Top features of the LMC consist of the following categories:
PRECISION
Materials Database
When it comes to lasers, getting a quality finished part is more than just turning the laser on high and running it on the cutting path. Quality comes from knowing the material being cut, the optimal speed to cut the types of shapes being cut, and the optimal power to achieve the best results. We've developed this knowledge base through years of research, testing for the correct laser power and speed based on material type, material thickness, and cutting process. This information is built directly into the database, allowing you to perform your cutting job with the correct settings in place for optimum efficiency and power.
Wood up to 1", sheet metal up to 1/16", plastics up to 1" - whatever you're cutting, you'll find the settings you need for high quality precision in all of your parts.
Dynamic Laser Power Control
A dedicated micro-processor precisely controls the laser power - allowing fine engraving, even with the highest powered lasers. The power is adjusted according to the material being cut, allowing an extraordinary range of materials and unparalleled flexibility. The system monitors the actual cutting speed and dynamically adjusts laser power as the speed changes. This provides consistent laser power as the machine accelerates or decelerates giving consistent cut quality at all times.
Auto-Focus
The machine automatically measures the thickness of the material to be cut and sets the focus appropriately. Software controls also allow the focus to be set manually for specialized applications.
High Accuracy
The linear drive systems use closed loop servo motors with linear encoders that enable precise positioning and repeatability. This system provides extremely high accuracy, at all speeds, and does not change over time. There are no belts to tighten or other machine maintenance issues to deal with.
Aiming Laser
Machines include a visible light aiming laser. This laser travels through the same beam path and helps with aligning material.
THROUGHPUT
High Throughput
The LMC can position and cut at extremely high speeds. Cutting speeds vary based on laser power and material thickness.
Contouring
The LMC control system uses look-ahead contouring to move smoothly through many points without stopping. The system automatically calculates the angular change between points and reduces speed only the amount required to go around a corner. This feature dramatically reduces cutting time by optimizing the vector speed along the tool path.
SPEED
To learn more about laser machine speed, read our page on Understanding Speed.
FLEXIBILITY
Large Cutting Area
The LMC has a standard 48"x 48" cutting area with a pass-through that allows cutting parts of unlimited length. A 48"x 96" extension table option is also available (see Options).
Removable Cutting Pallets
A flexible pallet system allows the cutting bed to be removed from the front or back of the machine. This allows easy material loading and is well suited for factory automation. A series of interchangeable pallets can be loaded automatically. Beam Dynamics also offers a range of standard and custom cutting pallets.
Adjustable Platform Height
The LMC provides up to 12 inches of clearance for cutting or engraving on non-sheet material. By adjusting the height of the cutting bed, the machine allows for custom fixturing of tall parts for secondary laser cutting operations.
Gas Assist Nozzle
The machine uses gas assist nozzles to improve cut quality and allow metal cutting on the higher wattage machines. An internal regulator controls a range of gasses that can be connected to an external port. Conventional steels of up to 1.5 mm cut extremely well with nitrogen or oxygen assisted laser cutting. Our high powered, sealed CO2 laser machines offer "clean cutting" of stainless steel with nitrogen assisted cutting. This high-powered application is simple, effective and inexpensive to run and maintain, offering a low cost alternative to industrial laser cutters.
Easy to Use Controls
The control panel is easy to operate and allows you to control all of the machine functions. Download cutting files, view presets and easily edit settings.
The machine controls require little specialized training. An LCD display provides information about the file to be cut and allows editing of the laser settings. Additional buttons allow jogging the cutting head, raising and lowering the bed, controlling the exhaust system and regulating the gas pressure.
Network Compatible
The LMC connects to your network via a standard Ethernet port. From the control panel, the user can select files from any computer networked to the machine through our DNC software.
Laser-Link Software
The Laser-Link software is powerful and easy to use. Running on an external PC, the software imports files from most CAD, graphics and font formats. Unlike most machine drivers, this is a full functioned CAM program that allows editing of the geometry, manipulation of layers, offsetting and control of the tool path and arraying of multiple parts. Integrated into the software is an editable database of laser settings for an unlimited number of materials. The user can quickly assign a material setting for any layer in the file. These settings are then automatically downloaded to the LMC and displayed on the control panel.
Our machines are suitable for cutting a wide number of applications, and our software includes a database of pre-tested materials settings. These include:
SAFETY & RELIABILITY
Sealed CO2 Lasers
The LMC laser cutting and engraving machines use 100 to 500 Watt sealed CO2 lasers. These lasers are compact, extremely reliable, inexpensive to run, and are rated to provide over 20,000 hours of cutting before requiring service.
The part being cut remains stationary while the laser beam is directed by mirrors passing over the cutting surface. This high-speed design provides a large cutting area while consuming a minimum of valuable floor space and allows for precise and repeatable perpendicular cuts. The entire beam path is enclosed for safety and low maintenance.
The standard Class I enclosure is safety interlocked preventing any exposure to the laser beam. (Complies with 21 CFR Chapter 1, Subchapter J). The machine is so safe that no eye protection need be worn when operating the machine. All motors automatically disengage when the safety cover is opened by the operator. Because Beam Dynamics machines are completely enclosed, you also get a clean, dust-free work environment.
The cutting head includes a crash sensor and break-away nozzle to reduce the risk of damage from setup errors. If a nozzle gets knocked off during the cutting process, simply set it back into place.
A dual exhaust system provides efficient removal of cutting fumes. The vacuum cutting bed provides material hold-down and removes smoke from through-cutting while an additional top exhaust port removes residual smoke from engraving. As the laser vaporizes the material, a stream of compressed air forces away smoke and particulate—leaving you with parts that are virtually dust free. The completely sealed system, with a vacuum table and integrated exhaust, keeps your work area clean and odor-free.
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