Install a laser cutter in a plasma machine??????

[hoyospetrola]

Hello, I'm new in this forum, I have a plasma cutting machine and I'm wondering If is possible to adapt a laser cutter instead the plasma. Does anybody knows if there are a company that supply the laser? wich power should I use to cut still 10mm thickness? can I adjust the power of the laser using an analog output from the cnc controller or PWM pulses output? I'll really appreciate all your comments.

Thank you.

[scrambled]

Hoyospetrola-

I am also intrested in cutting metal. If you find any other information can you either post it here or send it to me by e-mai or P.M.?

[MacGyver]

10mm thickness of what metal? You need YAG for cutting metal, but the type will change the minimum wattage necessary. Power is adjusted the same way, either analog or PWM, though both will have their respective downsides.

We really need a lot more info to provide you with any useful answer.

[hoyospetrola]

The metal to be cut will be steel 10mm thikness or aluminium

[scrambled]

MacGyver--

For me, I mainly need to cut upto 2.0 stainless and copper shim stock. I am cutting it by hand now, and it is a pain!

I thought I read somewhere that a co2 laser could cut metal this thin?

I am planning on working on this project in 1 year or so, so I am still gathering information.



Steve

[hoyospetrola]

Maybe you can use plasma cutter instead a laser? did you ever try? todays plasma have very good results...

[MonoNeuron]

I think you would need at least a 1500 watt laser for 2mm steel to be able to cut at a semi decent rate but cutting copper is all together a different story as it is very reflective so you would need 2500 watts and over just for shim stock. Maybe someone will jump in and let you know for sure but thats about where my limited knowledge takes me from all my reading.
You can cut 0.5mm steel with a 120 watt co2 laser but fairly slowly. Seen it on "instructibles" web site.

[hoyospetrola]

Thanks a million mononeuron, maybe you or somebodyelse can tell me the name of a company that makes lasesr on this range 1500W, provably once I call them they will advice me more accurately, does anybody knows any brand, any maker that offers lasers on this range 1500w?


Thanks

[MacGyver]

You do realize laser systems of this wattage are going to be in the $100k+ range (think closer to half a million), right?

[MonoNeuron]

Try Rofin as they have a lot of varied types of lasers and may be able to set you on your path.
http://www.rofin.com/index-e.htm
As MacGyver said, be prepared for a price shock.
Rich.
Here is the UK distributer
http://www.rofin-uk.com/welcome.html

[scrambled]

I think I will just stay with the plasma cutter route I can't afford what I want.


Steve