the
material to be cut. The setting for the focal position can be taken from the
cutting parameters.
The shuttle table system consists of a shuttle table drive and two shuttle
tables with support grids.
The shuttle table serves to charge and unload the laser cutting machine.
The nozzle cleaning brush and the sensing calibration plate are also fitted
onto the shuttle table.
The support grid serves as a workpiece support. The support grids can be
manufactured by the user. The necessary drawings are stored on the
computer as DXF files.
The bars can be manufactured from a number of metals. Copper bars
have the best endurance. The slag can be easily removed. The reflectance
of copper can have a negative influence in the thin sheet range, for small
holes (holes become imprecise) or for oxide-free cutting (plasma forma-
tion, beam break).
Bars of steel and stainless steel impair the cutting process least. The dura-
bility of these bars depends on the laser power used for cutting.
Support grid for thin sheet Support grid for thick sheet
Material
Economical, low reflec- Splashes from this grid High reflectance, high
tance, low durability cannot oxidize on stain- durability
less materials
Costs can be saved if oxygen is used as cutting gas for the bars.
3.11.1 Illumination
The cutting bridge (x-axis) and the carriage (y-axis) are moved by a DHM
drive (Direct Helical Motor Drive). This drive concept makes the extreme
dynamics of the laser cutting machine possible.
The DHM drive is a fixed ball spindle with a spindle nut built directly into
the motor.
Both axes are thermally monitored and have no additional cooling. The
drive units have dust-proof seals guaranteeing high durability.
The z-axis is driven by a conventional ball screw spindle.
The movements of the x- and y-axes are read off directly by a non-con-
tacting optical linear measurement system. This allows the position of the
cutting head to be precisely determined.
A
X-axis
A
Y-axis
Nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2) are used for laser cutting.
The gas quality has a decisive influence on cutting quality. Nitrogen influ-
ences the quality of the cut surfaces. The following tables show the corre-
lation between the quality grade and oxide formation on the cut surface.
Tab. 3.12-1 Quality grade and oxide formation using oxygen as cutting gas
Tab. 3.12-2 Quality grade and oxide formation using nitrogen as cutting gas
a) Recommendation
Cutting gas consumption depends on the pressure and the nozzle used.
The following diagrams show guide values for cutting in the low and high
pressure ranges.
Gas consumption
Gas pressure
Gas consumption
Gas pressure
Chapter 4
4 Operating elements
This chapter describes the warning signals issued by the machine. In addi-
tion, the operating and display elements located on the product are de-
scribed. The individual operating modes are described below.
The warning and information lamp is located on the laser. The various col-
ors indicate the operating status of the laser.
Machine messages are displayed in the status and error bars in ByVision
and Handling Operation. Explanations of the messages can be found in
the Online help.
The main switch is located on the LSM cabinet. After the power is switched
on (ON position), all the units and controls (gas control, extraction, cool-
ing, PC, etc.) required for operation of the laser cutting machine are auto-
matically started.
A LSM cabinet
B Main switch
There are four emergency off buttons on the laser cutting machine, al-
lowing the machine and its components to be switched off in the event of
danger.
Emergency off
Emergency off
Emergency off
4.2.2.4 Laser
Fig. 4.2-5 Emergency off button on the laser
Emergency off
The operating terminal is equipped with a touch screen. This means that
the user interface can be operated by touching the appropriate switches or
keys.
B A
When the user interface is started, the relevant function keys are activat-
ed depending on the configuration of the laser cutting machine.
Key Description
Reserve
Reserve
Reserve
The handheld controller is used for setup and adjustment tasks, for sepa-
rating remaining sheets and for test cuts to determine parameters.
The emergency off key and the STOP and CONT keys are al-
ways active (regardless of whether the HAND view is selected).
Key Description
Key Description
Crossjet functions
Single pulse. Open the shutter for the predefined duration. This
function is used to adjust the laser beam and for nozzle center-
ing.
The shuttle table system and the rotating loader (optional) can be operat-
ed manually by means of the shuttle table console.
Key Description
PLC stop
If this key is pressed, all automatic table change and loading se-
quences are stopped.
Not an emergency off
Table change
An automatic table change is performed if this key is pressed (if
the light barrier is not interrupted).
Key Description
Material positioned
This key must be pressed when raw material has been positioned
on the shuttle table in the loading position, and is to be cleared
for further machining. This notifies the CNC that additional raw
material is available for the next cutting plan when the current
cutting plan has been completed.
Once the current cutting plan has been completed, a table
change is automatically executed and the next cutting plan is cut
in automatic mode.
The following states are indicated by this key:
Key lit: The raw material on the loading table is ready
Key flashes: Waiting for raw material
Key dark: Function not active
The laser cutting machine is in special mode if normal mode has been in-
terrupted. It makes no difference whether the interruption serves adjust-
ment and inspection tasks, loading and unloading, or is to enable cleaning
and maintenance work to be carried out.
The machine enters special mode at the moment when non-contacting
safety devices (e.g. light barriers) are crossed, the safety door(s) are
opened or permanent safety devices are dismantled.
Normal mode is restored when the laser cutting machine is once more
ready for use, the safety devices are reset and the process is started up
again.
0 µm (7 bar) B
-40 µm (3 bar)
C
A Mirror deformation
B Constant
C Beam length
The defined mirror adjustment height remains constant over the entire
cutting area, regardless of the beam length. The focal position is not auto-
matically corrected in this mode.
In operating mode 0, adaptive optics 11) and adaptive optics 22) behave
like a flat mirror, if the setup value Fixed mirror pressure 1 is set to
7 bar for operating mode 0.
The technically feasible adjustment range lies between –40 - +40 µm (3 -
11 bar).
4.4.1.2 Application
The Fixed mirror pressure 1 setup value must be set to 7 bar for the
following activities in operating mode 0:
Checking the beam shape (mode cube)
Determine performance characteristic for adaptive optics 2
A
B
A Mirror deformation
B Performance characteristic
C Beam length
In addition, in operating mode 1, the focus location and the nozzle dis-
tance are taken from the parameters.
1) Function of focal length, focus location and the nozzle distance. These values are taken
from the respective cutting parameters.
Chapter 5
5 Commissioning
Chapter 6
6 Operating
6.1 Introduction
The operating personnel must understand the software and have technical
experience. Operating personnel must be capable of performing the fol-
lowing tasks:
Switch the machine or system on and off
Operate the machine controls
Start and use the operating software
Create a cutting plan and start the cutting process
Perform dimensional corrections
Convert the machine for a change in production
Clean the machine or system
Carry out maintenance work which is necessary during normal operat-
ing
The laser cutting machine is operated from the operating terminal, the
handheld controller and the shuttle table console.
Before switching the machine on, the following points must be checked:
All safety devices, emergency off devices and sound proofing are
present and in working order!
All emergency off buttons must be reset.
The laser machine and its components show no signs of external dam-
age or faults!
Compressed air is connected, pressure and quality in accordance with
Chapter 1.2.5 ›Compressed air supply‹.
Laser gas bottles are connected and the pressure reducing valves open.
Gas quality for laser gas in accordance with the Bylaser operating in-
structions
Cutting gas bottle is connected, the pressure reducing valves open, and
the pressure and quality is in accordance with Chapter 1.2.4 ›Cutting
gas supply‹.
The shutter remains locked as long as there is no cutting gas at the gas
controls.
The main switch from the chiller and the extraction unit must be
switched on.
There should be no 3½ inch disk in the computer's floppy drive. The
computer cannot be booted automatically if there is a disk in the drive.
The following sequence must be adhered to in order to start the laser cut-
ting machine in normal mode.
2. Press the reset key on the operating terminal. The safety circuit is
enabled by the reset key.
6. Press the OPEN DOOR key on the operating terminal. Open the
safety door and close again.
If the safety door is open it must be closed.
7. Select the HAND view on the user interface by means of the Menu
switch (see Chapter 6.3.3 ›Structure of the views‹).
9. Press the CONT key on the handheld controller. The axes travel to
the reference positions.
10. Wait till the laser ready message appears in the user interface status
bar.
The laser readiness is also indicated by the orange information lamp
on the laser.
Before the laser cutting machine can be switched off, the active cutting
and handling processes must be complete.
3. Select the MAIN view on the ByVision user interface and press the
Exit switch.
6. Main switch off (OFF position). All laser cutting machine modules are
isolated.
7. Close the laser gas supply stop valves, and the compressed air.
The laser cutting machine may only be restarted after the emergency sit-
uation, together with all faults and damage, has been rectified.
2. Press the reset key on the operating terminal. This enables the safe-
ty circuit.
6. Wait until the orange message lamp on the laser lights. Cutting can
then be continued.
The user interface is divided into fixed areas for navigation (J) and func-
tion (H). These divisions are the same for all views.
A B C D E F
See 6.3.2.1 ›User rights‹ for user rights and 6.3.2.2 ›Access to individual
views‹ for access rights to the individual views.
Activity User
Access
No access
MAIN view
Administration
Hardware configuration
Manage users
Views
WORK view
Hardware configuration
WORK parameters
HAND parameters
Diagnosis
User interface
Machine service
CNC
Clean screen
Information
HAND view
Access
No access
WORK view
Job list
Cutting parameters
Pots
TOOLS view
Access
No access
The user interface is divided into different views. They can be selected by
using the Menu switch in the navigation bar or the function keys [F5] to
[F8] on the keyboard.
[F5]
[F6]
[F7]
[F8]
When the application is started the MAIN view is always active. It con-
tains administration sub-areas, areas for defining user-specific views and
for system diagnosis.
Before the functions on the user interface can be used, a user must be
logged in (see 6.3.2 ›User log on‹).
MAIN
A B C
6.3.4.1 Administration
Within these views, configuration settings for the user interface and the
CNC can be defined, users be managed and their access rights altered.
MAIN – Administration
A B C
6.3.4.2 Views
Each user can individually adapt the views cleared for personal use. These
settings are saved in the respective profile and loaded again at the next
log on.
MAIN – Views
A B C D E
6.3.4.3 Diagnosis
In this view, the connection to the CNC, any existing storage system, and
the directory paths can be displayed and controlled.
CNC diagnosis and machine service data can also be displayed.
MAIN – Diagnosis
A B C
In this view, machine setup values and parameters for manual operating
can be defined.
HAND
A B
These views provide the functions for loading cutting plans, editing pa-
rameters and starting the cutting process. In addition, information on the
current cutting plan can be displayed.
During the visualization of a cutting plan the processed contours are
shown in gray and the unprocessed contours in blue.
WORK
A B C
TOOLS
e.g.
e.g.
Handling
LaserView
operation
A B C
The key combination [Alt + Tab] allows movement between the individu-
al applications.
All system, status and error messages are shown in the status bar (A). If
further messages are waiting to be displayed, three dots (…) are visible at
the end of the text.
The message list can be opened by pressing the (B) switch.
All pending messages are listed in the message list. The most recent mes-
sage is at the top.
The Quick help can be opened by pressing switch (A). This function shows
an explanation of the selected message in the lower area (B).
The Quick help is hidden again by pressing the switch (A) once more.
Key Description
Interrupt at the cutting plan origin and at the origin of the indi-
vidual parts.
Start online help (see Chapter 6.3.11 ›Online help‹). The Help
can also be started by pressing F1.
B C D E F G H
I
A
A Navigation window
B Show table of contents in navigation window
C Hide navigation window
D Show keyword search in navigation window
E Show full text search in navigation window
F Show term definitions in navigation window
G Print current contents of display window
H Input box for search functions
I Display window
J Close online help
The online help provides the following functions for searching for the re-
quired information:
The Handling Operation application is used for operating the shuttle ta-
ble system and for optional handling systems. The application allows use
of either the touch screen, keyboard or, optionally, a mouse.
Below, the views for the shuttle table system operating and service func-
tions are described. Depending on the system configuration, some func-
tions remain unavailable.
A B C D
I J
G
E
Switch Description
In these views, the job data can be reset and the shuttle
tables be moved manually for servicing.
Switch Description
Switch Description
The Main – Home start page is automatically displayed on start up. When
navigating within the user interface, the start page can always be reached
by pressing the Home switch.
6.4.4 Log on
From the Main – Home start page, the views Manual, Setup, Service or
Config can be selected. The log on controls the access options.
The views Service and Setup allow the same access and require a pass-
word to open. The Manual view can be activated without a log on.
The system is configured in the Config view. Access here is only possible
with a special password (only for the manufacturer's service engineers).
The current clearances are displayed on the start page by icons.
If an alarm message is pending due to a fault, the switch (A) and the
alarm field (B) flash red alternately.
In addition, the current alarm message is displayed in the alarm bar (C).
C A
The alarm list is selected by pressing the ALARM switch. All alarm mes-
sages (including follow-up errors) are listed. The most recent message is
always at the top.
Switch Description
When the fault has been rectified, the corresponding alarm message must
be acknowledged by pressing the ACK ALARMS switch. If several mes-
sages are pending, each one must be individually remedied and acknowl-
edged.
