Sheet Metal Laser Cutter
Kern Lasers' versatile laser cutting systms can be equipped with metal cutting technology, instantly turning our systems into the machine of choice for large scale production cutting, precision cutting and part prototyping. Switching over from cutting typical materials such as plastic and wood to cutting metal tonly takes a matter of seconds. Advanced metal cutting features in Kern's KCAM laser software allows for complete control, resulting in perfectly cut parts using your existing CAD files.
The Automatic Focusing Height Follower developed by Kern Lasers is one of the key elements to successful metal cutting. An automatic sensor senses the capacitance from the tip of the isolated cutting nozzle to the metal being cut. This data is then fed into the Height Follower Controller. The gap between the metal being cut and the cutting nozzle can be adjusted until the desired gap is obtained. As the cutting process begins the auto focus will track the contour of the metal keeping a constant focal point while cutting metal.
Kern's laser systems are designed to handle common sizes of stock sheet metal. A 4' x 8' section of sheet metal will fit comfortably onto our largest cutting table. Larger table sizes can be custom ordered to suit your applications specific needs.
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A gas assist through the metal cutting optics nozzle, is needed to pierce through the metal and allows for a clean, smooth cut edge. The use of oxygen or nitrogen allows many metals to be cut with a dross free edge, no deburring required. A lower piercing gas assist pressure can be set in the KCAM software to minimize the chance of pierce blowouts in thicker metals. |
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Laser cutting is a non contact process which eliminates the high costs of replacement die stamps and machine center re-tooling. Electrical and maintenance costs are minimal and will typically cost less than $1/hour. Let Kern's laser technicians train your employees for two full days on how to use the laser system in its most cost efficient way at the Kern laser factory. |
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With a laser beam cutting kerf of approximately .005" and a servo motor motion package, Kern's laser systems are capable of producing repetitive, precision cuts. The non contact laser beam will ensure even the thinnest of metals are not damaged during the cutting process. |
Shown below is a video of Kern's 150 watt HSE Laser System equipped with the metal cutting option. The laser machine is cutting 1/8" holes into 18 gauge mild steel.
The 150 watt laser will cut up to a thickkness of .090" mild steel and .075" stainless steel. The 400 watt laser will cut up to .1875" mild steel, .125" stainless steel and some aluminum alloys up to .050". The 400 watt laser can also cut thinner metals like brass, titanium and nickel. Please feel free to send us your metal material to determine the feed rate and edge quality the KERN Metal Cutter can produce.
Metals that can be cut with a Kern CNC Metal Cutting Laser are:
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Metal Etching
Kern Lasers Systems also have the ability to leave long lasting etches on a variety of metals. One of the most common applications for metal etching is serialization. Kern offers software that will automatically increment your tools or product numerically. Tool foam can then be cut and engraved to place the etched tools into. There is no need to buy expensive marking sprays as our laser systems are able to create dark etchings, like the one pictured below.
Please contact us for metal samples or for more information about Kern's Metal Cutting and Etching Systems.