With the news about the expansion hopefully enabling the use of the fiber laser, I’m looking forward to getting started using it soon-ish.
Today I learned that Westbrook Metals is moving in the near future. This isn’t a big deal for most customers, but because I live close by, I’d like to take advantage of their offcuts selection while it’s still convenient for me.
What do I need to know about materials that are ok to use on the fiber laser? I’m probably most interested in thinner steel. Is there a certain type of steel I should seek or avoid? Maximum recommended thickness? Is there a minimum thickness for some weird reason? I have similar questions for aluminum.
Are there different safety concerns for this laser vs the others? Should I get a welding mask?
Regarding safety: the entire fiber laser will be enclosed, with various usage interlocks. If you are inside the enclosure, we will provide appropriate safety glasses, which are specialized to the wavelength of the laser.
(The laser welder will likely have a similar setup.)
Thin steel sheet metals can be cut with compressed shop air. Thicker steel sheets need oxygen as booster. Once we dial the settings in for cutting 11ga plate. It has similar edge quality to glass.
I haven’t done any testing with @jamesfreeman for aluminum. Aluminum is a good conductor of heat. It requires more watts to cut than a similar thickness of steel. The cut requires shop air to help clear the cut.
Long term we should look at a fiber laser capable scroll compressor. We need more pressure and more volume. Minimum is 170 psi. The specific compressor gives you the capabilities of cutting stainless with less dross.