Different alarm stages are indicated by a corresponding message color.
Color Meaning
By pressing the HISTORY switch, all alarms recorded in the course of the
day can be listed in a separate window.
The view shows information relating to software versions and the IP ad-
dresses used by the PLC1).
Switch Description
German [DE]
English [EN]
French [FR]
Italian [IT]
Spanish [SP]
The Reset job data function deletes the material status of both shuttle
tables. This is utilized in conjunction with a storage system or before
switching to automatic mode.
In the Manual – Machine view, the material status on the shuttle tables
can be defined (cutting and loading position).
For service work or special functions both shuttle tables can be moved to
the loading position.
A B
C D
A Define the material status on the shuttle table in the cutting posi-
tion.
B Define the material status on the shuttle table in the loading posi-
tion.
C Carry out manual table change (see Chapter
6.4.7.1 ›Simple table change‹).
D Move shuttle table to maintenance position. Both shuttle tables are
then located above each other in the loading position.
After pressing the Mat Pos. switch, a dialog window opens, allowing defi-
nition of the material status on the shuttle tables (cutting or loading posi-
tion).
Fig. 6.4-12 Dialog window for defining the material on the shuttle tables
A B C D
A B
C D
The Service – Machine (1/3) view contains the functions for manually
moving the shuttle tables. The shuttle table or lifting unit is moved until
the appropriate switch is pressed or until the end position is reached. The
following must be observed:
The safety door must be closed
The light barrier in the loading area must be acknowledged
A B
C D
4. Unlock the cutting head by pressing the HEAD key (on the operating
terminal) and then remove.
5. Place the new cutting head in the guide on the z-axis until it reaches
the stop. The cutting head is automatically locked when the safety
door is closed.
1. Clean the outside of the nozzle (B) and the nozzle body (A).
A B
A B
A Nozzle bore
B Laser burn on the adhesive strip
C Adhesive strip
The two centering screws (D) on the cutting head have right-hand
threads.
D D
1. Fix the transparent adhesive strip to the nozzle in the cutting head.
5. Close the HAND – Setup values, machine view. The HAND view is
active on the screen.
10. Check, with the help of a mirror, whether the hole burned in the ad-
hesive strip by the laser is exactly central with the nozzle bore (see
Fig. 6.5-3).
12. step 1 to step 11 may be repeated until the laser beam passes di-
rectly through the center of the nozzle.
A
C
A Cover
B Fixing screws
C Knurled screws
D Tactile sensing
E Sensing ring
6.5.5.1 Fitting
1. Unscrew the two fixing screws (B) and remove the covering (A).
2. Carefully place the tactile sensor (D) over the two centering bolts in
the mounting provided.
3. Fix the sensor to the mounting plate with the two knurled screws (C).
This function allows the separation of waste or reducing the size of re-
maining sheets.
CAUTION
Execute separating cuts
The cutting head must always be lowered for cutting.
Otherwise, strong reflections and stray radiation may
result.
After confirming with the BURN key, immediately move
the cutting head, otherwise the laser beam may damage
the sheet off-cut guides under the shuttle table or the
support grid.
2. Preselect the Calibrate nozzle service function and start the pro-
cess by pressing the CONT key.
4. Move the cutting head to the desired start position using the keys for
the x- and y-axes. The separating cut is started from this position.
5. Press the Z- key on the handheld controller and hold until the cutting
head has been lowered to the appropriate nozzle distance. Then re-
lease the key.
A slower cutting spped is active when the cutting head is lowered.
This allows precise travel to the start position.
6. Travel approx. 1 mm past the the sheet edge with the cutting head.
7. Open the shutter by pressing the BURN key. It remains open as long
as the key is pressed.
Immediately move in the desired direction for cutting the sheet using
the keys for the x- and y-axes.
8. Release the BURN key immediately after the separating cut. The
shutter is closed
9. Press the Z+ key on the handheld controller. The cutting head trav-
els up.
The fine positioning of the cutting head is ideally carried out in the lowered
position.
3. Move the selected axis by rotating the hand wheel in positive or neg-
ative direction.
1. Select the WORK view on the user interface and start a cutting job.
The following message is shown in the status bar: CNC: Process the
cutting plan, continue with CONT, cancel with STOP
2. Activate the STOP ZERO stop function. The switch lights yellow.
3. Press the CONT key on the handheld controller. The cutting head
travels to the machine origin.
5. Move the cutting head to the desired start position using the keys for
the x- and y-axes on the handheld controller.
6. Press the CONT key on the handheld controller. The new origin is
confirmed.
7. Press the CONT key on the handheld controller. Cutting plan pro-
cessing now begins at the newly defined origin.
The manual cutting process is the simplest way to start a cutting process
on the laser cutting machine.
This process may differ from that described here depending on the con-
nection of the laser cutting machine to other automation systems.
During the manual cutting process, the creation of a cutting job (reading
cutting plan and assigning cutting parameters) is described up to the start
of the cutting process.
Cutting plan
A cutting plan describes the contours of the parts to be cut. In addition,
the individual contours can be assigned a variety of technologies. Cutting
plans are saved with the file extensions .lcc or .ncp.
Cutting parameters
The cutting parameters are material- and thickness-dependent. The speed
and power adjustments necessary for the respective cutting process are
carried out with these parameters. Cutting parameters are saved with the
file extension .par.
Number of passes
The number of passes defines how often the cutting plan is processed.
Each pass requires a sheet of raw material in a format corresponding to
the cutting plan.
2. Select the list of cutting jobs by pressing the Job list switch.
3. Press the Add switch in the job list. The Add job dialog window is
opened.
4. Select the top-level folder in which the cutting plans are stored. Con-
firm the selected folder with OK.
5. Select cutting plan. If the Plan preview check box is activated, the
selected cutting plan is displayed in the preview window.
Upon confirming with OK, the selected cutting plan is placed at the
end of the job list. The Default value has been automatically as-
signed for the cutting parameters. This must be reassigned on the
basis of the material to be cut.
See Chapter 6.7.1.3 ›Assign cutting parameters‹
6. If there is more than one job in the list, the sequence can be altered
using the functions Prioritize, Move forward and Move back.
A cutting plan can be imported from any drive (floppy disk, CD, ZIP or
network drive) and saved in the defined target folder.
2. Press the Import / Export switch. The individual import and export
functions are available.
3. Press the Import job switch. The Import job(s) dialog window
opens.
4. Select the source folder and the cutting plan for import. A number of
cutting plans can be selected.
6. Press the OK switch. The selected cutting plan is imported to the tar-
get folder. If the Add imported job(s) to the job list check box is
activated, the cutting plan is placed at the end of the job list.
Every cutting job must be assigned cutting parameters appropriate for the
material to be cut.
In the selector list, the cutting parameters suited to the configuration (la-
ser machine, laser source, etc.) are listed.
2. Select the job in the Prepared cutting jobs list to which cutting pa-
rameters are to be assigned.
3. Press the Edit switch. The Edit job dialog window opens.
4. Press the Select switch. The Parameter selection list dialog win-
dow opens.
Before the cutting process is started, the material to be cut with the cut-
ting job must be placed at the shuttle table loading position. The axes
must be in the reference position and the safety door closed.
If the Table change key on the shuttle table console is pressed (see
Chapter 4.2.5 ›Shuttle table console‹), the shuttle table and the material
travel from the loading position to the machining area (ensure light barrier
is enabled).
The cutting head and the nozzle must correspond to the selected cutting
parameters. Moreover, the laser beam must be centered in the nozzle
(see Chapter 6.5.4 ›Centering the laser beam in the nozzle‹).
1. In the WORK view, press the Start switch. The current job and the
assigned parameters is read.
The following message is shown in the status bar: CNC: Process the
cutting plan, continue with CONT, cancel with STOP
4. Press the CONT key on the handheld controller. The cutting process
is started
By automatic mode with manual loading and unloading cutting with auto-
matic table change is understood.
The cutting process is carried on until
no material is ready at the loading position and the Mat Pos key is no
longer acknowledged
all active jobs in the job list are processed
The ways and means of material loading and unloading on the shuttle ta-
ble is not taken into consideration.
6.7.2.1 Requirements
6.7.2.2 Preparation
Before the cutting process can be started, the material status on the shut-
tle table in both the loading and in the cutting positions must be defined.
This is done by means of the Handling Operation application.
2. Select the Manual – Machine view. In this view the material status
of both shuttle tables is displayed.
B A
Fig. 6.7-6 Dialog window for defining the material on the shuttle tables
A B C D
1. In the WORK view, press the Start switch. The current job and the
assigned parameters is read.
The following message is shown in the status bar: CNC: Process the
cutting plan, continue with CONT, cancel with STOP
4. The cutting process is started if the shuttle table is filled with raw
material (loading or cutting position).
After the cutting plan is processed, the shuttle table is changed auto-
matically.
5. Remove cut material from the loading position and fill the shuttle ta-
ble with new raw material.
6. If new raw material is on the shuttle table (in the loading position),
press the Mat Pos key on the shuttle table console (see Chapter
4.2.5 ›Shuttle table console‹).
This tells the controls that new material is at the loading position and
therefore an automatic table change can be carried out.
The service point is used for cutting head replacement, nozzle replace-
ment and nozzle centering.
This function allows the cutting head to travel to a defined location within
the machining area. The location of the service point can be defined in the
HAND – Setup machine view.
This function allows the cutting head to travel to the extreme right corner
of the machining area. This provides free access to the machining area
(e.g. for repair and maintenance work).
The location of the park position can be defined in the HAND – Setup
machine view.
This function allows the cutting head to travel across the calibration plate
and the calibration process to be carried out automatically. During calibra-
tion, the nozzle is lowered to the calibration plate until contact is made.
The z-axis then travels upwards and checks a variety of nozzle distances.
This function can be used for both tactile and capacitive sensing.
This function allows the nozzle head to travel across the brass brush on
the shuttle table. The nozzle cleaner removes soiling, deposits and metal
splashes, which have adhered to the nozzle during cutting. The number of
cleaning passes can be defined in the HAND – Setup machine view.
Furthermore, it is possible to define whether automatic nozzle cleaning is
performed after a given number of piercings or at the end of a cutting
plan. After each cleaning the sensor is automatically calibrated.
6.9.1 Crossjet
The Crossjet effectively prevents slag adhering to the surface of the work-
piece during piercing. The structure and modus operandi of the Crossjets
is described in Chapter 3.7.8 ›Crossjet (optional)‹.
The Crossjet has the following operating modes:
Oil mist
Cross blowing
The Crossjet can only be activated if the Oil mist time prior to
piercing cutting parameter is defined with a value greater than
zero, or the Cross blowing after piercing function is switched
on.
The sheet clamp prevents the sheet being moved on the shuttle table sup-
port grid when cutting at high speeds. If the sheet clamp is activated, the
sheet is automatically clamped after every table change.
The sheet clamp is activated in the Handling Operation application,
Main view, by pressing the switch (A). The sheet clamp is active if the
switch is green.
By pressing the CLAMP key on the operating terminal , the clamp can be
released or clamped. During the cutting process the clamp can only be re-
leased, but not clamped again. Only after the cutting process is aborted
can the sheet be clamped once more.
When cutting with the sheet clamp, the area clamped must be
taken into consideration in the cutting plan. The area clamped
can be defined in the cutting plan in Bysoft by defining the left
sheet edge.
It must be noted that the cutting sequence of the parts must be
from right to left (X+ to X-) in order to ensure the stability of
the sheet at the end of the cutting plan.
The origin and the location-angle of the sheet are detected by the edge
detection. This allows better exploitation of the raw material. It also in-
creases the process reliability.
The edge detection can be switched on or off in the WORK view, Special
functions.
3. The cutting head travels towards the sheet edge until it is recognized
by CutControl.
6.9.4 CutControl
3. CutControl can now be used and the cutting plan can be started.
C
B
X
A
1 X+ 315
2 X+ 232
3 X- 212
4 Y+ 232
5 Y- 233
The calibration thresholds are different for each cut direction (see Table
6.9-2 ›Guide values and tolerances for the calibration thresholds‹).
The average is formed from the contour elements 1…5. This takes the
anisotropy into consideration. The average must be entered in the Gas
type calibration threshold 2 cutting parameter and saved. This deter-
mined value generally does not fluctuate strongly and must therefore only
be occasionally checked during production.
The calibration threshold can vary strongly if the cutting parameters are
changed, the lens has been covered with splashes or the mirror is soiled.
The tolerance limit for correct functioning of CutControl is, however, very
large (see Table 6.9-2 ›Guide values and tolerances for the calibration
thresholds‹).
Tab. 6.9-2 Guide values and tolerances for the calibration thresholds
8 mm 450 ±150 —
10 mm 480 ±150 —
12 mm 550 ±150 —
5. Test cut in manual mode or with a rectangular test piece (cut quality
check).
Microwebs prevent cut parts from tilting or falling off (see Chapter
12.7.11 ›Microwebs‹).
Microwebs and welding webs cannot be combined within the same cutting
plan.
Microwebs are used on thin sheets
Welding webs are used on thicker sheets
The welding webs are programmed in Bysoft as Microweb and are al-
ready included in the cutting plan.
In contrast to the microweb, the welding web must be programmed as
centrally as possible to the contour, because the welding web is set on the
cut joint of a previously cut contour. Welding webs are used primarily in
the thick sheet range above 4 mm, if the material thickness makes it diffi-
cult or impossible to break out the part.
The welding webs are activated as follows:
2. The setup values for the welding webs are defined in the HAND –
Setup machine view.
Chapter 7
7 Maintenance
This chapter contains the maintenance schedule and tables for the main-
tenance record. Moreover, it lists all operating resources required for
maintenance work.
7.1 Introduction
WARNING
Electric shock
When working on live components there is a danger of
electric shock.
Electrical components on which maintenance work is be-
ing carried out must be isolated unless otherwise speci-
fied.
Check that isolated components are voltage-free
Isolate neighboring, live components
CAUTION
Burns hazard
When carrying out maintenance and repair work on
gearboxes there is a danger of burns.
Allow gearboxes to cool.
The critical operating hours for the respective maintenance tasks are
shown on the laser's operating hours counter.
A Laser
B Operating hours counter
when required
source
Aid
1,000 hrs.
3,000 hrs.
8,000 hrs.
annually
500 hrs.
monthly
weekly
daily
Laser cutting ma- — Check for external damage X
chine
— Complete cleaning X
when required
source
Aid
1,000 hrs.
3,000 hrs.
8,000 hrs.
annually
500 hrs.
monthly
weekly
daily
Extraction system Functional check of the filter controller X
documentation
when required
source
Aid
1,000 hrs.
3,000 hrs.
8,000 hrs.
annually
500 hrs.
monthly
weekly
daily
Extraction system Check connecting lines for leaks. Re- X
See supplier documentation
pair if necessary
when required
source
Aid
1,000 hrs.
3,000 hrs.
8,000 hrs.
annually
500 hrs.
monthly
weekly
daily
Shuttle table sys- Chapter 8.4.4.2 Clean guide of cutting residues and lu- Brush, cloth X X
tem bricate
when required
source
Aid
1,000 hrs.
3,000 hrs.
8,000 hrs.
annually
500 hrs.
monthly
weekly
daily
Supply unit Chapter 8.4.9.1 Adsorption drier (air filter), check LED X
display
when required
source
Aid
1,000 hrs.
3,000 hrs.
8,000 hrs.
annually
500 hrs.
monthly
weekly
daily
Bridges — Check limit switch functioning X X
Cutting bridge Chapter 8.4.6 Cutting bridge drive, x-axis, check X
Carriage that surfaces of spindle and guides are
Z-axis greased
when required
source
Aid
1,000 hrs.
3,000 hrs.
8,000 hrs.
annually
500 hrs.
monthly
weekly
daily
Cutting head Chapter 8.5.4 Check lens for soiling, metal splashes X X
or scratched surface. Clean or replace
if necessary
Beam guidance Chapter 8.6 Check optics. Clean and adjust if nec- Cleaning set X
essary
when required
source
Aid
1,000 hrs.
3,000 hrs.
8,000 hrs.
annually
500 hrs.
monthly
weekly
daily
Central lubrica- Chapter 8.4.2 Check level. Top up lubricant Universal grease X X
tion Motorex 190 EP
Sheet clamp Chapter 8.4.3 Clean guides, lubricate and check for X X
damage
Linear guide Chapter 8.4.7 Guide rails, check for soiling and dam- X X
age. Clean if necessary
when required
source
Aid
1,000 hrs.
3,000 hrs.
8,000 hrs.
annually
500 hrs.
monthly
weekly
daily
Cooling unit Check coolant temperature X
See supplier documentation
500 500
1,500 500
2,500 500
3,500 500
4,500 500
5,500 500
6,500 500
7,500 500
8,500 500
9,500 500
10,500 500
11,500 500
12,500 500
13,500 500
14,500 500
15,500 500
16,500 500
17,500 500
18,500 500
19,500 500
20,500 500
21,500 500
22,500 500
23,500 500
Year:
01 w
02 w
03 w
04 w/m
05 w
06 w
07 w
08 w/m
09 w
10 w
11 w
12 w/m
13 w
Year:
14 w
15 w
16 w/m
17 w
18 w
19 w
20 w/m
21 w
22 w
23 w
24 w/m
25 w
26 w
Year:
27 w
28 w/m
29 w
30 w
31 w
32 w/m
33 w
34 w
35 w
36 w/m
37 w
38 w
39 w
Year:
40 w/m
41 w
42 w
43 w
44 w/m
45 w
46 w
47 w
48 w/m
49 w
50 w
51 w
52 w/m/a
Chapter 8
8 Repairs
This chapter forms the basis for all maintenance work in accordance with
the maintenance schedule.
It provides support in fault finding and remedy. It also contains instruc-
tions for executing lubrication, care and cleaning tasks, as well as repairs
and adjustments.
8.1 Introduction
WARNING
Electric shock
When working on live components there is a danger of
electric shock.
Electrical components on which maintenance work is be-
ing carried out must be isolated unless otherwise speci-
fied.
Check that isolated components are voltage-free
Isolate neighboring, live components
CAUTION
Burns hazard
When carrying out maintenance and repair work on
gearboxes there is a danger of burns.
Allow gearboxes to cool.
The following fault finding chart describes the general procedure for find-
ing operating faults.
If a fault occurs for an unknown reason during operating, the following
fault finding sequence must be adhered to:
2. Localizing faults.
Is it a mechanical or electrical fault? Is it a hardware or software fault
(error message MMC / CNC / SPS)?
4. Fault frequency
Does the fault occur constantly, or do certain actions lead to the
fault?
5. Ambient conditions
Checking the laser cutting machine:
z Obstruction due to soiling, foreign objects, damage?
z Power supply (supply voltage, compressed air) present?
z Ambient conditions, climatic influence (e.g. heat, thunderstorm,
etc.)?
10. Initialization
Switch the complete system off and start up again.
12. Telephone
Call the manufacturer's customer service (see Chapter
8.9 ›Customer service information‹).
Check the emergency off keys, the light barrier, and all other safety de-
vices and controls for correct functioning and effectiveness at regular in-
tervals.
Information on safety devices can be found in Chapter 3.2 ›Safety and
monitoring devices‹.
Never use cleaning agents containing solvents. The screen and keyboard
can be damaged by solvents and aggressive cleaning agents.
Before cleaning the keyboard, shut down the computer and switch of the
controls.
The keyboard is cleaned using a soft cloth, slightly moistened with soapy
water.
If the lubricant container is empty (lower level reached) the message Lu-
bricant container empty is issued at the operating terminal. The axes
can then only be moved to the reference position.
In order to allow further machine operation, the central lubrication lubri-
cant container must be refilled using a grease gun (in the tool cabinet).
Lubricant: Motorex 190 EP
At the next approach to the reference position the lubrication cycle is au-
tomatically repeated and the machine can continue.
max. A
min.
The following points must be observed with regard to the central lubrica-
tion:
Never completely empty the container
The lubricant must be clean and suitable for use in the central lubrica-
tion system.
Fill the lubricant without air using a grease gun at the grease nipple. Do
not overfill the lubricant container (no lubricant should escape from the
overflow bore (A))
Check all connections and pipe unions on the pump, distributor and lu-
brication points for leaks.
If the teeth (A) on one of the clamping levers is worn, it must be replaced.
WARNING
Crushing hazard
When carrying out maintenance and repair work on the
sheet clamp, there is a danger that body parts can be
crushed by the sheet clamp.
Ensure that the system is switched of and the cylinder is
pressureless.
Guide lubrication is carried out at the grease nipples (B). There are two
grease nipples per guide.
Lubricant: Motorex 190 EP
2. Switch off the laser cutting machine and safeguard against switching
on. Ensure that the clamping cylinders are not pressurized!
A B C
The slack (D) on the unloaded roller chain should be approx. 1% of the
axle centers (E) (axle centers: 4,867 mm).
E
D
2. Switch off the laser cutting machine and safeguard against switching
on.
4. Loosen locknut.
6. Tighten locknut.
8.4.4.2 Guides
Check the gearbox oil every 3,000 h. Take an oil sample and examine for
soiling.
Gearbox oil: MOTOREX Gearsynth 220 (VG 220)
A Bleed screw
B Sealing plug
8.4.5.1 Extraction
Check functioning of exhaust air sector flaps. If the cutting head is located
over a sector, the corresponding exhaust air sector flap below must be
open.
Empty the small parts trays daily and clean the wheels weekly.
Five small parts trays are located below the base frame of the laser cut-
ting machine and, optionally, four below the shuttle table.
The DHM drive is automatically provided with the required amount of lu-
bricant by the central lubrication system.
Lubricant: Universal grease Motorex 190 EP
When the interval (150 h) is reached a special lubrication program is
started at the next approach to the reference position. Both axes travel at
5 m/min so that the lubricant can be evenly distributed.
The lubrication program is ended by the signal from the limit switch, or
aborted after the Time Out.
Lubricate the motor bearing annually or after 3,000 h using a grease gun
(in the tool cabinet).
Lubricant: Universal grease Motorex 190 EP
A
B
The nozzle body is provided with a rupture joint (A). In a collision with the
support grid or the sheet being cut, the nozzle body can break at the rup-
ture joint. This must then be replaced.
3. Hold the nozzle body from above (through the opening) with one fin-
ger.
5. Remove nozzle body (C) including ceramic rings (D and E). The ce-
ramic ring (D) may be held in the casing by the contact pin (F) (see
Fig. 8.4-17).
B D C E
6. Examine the ceramic rings (D and E) for damage and replace if nec-
essary.
When fitting the new nozzle body ensure that the ceramic ring (E) is posi-
tioned correctly in the casing (note position of contact pin (F)).
After fitting the nozzle body the laser beam must be centered
in the nozzle (see Chapter 6.5.4 ›Centering the laser beam in
the nozzle‹).
Examine the guide rails monthly for damage and soiling. Clean with a dry
cloth if necessary.
If the measurement tapes (A) in x- and y-direction are soiled, they must
be cleaned using the cleaning cloths in the cleaning set (in the tool cabi-
net).
CAUTION
Cleaning the measurement tapes
Under no circumstances may the acetone intended
for lens cleaning be used to clean the measurement
tapes. Acetone can damage the measurement tapes.
Clean the measurement tapes with the cleaning cloths in
the cleaning set only.
A
X-axis
A
Y-axis
Check the signal from the reading head optically. The intensity of the sig-
nal is indicated by a LED in various colors.
WARNING
Danger of injury by ejected parts and leaking com-
pressed air
Do not perform any assembly or dismantling work, or
unscrew or tighten any screw connections, while the
system is under pressure.
Before commencing maintenance and repair work on the
supply unit, switch off the laser cutting machine and
safeguard against switching on.
Pressure drops in the main air or the air of the beam path are monitored
by pressostats and error signals are issued via the PLC.
A Pressostat
B Activated charcoal filter
C Water trap / prefilter
D Filter
E Clean air filter
F Air filter fault indicator
The air filter issues an error message when a filter change is due (mes-
sage: Insufficient clean air). The fault activates the stop function STOP
WORK.
To be certain that a filter change really is due, check the LED display on
the air filter.
A Operating display
B Replace drying agent cartridge
C Replace post-filter
D Replace pre-filter
The exact procedure can be taken from the Ultrapac 2000 operating in-
structions in the supplier documentation folder. The filter replacement
pack is available from the laser cutting machine manufacturer.
After the drying agent cartridge has been replaced, the reset switch must
be flipped with the machine switched off (reset load cycle counter). The
reset switch is located below the LED display cover.
The Crossjet oil tank is located on the supply unit. Top up the container
when necessary.
Lubricant: MOTOREX PROWELD 264
This oil is flame retardant and therefore suitable for oil mist.
CAUTION
Fire hazard
Oil vapors can spontaneously combust in the laser beam
or on the hot surface of the workpiece.
Use only the specified oil in the correct dosage.
Further information can be taken from the safety data
sheet (see folder supplier documentation).
A
B
CAUTION
Oil tank safety valve
The safety valve is correctly adjusted during assembly.
Changing the setting is detrimental to functioning.
Do not damage or remove the seal from the safety
valve.
Don not alter the safety valve setting.
3. Open the safety valve (A) by pulling in the direction of the arrow,
and release the compressed air.
Ensure at all costs that the oil tank is depressurized (check at the
pressure gauge).
If the oil was completely used, the line must be bled after filling.
3. Press the JET key on the handheld controller until oil escapes from
the Crossjet
The cutting gas bottles can be replaced while the machine is operating
(see Chapter 8.4.10.3 ›Replacing gas bottles during operating‹).
CAUTION
Handling cutting gas bottles
Take care to work carefully and cleanly to avoid dirt en-
tering the gas line.
Secure gas bottles into position!
Always store disconnected gas bottles with the protec-
tive cap on!
WARNING
Explosion hazard
Do not oil or grease oxygen connections.
This can lead to explosion as the result of a chemical re-
action.
Never completely empty gas bottles. The bottles should always be re-
turned with a residual positive pressure of 1 atmosphere.
The correct gas quality must be adhered to when replacing cutting gas
bottles. Under no circumstances may the quality be lower than speci-
fied. See Chapter 3.12.1 ›Cutting gas quality‹).
The cutting process is stopped if the cutting gas runs out. The error
message GAS JET ERROR is issued on the screen.
The cutting process is stopped if the laser gas runs out, and the laser
excitation is switched off. The error message GAS ERROR is issued on
the screen.
Once the cause of the laser gas shortage is rectified, the pending error
message must be reset at the laser controls or on the user interface
(see Chapter 6.3.8 ›System, status and error messages‹).
A B
D D
F
E E
CAUTION
Eye injuries from flying
dirt particles
The cutting gas bottles are pressurized (200 bar).
Always wear goggles when blowing off a valve.
1. Check that the stop valve (D) of the full bottle is closed.
8. Remove the empty bottle from the cabinet and fit the protective cap.
Place the new bottle and secure.
9. Open the bottle valve on the new bottle briefly to blow out dirt from
the valve.
Check the deflecting mirror monthly, or as required, for soiling and dam-
age. Clean or replace if necessary.
CAUTION
Damage to optical components and assemblies
Optical components and assemblies are soiled or dam-
aged by improper handling.
Wear disposable gloves when cleaning, replacing or ex-
amining the optics. Keep the workplace clean.
Various mirrors, which may appear the same upon inspection, are em-
ployed on the laser cutting machine. The type and properties of the mir-
rors can only be recognized by the part number on the optical element. A
directly or indirectly cooled mirror is fitted according to design.
The adaptive optics consist primarily of the mirror and casing. These op-
tics form a unit that may only be removed complete.
8.5.1.3 Cleaning the deflective mirror and lens in the cutting head
The lens and mirror surfaces have a special coating. If this coating is dam-
aged the beam quality is reduced. Special attention must therefore be
paid to the optics when storing, cleaning and fitting.
A
D
C G
D
B
C G
A Mirror holder
B Adjusting screw (do not adjust).
C Deflecting mirror
D Coolant connection
E Cooler (indirectly cooled deflecting mirror only)
F Mirror mounting fixing screws (4).
G Mirror mounting
H Retention spring
I O-ring
J Deflecting prism
5. Remove the mirror mounting (G) from the prism and position it so
that the mirror points upwards.
6. Push the mirror from its mounting and the o-ring by pressing the
cooler (E).
7. The exposed mirror can now be gripped at the edges and removed
from the mounting.
9. Before the mirror mounting is refitted, check that the mirror holder is
absolutely clean.
10. Fit the mirror mounting in the correct position in the mirror holder
and tightly the four fixing screws uniformly.
11. When a directly cooled deflecting mirror has been replaced: Connect
coolant hoses.
13. Before the machine can begin cutting again, a test shot must be car-
ried out. This determines whether the beam deflection has been dis-
turbed.
14. Fit the z-axis alignment gauge and shoot at a cardboard piece whilst
in the adjustment position 4.
Cutting table
16. If the centricity is correct, cutting can begin. If this is not the case
the individual beam paths must be examined.
17. After replacing or cleaning deflecting mirrors, the laser beam must
be recentered in the nozzle (see Chapter 6.5.4 ›Centering the laser
beam in the nozzle‹).
D C A
4. If the adaptive optics need replacing: Remove the feed (B) and re-
turn (C) water hoses and the pressure sensor (D).
5. Remove the adaptive optics from the prism and position so that the
mirror points upwards.
7. Before the new, or cleaned, optics are refitted, check that the mirror
holder is absolutely clean.
8. Fit the mirror mounting in the correct position in the mirror holder
and tightly the four fixing screws uniformly.
9. If the adaptive optics have been replaced: Refit the feed (B) and re-
turn (C) water hoses and the pressure sensor (D). Note feed and re-
turn.
11. Before the machine can begin cutting again, a test shot must be car-
ried out. This determines whether the beam deflection has been dis-
turbed.
12. Fit the z-axis alignment gauge and shoot at a cardboard piece whilst
in the adjustment position 4 (see Chapter 8.6 ›Adjusting the beam
guidance‹).
Cutting table
14. If the centricity is correct, cutting can begin. If this is not the case
the individual beam paths must be examined (see Chapter
8.6 ›Adjusting the beam guidance‹).
15. After replacing or cleaning deflecting mirrors, the laser beam must
be recentered in the nozzle (see Chapter 6.5.4 ›Centering the laser
beam in the nozzle‹).
The characteristic curves are used to compensate for focal length varia-
tions (as a function of the beam properties) within the complete cutting
range.
The following are prerequisites for determining the characteristic curves:
The optical components and beam guidance system must be in perfect
condition
Material: Stainless steel, thickness: 3 mm
Cutting head 5"
Test part bypos_t.lcc (see Fig. 8.5-11 for workpiece drawing). The cut-
ting plan is stored on the computer.
Characteristic 1 2 3 4 5
curve points
8. Cut the same test part at characteristic curve point 5. Make any nec-
essary correction to the focus position by altering the pressure in the
characteristic curve pressure correction 5 (e.g. –0.4 bar).
A higher pressure results in a lower focus position, and vice versa.
Adjust the parameters until an optimum cut is achieved.
9. Joining these two corner points gives a straight line as the character-
istic curve. The correction values for intermediate points 2…4 are cal-
culated by interpolation and stored in the characteristic curve
pressure correction 2…4.
Characteristic 1 2 3 4 5
curve points
a) The beam length defines the position at which the test cut must be made.
Measurement unit: mm
Material: Stainless steel X5CrNi 18 9
DIN 1.4301
Thickness: 8 mm
WARNING
Destruction of a lens
Great care is required if a lens is destroyed as they con-
tain zinc selenide and thorium. No radiation can escape
from undamaged lenses. However, if a lens is heavily
scratched or thermally damaged, radioactive material
can escape into the environment. These materials can
lead to damage to health if inhaled!
Wear breathing equipment and gloves!
Avoid stirring up dust!
Materials that have been in contact with broken lens-
es or lens dust must be thoroughly cleaned with water
or disposed of as hazardous waste!
Return destroyed lenses to the laser cutting machine
manufacturer!
After cleaning, wash the hands thoroughly in running
water!
Advanced measures and safety information can be taken
from the safety data sheets in the supplier docu-
mentation!
The lens holder and the clamping ring are adapted to the lens
focal length. Take note of the engraving (5" or 7.5") when fit-
ting.
8.5.4.2 Aids
H
K
G J
L F
E
K D
C
A J I B B A
1. Place the cutting head on a clean surface (the white splash guard up-
wards).
3. Adjust the lens holder to the center of the cutting head using the
centering screws.
5. Press out the lens holder (do not hit) in the direction of the arrows
using the large diameter of the lens wrench.
6. Remove the lens holder from the cutting head with the help of the
lens wrench. Place the lens holder on a clean surface (the clamping
ring upwards).
9. Remove the nut from the lens holder using the lens wrench.
10. Carefully rotate the lens holder through 180°. If the lens is not re-
leased from the lens holder press lightly on the lens in the direction
of the arrows from above using a cotton bud.
The cleaning aids required can be found in the laser cutting machine's tool
cabinet.
The cleaning set consists of:
Article Amount
Lens polisher 50 ml
Disposable gloves
2. Place lens cleaning paper on the optics and drip 2 - 3 drops of ace-
tone on it.
3. Pull the lens cleaning paper slowly and horizontally over the mirror or
lens to avoid streaks, leaving behind a dry, clean surface.
Fig. 8.5-20 Pull lens cleaning paper over the mirror or lens
2. Ensure that all dirt particles are removed in order to avoid scratching
the surface.
3. Using a new soaked (in lens cleaner) cotton bud, perform a spiral
movement from the inside to the outside. Rotate the cotton bud
slowly and evenly
Only use light pressure and, if necessary, repeat procedure with a
new cotton bud.
4. Finally, clean the lens again with lens cleaning paper to remove any
streaks.
If cleaning with lens cleaning paper and acetone or cotton buds does not
produce a satisfactory result, lens polisher may be used.
1. Place some polisher on a cotton wool pad and clean the lens from the
inside to the outside using a spiral motion.
4. Clean the lens with lens cleaning paper and acetone. No residue
should be visible.
Place the clamping ring (B) with the o-ring (A) the correct way up on
a clean surface.
B
A
2. Place the lens (C) with the convex side up on the o-ring.
3. Position the clamping ring (B) with the lens (C) on the large diameter
(D) of the lens wrench.
Fig. 8.5-24 Clamping ring and lens positioned on the lens wrench
4. Place the lens holder (E) over the prepared pack and press to the
stop. Then rotate the lens holder through 180° and remove the lens
wrench.
Fig. 8.5-25 Clamping ring and lens positioned in the lens holder
5. Hold the lens holder (E) with one hand. Using the other hand, screw
in the nut (F) and tighten evenly with the lens wrench.
With the correct prestressing of the clamping ring the four slits in the
center are closed.
6. Using the lens wrench, fit the finished lens holder into the cutting
head.
7. Refit the inside pipe on the 7.5" cutting head. Examine the two o-
rings for damage and replace if necessary.
The following points must be observed:
z The lower o-ring must be correctly positioned in the groove
z The inside pipe must be flush with the casing
z The pin in the inside pipe must fit into the hole provided in the
cover
8. Lay the cover on the cutting head and secure with the four fixing
screws.
9. Fit the cutting head into the z-axis and center the laser beam in the
cutting nozzle (see Chapter 6.5.4 ›Centering the laser beam in the
nozzle‹).
In the cutting head, the beam must be central and exit perpendicular to
the nozzle aperture at every point of the machining area.
The tolerance for the deviation of the image from the crosshairs or the
center of the cardboard or plaster plate is ±0.5 mm.
8.6.2 Scope
The adjustment options are the same for all deflecting mirrors (flat mirror
or adaptive optics).
By turning the adjusting screw (C) or (D) clockwise (cw), the mirror is
displaced towards the deflecting prism.
By turning the adjusting screw (C) or (D) counter-clockwise (cw), the
mirror is displaced away from the deflecting prism.
D
B
A
A
A The four screws serve to loosen or tighten the clamping ring, which
fixes the mirror in the prism.
B Pivot point when adjusting by means of the adjusting screws (C)
and (D). Do not disturb the screw (B)!
C Adjusting screw for adjusting the laser beam in the vertical plane.
Screws (B) and (D) form the axis of rotation here and may not be
disturbed.
D Adjusting screw for adjusting the laser beam in the horizontal
plane. Screws (B) and (C) form the axis of rotation here and may
not be disturbed.
Using these instructions, the following deflecting mirrors on the laser cut-
ting machine can be adjusted.
Using the alignment gauge, check that the laser beam impinges on the
center of the mirror surface. One mirror at a time is replaced by the align-
ment gauge respectively.
The previous mirror angle is adjusted in the horizontal or vertical direction
by means of the adjusting screw. A cardboard piece is pushed into the
alignment gauge and a single pulse initiated using the handheld controller.
The laser beam is visible as a burn in the cardboard piece. A cross-hair is
visible on the burn, showing the position of the laser beam.
CAUTION
Fire hazard
If the burn is more than 2 mm from the center, there is
a hazard of fire in the bellows.
The following protective and auxiliary devices are utilized for adjustment.
Object Description
Alignment gauge
Adapter ring
Bracket
Protective cap
Object Description
Cardboard pieces
DANGER
Invisible laser beams (laser class 4)
Manipulation by third-parties can open the shutter, al-
lowing the laser beam to escape.
before the alignment gauge is installed the shutter must
be locked.
Open safety door
Turn the key-operated switch on the laser to the
LOCK position
Remove the key
A B
1. Remove the mirror holder and pull out of the mirror mounting. Check
mirror for soiling and clean if necessary. Let the removed mirror
hang down.
3. Fix the alignment gauge (A) with two screws (B) to the mirror
mounting (without adapter).
G H
A D B F
1. Unscrew and remove the screws (A) on the mirror mounting (4).
2. Fix the mirror mounting (A) with the screw (B) to the bracket (C).
3. Fix the bracket (C) with the two knurled screws (E) to the cutting
bridge.
5. Fix the alignment gauge (G) with the three screws (H) to the mirror
holder (F).
E
B
A D
1. Unscrew and remove the screws (A) on the mirror mounting (4).
3. Fix the mirror mounting (A) with the screw (B) to the bracket (C).
4. Fix the alignment gauge (F) to the mirror holder (E) with the three
screws (G).
Remove the cutting head and install the z-axis alignment gauge.
4. Turn the key-operated switch on the laser to the LOCK position. Re-
move the key.
10. Press the PULSE key on the handheld controller for 2 secs.
12. Turn the key-operated switch on the laser to the LOCK position. Re-
move the key.
14. Check the burn. If the cardboard piece is penetrated, reduce the val-
ues for Pulse width, single pulse and Laser power single pulse
slightly.
The burn is optimal if it can be easily felt with a finger.
15. The laser beam must enter the center of the crossed hairs in the
alignment gauge with a tolerance of ±0.5 mm.
If the position of the laser beam lies outside of the permissible toler-
ance, the optics must be readjusted.
16. Checking the beam quality. The burn must be round, without shadow
and in focus.
Cutting table
No. Coordinate
3. Adjust the telescope deflecting mirror until the laser beam is in the
center of the cross-hairs.
3. Adjust the bridge deflecting mirror until the laser beam is in the cen-
ter of the cross-hairs.
5. Adjust the bridge deflecting mirror until the laser beam is in the cen-
ter of the cross-hairs.
6. Move to the following four cutting head positions and check the re-
spective position of the laser beam on the cardboard piece.
If the laser beam is more than ±0.5 mm from the center of the
cross-hairs at one or more points, all mirrors must be readjusted.
8. If the laser beam is within the tolerance in all four points, the cleaned
z-axis deflecting mirror can be fitted.
2. Switch off the TOOL key on the handheld controller (LED goes out).
The capacitive sensing is switched off.
4. Adjust the z-axis deflecting mirror until the laser beam is in the cen-
ter of the cross-hairs.
After adjusting the optics the laser beam must be centered in the nozzle
(see Chapter 6.5.4 ›Centering the laser beam in the nozzle‹).
8.7 Repair
The sensor is positioned by the pin (A) and fixed by the fixing screw (C).
If the sensor breaks the pin, the fixing screw or both are broken.
C B
A Pin
B Sensing ring
C Fixing screw with rupture joint
1. Using the STOP key on the handheld controller, interrupt the current
sequence.
2. Raise the cutting head using the handheld controller and move it to
the service position.
4. Place the sensor and spare parts ready on a clean table surface.
D D
D E D
6. Pull the carriage (F) completely forwards and depressurize the pneu-
matic cylinder by pressing on the valves (G) and (H).
This is most simply done by pressing briefly with an allen key on the
tip of the coupling.
G H
7. Unscrew the screw of the spherical head (I) from the potentiometer
and push this right back.
8. Unscrew the four screws (J) holding the head on the carriage.
I J
9. Unscrew the four countersunk screws for the cover plate (K).
10. The broken section of the pin or the fixing screw can now be pushed
or screwed out.
11. Replace the head on the carriage and fix with the screws. Then re-
place the spherical head and the head covers.
12. Once the covers are fitted, the sensor can be tightened and the tac-
tile sensing ne mounted on the z-axis again.
14. Reference the axes. Select the HAND view on the user interface,
press the Reference switch and start the function by pressing the
CONT key on the handheld controller.
15. Reference the tactile sensing See Chapter 6.5.5 ›Tactile sensing (op-
tional)‹).
Chapter 9
9 Decommissioning
Chapter 10
This chapter is not in the operating instructions. All tasks concerning the
packing and transport of the product are carried out by the manufacturer's
personnel.
Chapter 11
11 Disposal
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Disposal
11.2.1 Packing
Chapter 12
12 Cutting technology
This chapter informs about the fundamentals of cutting with the laser cut-
ting machine. Furthermore, it contains information on special applications,
material coatings and alloys.
12.1 General
This chapter describes the laser cutting technology and numerous further
influence factors which play a role in the manufacturing process. These in-
clude:
The design options and limits
The influence of work methods and procedures
The effects of influence factors and parameters on the cutting result
The influence of programming
Regulations, advantages and hints
When designing the parts to be cut the following guidelines should be ob-
served. This contributes to a substantial simplification of the manufactur-
ing process.
The width of the cutting gap is a function of the focal length and the sheet
thickness. The width cannot be altered. However, using the tool radius
cutting parameter, it can be compensated (to guarantee dimensional ac-
curacy).
Sheet thickness 1 3 5 8 12 15 20
in [mm]
The cutting gap is always slightly conical in laser cutting, wider at the top
than at the bottom. Per 10 mm of sheet thickness, the cut edges are
approx. 0.1 mm conical.
The roughness of the cut edges increases with increasing material thick-
ness.
Generally, the roughness values of the ISO tolerance class 2 are
reached for laser cutting.
An exception to this is the plasma cut in stainless steel (thickness 15 -
20 mm). See Chapter 12.7.7 ›Plasma cut‹).
The roughness and the visual impression of the cut edges can easily be
altered in the cutting parameters.
The following diagrams (Fig. 12.2-2, Fig. 12.2-3 and Fig. 12.2-4) show
a simple summary, which can also be transferred, with limitations, to
other laser tasks. For more precise information, measurements must be
carried out on the respective workpiece.
Fig. 12.2-2 Guide values for stainless steel with Laser 4400
B 3
Roughness Rz in [µm]
3
Roughness Rz in [µm]
B
2
3
Roughness Rz in [µm]
Contours and corners should be rounded on all sheet types. This offers the
following advantages:
Shorter production times
Higher process reliability
Lower injury hazard
Optically better
-4 5-8 10 - 12 15 - 18 20 25
The radii can be much greater than the minimum values in the table. If
the design does not allow for a radius, the corner can remain pointed. Ra-
dii smaller than 0.8 mm are more difficult to manufacture than pointed
corners. Bysoft supports the rounding of corners very simply.
Production with common cut edges is primarily suitable for all strip-
shaped parts from 500 mm long upwards. This can, in some cases, drasti-
cally reduce manufacturing time and minimize sheet waste.
Various parts can be nested within each other so that they can all be man-
ufactured with common separating cuts.
Bysoft supports this procedure with simple functions.
A hole for hanging the workpiece can be of great assistance when paint-
ing. Care should taken these holes are made at the edge of the workpiece,
so that hooks can be easily used.
On the faces of sheets, deformation of the edges can occur due to com-
pression of the material during bending. A corner relief must therefore be
manufactured when:
The face needs to lie flat
A sheet is placed in a slot which is bent
r t
12.2.10 Cut-outs
For opposing limbs, a relief is used in the corner. Radius r = sheet thick-
ness
r
For offset limbs, a relief is used in the corner. Radius r = sheet thickness
Incisions for brackets are drawn as continuous lines with the correspond-
ing gap width. This ensures simple manufacture.
The bracket width should not be less than 50 mm. Gap width x = sheet
thickness
50 x
Holes and slots located too close to the bent edge are deformed during
bending. If the minimum limb length cannot be achieved even with a
smaller matrix, a relief cut must be made.
a Relief cut
b Bend edge
Correct Incorrect
1.5 x s
12.2.14 Connectors
Aligning, centering and tacking can be saved during welding by using con-
nectors. A welding gauge can also be dispensed with.
Ensure that the connector is manufactured with approx. 0.5 mm play, so
that individual parts can be easily fitted together.
Examples
Marking is carried out using the engrave function. This is a simple way to
add part numbers, positioning aids and the such like to the parts in the
same work sequence as the laser cutting (also see Chapter
12.7.8 ›Engraving‹).
Examples
Laser engraved
Laser engraved
When cutting steel very high temperatures occur in the cut sheet. This is
caused by
the laser beam
The carbon (C) in the material, which supports the melting process
The cutting gas (O2), which supports melting
Further alloy constituents in the sheet
The heat input and heat development are thus physical processes.
The heat input can become so large that the cutting quality deteriorates
until the weld metal is no longer blown out. The cut parts are then use-
less.
These problems arise with various material thicknesses, part sizes, tem-
plates and laser types.
These cutting instructions are intended to indicate possible cutting prob-
lems in advance, and to demonstrate the possibilities and impossibilities.
This requires the following definitions.
When cutting materials in the limit thickness range, the following points
are decisive in achieving results at a constant quality:
Material and gas quality
Condition of the optics and the machine
Overall constancy of the laser system
Limit thicknesses are material thicknesses which approach the limits that
the laser can cut. All values below the limit thickness are normal thick-
nesses.
Taking the information in this chapter into consideration, the following
maximum limit thicknesses can be cut on the laser cutting machine in ac-
cordance with Tab. 12.3-1 and Tab. 12.3-2.
Tab. 12.3-1 Max. sheet thickness with regard to material and laser employed
Material Laser
Structural steel 15 mm 20 mm 20 mm 25 mm 25 mm
Stainless steel 8 mm 10 mm 12 mm 20 mm 20 mm
Aluminum 6 mm 8 mm 10 mm 12 mm 12 mm
Tab. 12.3-2 Smallest cuttable bore with regard to material and laser employed
Material Laser
T = sheet thickness
The area of a geometric part is defined on the basis of the following crite-
ria:
Part area A = Area within a closed outer contour. Bores, slots and
opening are subtracted.
A A
A
A
A Web width
B Minimum web width
The minimum distance between two parts is known as the part separation.
Initial cuts outside of the contour are integral to the part.
Y
X
The same rules and definitions apply for this field as for the corresponding
individual part.
The tables are based on DIN 2310 Thermal cutting and have been sup-
plemented for laser cutting machines.
The given tolerances are empirical values for laser flame cutting and laser
fusion cutting.
The following conditions must be met in order to achieve the above toler-
ances for all parts:
Optimized cutting results, in particular tool compensation (generally the
default parameters)
When measuring parts, the evenness must be identical to the cutting
situation.
The residual stress of the sheet is not taken into consideration in the ta-
bles. Warping has a negative effect on the results.
The roughness must not influence the measurement.
Laser cutting
Laser
plasma cutting
During fusion cutting the workpiece is melted locally and the smelt ejected
by means of gas flow (nitrogen, N2). Material transport takes place exclu-
sively in the liquid phase; this why it is known as laser fusion cutting.
Characteristics:
A very pure, inert cutting gas is supplied to the laser beam, which ejects
the melted material from the cutting gap, but does not itself participate in
the cutting process.
Laser fusion cutting is suitable for manufacturing oxide-free cuts in fer-
rous materials.
Plasma cutting falls into the laser fusion cutting category. By altering the
cutting parameters, a bright light (similar to an arc) can be generated.
Using this method it is possible to cut faster up to sheet thicknesses of
1.5 mm and to cut sheet thicknesses which would not otherwise be possi-
ble (stainless steel, 15 - 20 mm thick).
Characteristics:
Bright light in the cutting gap during cutting.
Laser flame cutting is differentiated from laser fusion cutting by the use of
oxygen as cutting gas. The interaction of the oxygen with the warmed
metal causes a reaction which results in a further warming of the material.
Because of this effect speeds can be achieved when cutting structural
steel which are much greater than for fusion cutting in sheet thicknesses
up to approx. 6 mm.
Characteristics:
However, this procedure can lead to a reduction in the cut quality com-
pared to fusion cutting. The results can be wider cuts, increased rough-
ness, deeper heat-affected zones and lower quality of the cut edges. The
cut edge oxidizes heavily.
Flame cutting is critical when cutting fine contours and acute angled ge-
ometries (burn-off hazard). However, in pulse mode, the heat input can
be limited.
Process parame-
ters of
The zone in which this process occurs is known as the cutting front or cut
front. The laser power acting at the cutting front must heat the material to
the temperature required for phase transition of the material to smelt and
vapor.
The cutting front is an almost vertical face, which warmed and melted by
the absorbed laser beam.
During laser flame cutting, this smelt zone is further heated by the oxy-
gen entering the cut and reaches temperatures approaching the boiling
point of the materials. This causes strong vaporization, leading to abla-
tion of the material. Simultaneously, the cutting gas ejects molten ma-
terial from the underside of the workpiece.
During laser fusion cutting, the gas ejects the molten material and pro-
tects the cut from oxidation.
The melted zone advances in the direction of the cut. This results in the
continuous cut.
Many of the processes that play an important role in laser cutting take
place in this zone. An analysis of these processes allows important state-
ments on laser cutting. The cutting speed, for instance, can be estimated
and the formation of characteristic striations be explained.
Gas type
Gas purity
Gas pressure
Nozzle diameter
Nozzle geometry
The gas pressure and the nozzle geometry influence the cut edge rough-
ness and the beading.
Cutting gas consumption depends on the nozzle diameter and the gas
pressure.
The gas pressure for cutting applications in the low pressure range is up
to 5 bar and up to 20 bar in the high pressure range.
The conventional cutting nozzle has a circular, conical orifice.
The distance between the nozzle orifice and the workpiece surface must
be as small as possible. The smaller this distance, the greater is the
proportion of the gas flow that actually enters the cut. Usual are dis-
tances of 0.5 - 1.5 mm.
12.5 Programming
Steel : Material
O2 : Cutting gas (oxygen)
(52) : Laser power (5,200 W)
The following tables (Tab. 12.5-1 - Tab. 12.5-3) demonstrate how the
optimum initial cuts and technologies are automatically selected by the
technology wizard for the same part, but with a different material and
sheet thickness.
8
ø14 8
60
Hole 8 mm
Cutting Pulsed
Outer contour
Cutting CW
Cutting CW
Hole 8 mm
Outer contour
Cutting CW
Piercing CW
Cutting CW
Hole 8 mm
Piercing CW
Cutting CW
Outer contour
Piercing CW
Cutting CW
12.5.1.2 Adaptations
12.5.1.3 Peculiarities
When using the process macro Scanning, the technology wizard must re-
main inactivated.
For structural steel (cut using oxygen, O2), the CPP piercing type is gen-
erally programmed for the Bylaser 5200. If Lead in is to be used, the
technology wizard must remain inactivated or be adapted.
If Bysoft is not employed for programming, the initial cuts must be ac-
cordingly defined. The following table contains base values from which
Bysoft selects the initial cuts. However, the technology wizard specifies
and optimizes the initial cuts much more precisely.
Cutting gas
Piercing
2.0 - 3.0 mm O 5 mm
2
4.0 - 8.0 mm O 8 mm
CW
Steel
10.0 - 15.0 mm O 12 mm 1 mm
2
21.0 - 25.0 mm O 25 mm 3 mm
2
1.0 - 1.5 mm O 3 mm
2
2.0 - 3.0 mm O 3 mm
2
Pulsed
Steel
4.0 - 8.0 mm O 4 mm
2
10.0 - 15.0 mm O 5 mm
2
16.0 - 20.0 mm O 8 mm
2
2.0 - 3.0 mm N2 5 mm 1 mm
Cutting gas
Piercing
Directly Initial cut Length Radius
on length
Contour
2.0 - 3.0 mm 5 mm
steel
10.0 - 12.0 mm 12 mm 2 mm
2.0 - 3.0 mm N2 5 mm
8.0 - 12.0 mm N2 10 mm
A Piercing technology. This is usually the same as the initial cut tech-
nology. If the initial cut is pulsed, piercing is also pulsed.
B Technology on the initial cut. This is not programmed in Bysoft but
is determined by the cutting parameters.
In many cases the technology is the same as the subsequent tech-
nology on the contour. But it can also be consciously different,
such as for lead in.
C Technology on the contour. This depends on the are of the part to
be cut (see Tab. 12.5-5).
Material
1.5 x T < D ≤ 3 x T
Thickness T in
0.8 x T < D ≤ T
T < D ≤ 1.5 x T
[mm]
Cutting gas
D ≤ 0.8 x T
D>3xT
1.0 - 1.5 O2 Pulsed Pulsed Pulsed CW CW
D = hole diameter
T
T = sheet thickness
Material
1.5 x T < D ≤ 3 x T
Thickness T in
T < D ≤ 1.5 x T
[mm]
Cutting gas
D > 3xT
D≤T
1.0 - 3.0 N2 CW CW CW CW
Steel
1.0 - 3.0 N2 CW CW CW CW
Stainless
macro 1
1.0 - 3.0 N2 CW CW CW CW
Aluminum
D = hole diameter
T
T = sheet thickness
The initial cuts should always achieve the length envisaged for them and
must be correspondingly placed.
The sheet is very strongly heated during piercing. Careful positioning of
piercing points and adequate length of initial cuts can help prevent heat
build-up.
If using the Laser 4400 or 5200 ARC, there is an additional function avail-
able, the CPP (Controlled Pulsed Piercing). This reduces the heat input
greatly when piercing. See Chapter 12.7.10.2 ›CPP (Controlled Pulsed
Piercing)‹).
At the limit thickness a radius initial cut is unavoidable for a uniform cut-
ting process.
The pierce hole is generally located outside of the contour (see Fig. 2 and
Fig. 3). The connecting line between the pierce and the contour is known
as the initial cutting pane or initial cut for short.
A change in direction of the laser beam between the end of the initial cut
and the contour, and the end of a cut, are recognized on the workpiece as
an irregularity in the cut edge.
Various initial cut types can be employed within a part. This allows an
acute corner (A), for example, to be cut optimally.
For small inner contours it is important that the heat input from piercing
can flow away before continuing. The initial cutting pane may not be pro-
grammed in tight corners and should be designed with the largest possible
angle to the contour. The allows heat to flow away better.
unsuitable suitable
Tab. 12.5-8 Minimum radii for outer and inner contours in [mm]
-4 5-8 10 - 12 15 - 18 20 25
12.6.1 General
A Text Engraving
B Bore ø 4 mm Piercing pulsed, cutting pulsed
C Banana hole Piercing CW, cutting with process macro 1
D Gear teeth Piercing CW, cutting with process macro 1
E Outer contour Piercing CW, cutting CW
eters should need editing. Below are some examples of how to quickly and
purposefully achieve the optimum results.
Nozzle type
The adaptations are only valid for simple contours such as straight lines.
Alloy differences
Tolerance deviations in sheet thickness
Varying surface finish qualities
Varying material composition
Large temperature differences of the materials used
(reference temperature = +20°C)
Before a new material is cut, a cutting test must be carried out. If prob-
lems with the cutting quality occur in this test, they can be rectified by
adapting the original cutting parameter.
To facilitate the adaptation of cutting plans, cutting plans are stored on
the computer in the Acceptance folder, for the respective laser type. Use
the Ab_gross.lcc cutting plan for the test. This takes all four cuts in x-
and y-direction into consideration.
The following sequence for optimizing the cutting quality should be ad-
hered to:
1. Load the shuttle table with the material for cutting and move it to the
machining position.
2. Select the WORK – Job list view on the user interface, create the
cutting job and assign the desired cutting parameters (see Chapter 6
›Operating‹).
z Cutting plan Ab_gross.lcc or Ab_klein.lcc
z Cutting parameters based on the material for cutting
3. Assess cutting quality on the basis of the part with insufficient cut
quality. The assessment is based on the information given in this
chapter.
The further procedure for cutting optimization can be derived from
the possible causes and their remedies listed here. If a number of
options are given, the following sequence should be adhered to.
5. Repeat the cutting test with the edited parameters until a good cut
result is achieved.
6. Save the edited cutting parameters under a new file name (function:
Save as).
The edited parameters can be saved respectively with a new material
designation or new supplementary information.
The focal position is the position of the point where the laser beam reach-
es its smallest diameter and thus its highest power density.
The laser beam is focused by the lens in the cutting head. Depending on
the material being cut, the focal point is located:
On the workpiece (A)
In the workpiece (B)
Below the workpiece (C)
Com- Flame and fusion cutting Focal position in the center of the
pressed air material to be cut.
Focal position B
a) Information on the laser cutting methods can be found in Chapter 12.4 ›The laser cut-
ting process‹.
2. Select the Cutting focal position parameter and enter a new value.
Input is in [mm].
A higher value displaces the focal position downwards. A lower value
displaces the focal position upwards. The value 0 corresponds to the
material surface (A).
The focal position alters with the condition of the lens. Soiling or an old
lens displace the focal position upwards. This displacement can be up to
several millimeters, depending on the age or the degree of soiling. It is
therefore important to clean the lens regularly.
This parameter defines the laser power during cutting in continuous oper-
ation (CW).
2. Select the Laser power cutting parameter and enter a new value.
Input is in [W].
Parameter Use
Gas cutting pressure gas Cutting with O2. Maximum gas pressure to
type 1 10 bar.
Gas cutting pressure gas Cutting with N2. Maximum gas pressure to
type 2 24 bar.
2. Select the appropriate parameter for the gas pressure (gas type 1 or
gas type 2) and enter a new value. Input is in [bar].
For oxygen (O2), a higher value produces a higher cutting tempera-
ture and a rougher cut surface. For nitrogen (N2), the material is
ejected better and cooled more.
This parameter defines the feed rate during cutting in continuous opera-
tion (CW).
The cutting feed rate is not a fixed quantity, but should be seen as a
range. The Feed cutting saved in the cutting parameter corresponds to
approx. 90% of the maximum cutting speed.
Example:
2. Select the cutting feed rate parameter and enter a new value. In-
put is in [mm/min].
By reducing the feed rate by 10 - 20% the quality or process reliability can
be greatly improved in almost all cases.
This parameter defines the distance of the nozzle from the surface of the
workpiece during cutting.
When altering the Beam diameter cutting parameter, the focal position
is also altered. The interaction of beam diameter and focal position can
lead to the focal positions no longer taking up their previous positions.
When determining the cutting parameters, they were based on an as-
sumed focal position for steel of 0 (focal point on the material surface).
The other focal positions are acquired from the optimum beam diameter
and the thickness.
4. Focal position required to position the focal point on the material sur-
face again for the altered beam diameter:
Focal position: -1 mm
This material can be cut to good quality with oxygen. The laser is used in
CW mode.
If oxygen is used as the cutting gas the cut edge is slightly oxidized. The
high pressure cutting method can be utilized for sheet thicknesses up to
6 mm, employing nitrogen as the cutting gas. In this case, the cut edges
are oxide-free.
Complex contours and holes (diameter smaller than material thickness)
are cut in pulse mode. This prevents burn-off on acute-angled corners and
thin webs.
The greater the carbon content of the steel, the greater the hardening
of the cut edge and the more that acute-angled corners are burned off.
Sheets with higher proportions of alloy are more difficult to cut than
those with lower proportions.
An oxidized or sand-blasted surface will produce a far poorer cut quali-
ty.
Color markings on the sheet surface have a negative effect on the cut-
ting result.
Upwards of 12 mm sheet thickness, good results are achieved with la-
ser sheet (e.g. Raex) and an oiled surface. This oil film reduces the ad-
hesion of the slag on the surface and assists cooling considerably. The
oil film is not detrimental to the cutting result.
Use only fully killed steel where possible. Impurities in unskilled steel
have are highly detrimental to the cutting result. Dressing rollers and
inner stress also influence the cuttability.
When using S235, poorer cutting results are achieved, because it tends to
sag and burr due to the viscous slag.
The following guidelines should observed for cutting structural steel with a
clean surface:
General notes
The serrated grid must be used for thick sheets. For critical parts, it may
be possible to raise it from the support grid using supports.
Separation a of the individual parts in the cutting plan:
12.7.2.2 Piercing
Use the BYSOFT programming software Bywork module to specify the se-
quence of piercing thick sheet with numerous pierces (etching):
All pierces are processed before cutting the contours. Heat input to the
workpiece is greatly reduced and distributed more evenly.
For etching, for example, a cutting head with an older lens can also be
used. It is important that a cutting head with an intact lens must be
used to cut the contours!
After completion of the etching program, clean away any splashes from
the sheet. Only then can machining be continued.
12.7.2.3 Cutting
Take care to ensure that the sheet temperature does not exceed 40° oth-
erwise the cut edges may sag away.
In order to cut such parts with the necessary process reliability in produc-
tion, the following guidelines must be observed:
All acute angled contours must be given a radius.
Smallest openings (holes, slots) 1.2 - 1.5 x sheet thickness.
Minimum web width 1.2 - 1.5 x sheet thickness.
Minimum part separation 1.0 - 1.5 x sheet thickness, but at least
10 mm, in order to ensure reliable capacitive sensing.
Initial cut length 1 x sheet thickness, but at least 10 mm.
Careful programming (cutting sequence in DIN part) in order to ensure
optimum heat distribution within the part.
Well considered nesting (cutting sequence of individual parts in the cut-
ting plan). This ensures good distribution of heat within the cutting
plan.
12.7.2.5 Examples
4 2 6
1 5 3
The complete cutting plan is divided into two new cutting plans. In the
first plan, only every second part is cut (1st cut).
Now the cutting must be interrupted, until the temperature of the plate
has fallen below 40ºC. Then the remaining parts can be cut (2nd cut).
Same procedure as for two passes, but now every third part is cut on the
first pass (1st cut).
Now the cutting must be interrupted, until the temperature of the plate
has fallen below 40ºC. Only then can the second group of parts be cut
(2nd cut).
The third cut is cut in analogy to the second cut.
3rd step
These are mainly small parts at the limit thickness. However, special ge-
ometries at normal thickness can also present cutting problems.
Example:
Structural steel is also cut using nitrogen (N2) for the following reasons:
Oxide-free cut edge. This should be aimed for particularly if the parts
are to be powder coated, varnished or painted. This guarantees that the
coating adheres to the cut edge. This is not guaranteed on an oxidized
cut edge with oxygen (O2).
Problem-free cutting of high-alloy steels, which cannot be cut at good
quality using oxygen.
Higher cutting speeds. Solids can be cut faster up to a thickness of
1.5 mm (also see Chapter 12.7.7 ›Plasma cut‹).
Reducing the heat input.
Fig. 12.7-10 Example: Gear teeth in structural steel, thickness 3 mm, cut using nitrogen
Optimum cut quality due to strong cooling effect of nitrogen. The produc-
tion time is only ¼ of the pulsed time using nitrogen.
During pulsed cutting the laser is switched on and off at short intervals.
The advantage of this is that, on average, there is less heat input to the
material. This allows small bores and openings, as well as complex con-
tours, to be cut with improved quality.
Because the cutting and piercing process is interrupted in the pulse pause,
the cutting and piercing speed is slower than for continuous CW cutting
and piercing.
A
B C D
Holes and openings smaller than sheet thickness, e.g. a hole with
ø5 mm in a steel sheet, thickness 10 mm
Cutting points and corners without radii
Gas pressure pulse piercing 2 bar, for nozzle diameters over 2.5 mm 1 bar
[bar] is also permissible
Focal length 10 - 25 Hz
7.5":
Final pulse frequency pierc- Focal length 150 - 300 Hz (always higher
ing [Hz] 5.0": than the initial pulse fre-
quency)
Laser power piercing [W] Approximately the same or higher than normal
piercing power
Pulse mode feed rate Normal feed rate divided by the factor 10 (limit
[mm/min] thickness 20 mm)
Laser power cutting [W] Higher than laser power for continuous cutting
Tool radius, pulse mode [s] To start, the same as for continuous cutting,
adapt later
Beside normal pulsed applications such as small bores, there are more ex-
otic applications, for example gears or ultra-precise webs. However, these
applications are very rare in the production of laser parts and are of corre-
spondingly little importance.
Examples:
Default Edited
3. In order to stop the piercing time becoming too ling due to step 2,
the laser power can be increased at the same time.
Whether or not contours are cut pulsed or are pierced can be determined
in two ways:
Automatically with the technology wizard. This contains the two most
important rules for machine which method is used to cut contours. It
also has the advantage of shortening the programming time.
Manually, the programmer selects the individual contours based on his
own experience cutting on the machine.
If only portions of the contour are cut pulsed, e.g. the teeth in the follow-
ing figures, the programming must be carried out so that there as few
changeover points as possible (A).
unsuitable suitable
B B
A
A A
B B
C C
A
C C
A A A A
B B B B
A Changeover point
B CW cutting
C Pulsed cutting
Special parameters
The modulation is switched off for pulsed cutting.
Handheld controller
At low speeds the manual cut with display differences compared to a nor-
mal pulsed cut. In manual mode only feed rates with increments of
133 mm/min are considered. This means that the smallest possible feed
rate is 133 mm/min, then 266 mm/min, etc.
Cut assessment
The second half of the cut edge often displays a brownish coloring. This
coloring is rust. The oxidation is generated in the pulse pause by the oxy-
gen cooling (see Fig. 12.12-4).
Burning
If burning occurs at the end of the cut, setting a microweb or program-
ming an end pane outside the contour may help to alleviate this.
Material Remark
Copper and brass may only be cut if a suitable device for ab-
sorbing reflections is installed on the laser cutting machine.
Reflections can otherwise destroy the optical elements.
Material Remark
Checker plate Can be easily cut. Checkers always down and adapt
the cutting parameters to maximum thickness.
WARNING
Toxic vapors
The vapors given off during combustion are highly toxic.
They cannot be completely removed by the extraction
system.
Plastics may not be cut on laser cutting machines!
Material Remark
Wood, leather, card- Wood, leather, cardboard and paper can be cut with
board, paper the laser. The cut edge is carbonized (brown color-
ing). See Fig. 12.12-46
The higher the feed rate, the lower the carbonization.
A clean cut cannot be guaranteed for glued wood as
the adhesive layer disintegrates differently depending
on the type of adhesive. Observe safety instructions!
WARNING
Fire hazard
Cutting organic material presents a fire hazard
Nitrogen must be used as cutting gas.
Material Remark
Ceramics, tiles, Ceramics or brittle materials are not suitable for cut-
glass ting with laser. The heat input bursts the material.
The following cutting parameters are different for the plasma cut, com-
pared to the normal cut.
Tab. 12.7-6 Cutting parameters for plasma cut compared to normal cut
Feed rate Much higher (30 - 50%) Much higher (20 - 40%)
The operator decides whether the normal cut or the plasma cut is used.
The very high cutting speeds used in the plasma cut in sheets up to
1.5 mm thick can only be properly utilized on Byspeed machines.
On Bystar machines, the cutting speed cannot be achieved on parts small-
er than 500 x 500 mm. The acceleration is too small. No parameters have
therefore been saved for plasma cutting in sheets less than 1.5 mm thick.
Tab. 12.7-7 Cutting parameters for plasma cutting (machine type: Byspeed)
Tab. 12.7-8 Cutting parameters for plasma cutting (machine type: Bystar)
Structural steel No No No
1 mm / 1.5 mm
Cutting gas N2
Stainless steel No No No
1 mm / 1.5 mm
Cutting gas N2
Aluminum No No No
1 mm / 1.5 mm
Cutting gas N2
The plasma cut can also be used on material thicknesses and material
types other than those in Tab. 12.7-7 and Tab. 12.7-8, e.g.:
Stainless steel, 0.8 mm thick with film
Electroplated steel plate, 0.75 mm thick,
etc.
The cutting parameters for these custom sheets must be determined by
the operator.
Cutting parameters for custom sheets can be most quickly determined if
the stored default parameters for the plasma cut are used as the basis.
Example:
For electroplated steel plate 0.75 mm thick, the cutting parameters for
steel plate 1 mm thick are used to start, (e.g. 10332r10.z5n) and the feed
rate, laser power, gas pressure, focal position, etc. are optimized.
Fig. 12.7-21 Example of cut edges, cut with Bylaser 5200 ARC
The initial cut types differ according to sheet thickness and la-
ser power.
Tab. 12.7-9 Initial cut in stainless steel, 15 / 20 mm thick, for Bylaser 5200 ARC
It is possible to program into Bysoft how to cut which part sections. In the
example in Fig. 12.7-22, for example, the two long straights (A) can be
cut with the plasma cut (CW).
All other sections, including the inner contour, are cut with the normal cut
(process macro 1). These optimizations are worthwhile for high part num-
bers in particular.
Steel disk, 1 mm thick, cutting gas nitrogen N2 with Bylaser 5200 ARC
Plasma cut:
Feed rate = 19 m/min
Cutting time = 15 s
Use of the plasma cut in the thin sheet range up to 1.5 mm is worthwhile
primarily for large contours with few changes in direction.
Fig. 12.7-24 Comparison of cutting speeds for structural steel, cutting gas nitrogen N2
(machine type: Byspeed with Bylaser 5200 ARC)
Sheet thickness in
[mm]
A Plasma cut
B Normal cut
The diagram clearly shows that cutting is faster with the plasma cut and
up to 1.5 mm sheet thickness and production therefore more cost-effi-
cient.
The graphics also apply in principal for other materials, e.g. stainless steel
with film or galvanized sheets.
12.7.8 Engraving
12.7.8.1 General
The depth and quality of the engraving is determined on the one hand by
the specified parameters and on the other hand by the sheet surface.
Moreover, each person judges the quality of an engraving differently. The
stored parameters should therefore be seen as guide values. Optimum en-
gravings can be generated with this as the basis.
Starting on the first geometry element of the initial cut (A) using the cut-
ting parameters in process macro 2 substantially improves process reli-
ability. In many cases this means that special piercing in thick sheets can
be dispensed with (see Chapter 12.7.10.8 ›Special piercing in thick
sheets‹). This simplifies programming and reduces the piercing time.
Steel 25 mm 25 mm
Stainless steel 15 - 20 mm 15 - 20 mm
Aluminum 8 - 12 mm 8 - 12 mm
In the following example, the individual sections are cut using different
technologies (process macro 1, process macro 2 and CW).
C A C
A A
B
C A C
The part can thus be cut in top quality and in a very short time.
However, such optimizations are generally only worthwhile in
series.
Piercing method
Special piercing
Without monitoring
pulsed piercing
Pre-cutting
Normal CW
piercing
Lead in
Lead in
Piercing
CPP
2,200 Steel, 1 - 15 mm Not possible All materials /thick- Not possible When required No application
nesses Steel, 12 - 15 mm
3,000 Steel, 1 - 20 mm Not possible All materials /thick- Not possible When required When required
nesses Steel, 15 - 20 mm Steel, 20 mm
4000 Steel, 1 - 20 mm Not possible All materials /thick- Machine type: Bystar When required When required
Stainless steel, nesses except steel, 1 - 6 mm Steel, 15 - 20 mm Steel, 20 mm
15 mm stainless steel,
15 mm
4400 No application as Steel, 1 - 25 mm All materials /thick- Machine type: Bystar No application as When required
CPP possible Stainless steel, nesses except steel, 1 - 6 mm CPP possible Steel, 20 - 25 mm
15 - 20 mm stainless steel, Machine type: Byspeed
15 - 20 mm steel, 1 - 8 mm
Aluminum
8 - 12 mm
5200 ARC No application as Steel 1 - 25 mm All materials /thick- Machine type: Bystar No application as When required
CPP possible Stainless steel, nesses except steel, 1 - 6 mm CPP possible Steel, 20 - 25 mm
20 mm only stainless steel, Machine type: Byspeed
20 mm steel, 1 - 8 mm
Aluminum
8 - 12 mm
This piercing method is only used on the Laser 2200, 3000 and 4000 (or
when required).
Structural steela) 1 - 20 mm
Stainless steel 20 mm
Aluminum 4 - 12 mm
CPP monitors the piercing process and starts to cut directly after piercing.
This produces extremely short piercing times. The start hole is consider-
ably smaller.
Fig. 12.7-29 Start hole for CPP piercing compared to normal piercing
1. The starting point for CPP piercing is located approx. 8 mm above the
sheet. The first step of pulsed piercing begins from this position
(without delay).
B
8 mm
A Lens
B Nozzle
2. CutControl monitors the pierce. Once the sheet is pierced, the laser
cutting machine immediately starts to cut.
A
D
C
B
0.6 - 2 mm
A Lens
B Nozzle
C Mirror
D CutControl
This piercing method is the most common. Especially for fusion cutting us-
ing nitrogen N2 in steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
12.7.10.4 Lead in
With the Lead in function on, the initial cut is on a contour using the CW
parameter process macro 2.
Lead in is activated in the cutting parameters. In the CW parameter
process macro 2, the macro designation must contain Lead in or Initial
cut.
In theory, Lead in can be used in every parameter, with or without pierc-
ing time. Any piercing type can also be used (e.g. CPP).
Starting on the first geometry element of the initial cut (A) using the cut-
ting parameters in process macro 2 substantially improves process reli-
ability.
CPP piercing and Lead in with piercing time can be combined. This pro-
duces the best piercing and the best process reliability when starting in
thick sheets.
The cutting parameters from version P6114/P6140 contain the settings for
the following materials:
Steel 25 mm 25 mm
Lead in without piercing time is the fastest option for cutting steel
sheets (up to 6 mm or 8 mm thick) using oxygen O2. The machine axes
do not stop during piercing.
Advantages
Reduction in manufacturing time of up to 30%
Smaller piercing holes
Less heat in sheet
No additional programming in Bysoft
Notes on lead in
The cutting parameters of structural steel with an r at the sixth position
of the file name contain the settings for Lead in without piercing
time (e.g. 10332r40.E7o)
The sheet surface must be slightly oiled
The minimum hole diameter should be greater than 1.5 x sheet thick-
ness
Automatic nozzle cleaning should preferably be active
12.7.10.7 Pre-cutting
Pre-cutting is not required for piercing with CPP. This function is therefore
only used on Laser 2200, 3000 and 4000.
Application:
Parts with numerous holes and openings, or small parts tightly nested.
Procedure:
1. Provide the cutting plan with pre-cutting functions using the Bysoft
5.3 ByADD or Bysoft 6.0 Bywork software application
5. Cut
Use a smaller nozzle for pre-cutting than for cutting. (e.g. K12
instead of K17). The gas pressure during piercing must be dou-
bled in order to prevent splashes on the lens. The heat input to
the sheet is reduced considerably by pre-cutting. The piercing
hole is smaller.
Once all holes are pre-cut, the axes automatically travel to the
origin. The nozzle can be easily replaced here.
The piercing gas pressure can be reset to the original value and
the piercing time reduced to 0.
Using this procedure it is possible to cut holes and openings of
0.8 - 1.0 x sheet thickness in normal thicknesses without puls-
ing.
Remedy:
Reduce size of cutting area by dividing a large cutting plan (e.g. 1 x 2 m)
in two smaller ones (e.g. 1 x 1 m).
Because of the thermal expansion, single parts should only be cut in mul-
tiple cuts for no-tolerance parts.
Steel 20 4000
Steel 20 - 25 4400a)
a) From CNC Versions P6114/P6140 or higher, the special piercing can be dispensed with
in most cases. Piercing is dome using CPP, starting uses the parameters in process
macro 2 (see Chapter 12.7.9.3 ›Process macro 2 for the initial cut‹).
12.7.10.9 Programming
3. Program a start hole at the end of an initial cut (for an inner con-
tour).
z Radius of start hole in stainless steel = 1.25 mm
z Radius of start hole in steel = 1.6 mm
5. Copy the start hole with the specified technologies to all initial cut
ends where the special piercing is required.
12.7.10.10 Cutting
12.7.11 Microwebs
Without microwebs, a cut-out is cut complete, i.e. the laser meets back up
with the start of the cut gap at the end of the cut. However, separation of
the material takes place at least one cut gap d before the geometrical end
of the cut.
A B C
The cut out part begins to tilt just at this moment and the laser beam
meets it laterally and causes a burn. The laser beam is reflected in the
melt of this burn and thus causes a further burn in the cut-out.
If these burns are to be prevented, microwebs can be employed. The CNC
controls have an automatic microweb function.
Adding a microweb leads to the laser beam being switched off at a dis-
tance b before the geometrical end of the cut-out. The cut-out thus re-
mains connected to the part and does not tilt.
After the cutting plan is processed the cut-out can be pressed out of the
part by hand or by removed with a bar magnet with the safety door open.
The web width b is selected at least as large as the cut gap d. Guide value
for web width b = approx. 0.8 mm
A Workpiece
B Cut-out
Automatically
A The machine does not cut completely,
a web is created for each initial cut
(A).
Programmed
In addition to the automatically de-
fined microwebs, further microwebs
can be programmed with Bysoft (B).
To facilitate easy break-out of the
parts, two microwebs on one axis are
B
expedient.
Instead of microwebs, the inner parts can also be cut. Bysoft provides
simple aids. This offers the advantage that manual breaking-out is not re-
quired.
If a pointed corner is also required on the outer contour for further ma-
chining, it must be programmed without a rounding radius.
In the thick sheet range, too much heat is input to the workpiece when
machining with loops. For this reason, the dwell time parameter should
be employed for machining pointed corners in the thick sheet range.
The axes travel to the corner and stop during the specified dwell time. Ma-
chining is then continued.
Change of direction
angle
If an entry is made for the dwell time parameter, the axes brake and
dwell at all change of direction angles which are greater than the defined
Critical angle dwell time parameter.
Advantages
Stable support grid, suitable for heavy sheets
Manufacturable with CommenCut, resulting in optimum exploitation of
the sheet
Sheets on the grid can be moved by hand
Disadvantages
Spaces are quickly filled by slag
Material rear is soiled by splashes
The design of the support grid prevents small cut parts from falling.
These can remain erect and thus reduce process reliability
Advantages
Material rear is only slightly soiled by splashes
The large spaces fill only slowly with slag
The design of the support grid allows small cut parts to fall. This in-
creases process reliability
Disadvantages
The points of the support grid can be bent if improperly loaded and un-
loaded
Sheets on the grid can only be moved by hand with difficulty
12.7.13.3 Materials
Properties Material
Properties of the Suitable for all Suitable for all Suitable for all
various cutting grid material types. material types. material types.
materials during With limitations Especially for With limitations
cutting for stainless machining stain- for stainless
steel because less steel. steel and alumi-
the splashes num greater
from the steel than 6 mm thick,
grid can rust on because the dan-
the stainless ger of a beam
steel surface. break is in-
creased by the
copper grid for
these materials
and thicknesses.
Automation Parts can weld to Parts can weld to Parts do not ad-
the grid the grid here to the grid
12.8 Materials
The cutting quality and cutting performance are dependent on the alloy
components. In steel, a high Si constituent results in a rough cut edge and
increases the creation of slag and burrs. Carbon content >0.16% can lead
to poor results for sharp edges and small holes.
In the limit thickness range, Bystronic recommends laser sheets with con-
trolled alloy components.
12.8.3 Microstructure
The finer grained the microstructure of the material to be cut, the better
will the quality of the cut edges generally be.
The material surface has a very vital effect on the cutting result and the
cutting quality.
Example:
Cheap S355GT sheet, exposed to weathering
Example:
Sheets of the RAEX series, recommended by the machine manufacturer
All of these surface treatments and similar ones usually have a negative
effect on the cutting result. Oxygen and paint, for example, react in the
cut during cutting. This produces a very rough and frayed cut. A further
problem is presented by the layer thickness differences within a sheet.
Thickness differences in the protective layers interfere with the capacitive
sensing.
Remedy:
12.8.5.1 Oil
Piercing splashes adhere less well to oiled surfaces. The capacitive sensing
is thus interfered with less. Oiling can be carried out in a number of ways:
Working with Crossjet
Purchasing oiled sheets
Manually oiling dry sheets
WARNING
Fire hazard
The oil on the sheet surface can be ignited by the laser
beam.
Flammable oils should not be used.
Always use welding protection oil
(MOTOREX PROWELD 264)
Materials with low thermal conductivity require lower power to melt the
material than materials with higher thermal conductivity.
For example, the power required for stainless steel is below the values for
structural steel, despite the lower absorption at the process temperature.
On the other hand, copper, aluminum and brass, for instance, conduct a
substantial portion of the heat generated by the absorption of the laser
beam away. The heat is quickly conducted away from the point of the la-
ser beam, hindering the local melting of the material.
Tab. 12.8-2 Guide values for the extent of the heat-affected zone as a function of the base material
and the sheet thickness
10 0.50 0.85 —
12 0.60 — —
12.8.9 Stresses
L B
12.9.1 Recommendations
Chapter 12.10 ›High-dynamic cutting‹ and Chapter 12.11 ›Hints for opti-
mum part programming‹ describe the special characteristics of the
Byspeed-type laser cutting machine.
In order to use this laser cutting machine to its optimum, the following
points must be observed for high-dynamic cutting in particular:
Part programming
Cutting parameters
Production
12.10.1 Application
The programming of the single parts can influence the machining process
considerably. Wrongly or below optimum programming of parts increase
machining time, can cause structural damage and increase wear on the la-
ser cutting machine.
3015 4020/25
1-3 2.2 m/s2 1.4 m/s2 0.55 m/s2 7.1 m/s2 1.4 m/s2
4 - 10 1.4 m/s2 1.4 m/s2 1.4 m/s2 5.0 m/s2 0.55 m/s2
12.10.3.2 Blunt corners (with the corner tolerance parameter), quality cuts
The following table contains guide values for the Corner tolerance pa-
rameter as a function of the laser cutting machine.
3015 4020/25
Disadvantage
The piercing point is visible even on the GO part. Machining without initial
cuts speeds up cutting of templates drastically, but is usually only suitable
for sheets thicknesses up to 1.5 mm due to the quality.
A new cut type was developed for the Byspeed laser cutting machine —
so-called are initial cuts. These are supported by Bysoft Version 6.4 and
higher. The arc initial cuts allow a fine approach to the contour at high
speed and do not generate abrupt direction changes.
All further initial cut options available in Bysoft can also be utilized. How-
ever, these are not optimized for high-dynamic cutting.
In particular, the initial cut perpendicular to the contour is unsuitable be-
cause the cutting dynamics are impeded by heavy braking and reaccelera-
tion.
In the following table the corresponding initial cuts are optimum. Howev-
er, different initial cut types can also be used for differing quality require-
ments.
Ensure that the initial cuts reach the length defined in Bysoft. If they are
automatically shortened, the initial cut point must be edited.
It is possible to use contours with and without an initial cut within one
part. For example, a template can be cut without initial cuts, all other ge-
ometries with initial cuts.
For the first initial cut in each part, it is advisable to use an ini-
tial cut as the machine always lowers normally after positioning.
The pierce is thus more visible than in flying mode.
The direction of rotation and the cutting sequence should follow a dynamic
sequence. Sharp changes of direction or reversals must be avoided.
The head should always be raised for each positioning. Raising increases
process reliability and is just as fast as the lowered positioning function.
Arcs should always be used for high-dynamic cutting. The cutting parame-
ters provided are accordingly defined for up to 3 mm sheet thickness.
Hole templates are ideally cut in rows. The optimum initial cut is best done
in the quadrant.
If cutting is done without an initial cut an initial cut must be defined for a
change of row (if the row spacing is less than 8 mm) in order to avoid
structural damage.
If the centers (A) are less than 8 mm, the initial cut must be
applied at a change of row.
First step
First, all lines in x-direction are processed (processing sequence 1 - 4).
Cut contour segments are highlighted.
Second step
After the x-direction the y-direction is processed (processing sequence 5 -
8). Cut contour segments are highlighted.
Scanning is suitable primarily for repeating hole templates (e.g. for cov-
ers, cooling slots, mountings for filter pads).
Microwebs can be avoided using scanning. The rounds (A) are cut so small
that they fall safely through the support grid.
A A
It must be ensured at all costs that no parts remain erect, which could
causes a collision. This can be achieved by various means.
Situation Measures
Inner parts with diameters less than No measures necessary, parts always
approx. 15 mm fall through
Cutting parts with the aid of guide By cutting the inner part into several
cuts pieces it is possible to ensure the
parts fall through safety without be-
Guide cut coming erect.
Advantage over microweb:
The parts do not need breaking out.
Disadvantage:
Increased programming effort in
Bysoft. Guide cuts are supported in
Version 6.4 and higher.
To improve the safe falling through of parts even further, special thin
sheet grids can be employed. See Chapter 12.7.13 ›Support grids‹ for fur-
ther information.
A B
13 12 4
3
21
20 19 14 11 10 5 2
15 6
1
22
16 7
18 9
17 8
12.11.10 Warping
Loops are used when cutting thin sheets at high speeds. This procedure
offers the following advantages:
The axes travel around a pointed corner with a continuous direction
change
The part itself is cut at a uniform speed
Axis overshoot and additional burring are prevented
Heat input in the corner is reduced
A Loop
B Radius
C Part to be cut
12.11.12 Production
12.11.13 Sheets
In the 0.5 - 3 mm thickness range, special care should be taken that the
sheets are high quality and are transported with care.
The sheets should be as flat as possible and not display any warping. Dur-
ing storage, handling and transport sheets should be kept flat and not be
bent.
The following images are magnified up to 10x. This is why striations and
irregularities can even be seen on the optimum cuts.
The solutions described generally apply to all laser strengths
The solutions can also be extrapolated to other sheet thicknesses
Cut:
Cut:
Fig. 12.12-3 Laser power and gas pressure too low, nozzle diameter too small
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Fig. 12.12-8 Feed rate too low, laser power too high
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Fig. 12.12-11 Reduce laser power and feed rate, nozzle diameter too small
Cut: Surface
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Situation: Fine cut in the upper region of the cut surface. How-
ever, the melted material ic not completely blow out.
Hard burr on the underside of the sheet
Remedy: Increase the gas pressure, cutting (in the figure it is
5 bar too low).
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Fig. 12.12-28 Focal position too low, gas pressure too high
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Situation: Clean cut surface in the upper two thirds of the cut
surface.
Heavy drag in the lower third of the cut surface.
Heavy (only removable mechanically) sharp burr on
the underside of the sheet.
Remedy: Increase the feed, cutting (in the figure it is only half
of the default value). Increase gas pressure cutting.
Cut:
Situation: Good quality in the upper half of the cut surface. In-
creasing roughness and increasing drag in lower half
of the cur surface.
Remedy: Reduce the feed, cutting (in the figure it is 20%
greater than the default value).
Cut:
Situation: Good quality in the upper half of the cut surface. In-
creasing roughness and increasing drag in lower half
of the cur surface.
Bead formation on the underside of the sheet.
Remedy: Reduce the beam diameter, cutting (in the figure it is
1.5 mm more than the default value).
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Situation: Fine cut surface in the upper two thirds of the cut sur-
face.
Heavy drag in the lower third of the cut surface. Hard,
difficult to remove burr on the underside of the sheet.
Remedy: Bring the focal position, cutting deeper (in the figure
it is 2 mm too high).
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Fig. 12.12-42 Focal position too high, gas pressure too low
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
Cut:
CPP piercing:
Lead in piercing:
(piercing time = 0)
CW piercing:
CW piercing:
CW piercing:
CW piercing:
Remarks: Small piercing. The melt can fill the piercing after
starting. This can cause the laser beam to break.
Highly suitable for piercing directly on the contour.
CW circular pierc-
ing:
CW circular pierc-
ing:
CPP piercing:
Optimum machining quality can only be achieved under the following con-
ditions:
Precise adjustment of the laser cutting machine
Maintenance in accordance with the maintenance schedule
Operating resources in accordance with requirements
Workpiece surface is rust and cinder-free (etched, pickled or polished)
Suitable parameters for the material and sheet thickness at hand
Parameters harmonized to each other
The following points must be examined if the machining quality falls com-
pared to previous results:
1. Parameter
2. Cutting head
3. Beam guidance
4. Laser
12.13.1 Parameter
Never overwrite the default parameters delivered with the laser cutting
machine.
A new folder must be created for the customized cutting parameters.
If cut quality deteriorates, examine whether the default parameters have
been changed substantially compared to your customized parameters.
12.13.4 Laser