I realize one of the issues facing the availability of the fiber laser is light shielding and another is space. I would like to suggest we consider using tracked welding curtains to enclose it with a single U-shaped track that runs about 8" out from the machine. That way with the curtains retracted we have full access for maintenance and material loading. With a single long run of curtain, we can have an interlock to block operation unless the curtain is closed. If controlling ventilation is an issue we can add fixed secondary curtains above the track. As I see it the track would have to be suspended because the ceiling has obstacles.
If this is an interesting idea I am willing to do the leg work to find the parts and get a quote.
Once I get some more info, I want to sit down with you and figure out the details of what you are proposing. From our conversation yesterday, it sounds like your idea is far more flexible than other design ideas I had, so I definitely want to understand and consider it.
Industrial Curtain Walls kit – Curtains and Tarps is one vendor I browsed while thinking about this option. Might give you some food for thought. I quoted a 38’ track and 10’ red welding curtains and it was $1k. Adding velcro closures, a floor dragging foot, and a bottom weight chain it’s still under $1.3k. I was just guessing at the dimensions. I think it could be hung in a weekend and I’m game to install it and then move it later if the laser is rehomed if this gets the laser available sooner.
If you would like after you think thru the idea a bit, lets discuss your thoughts and then I can get a concrete quote including the mounting hardware and … Need to know if we are trying to include fume control for the space to be enclosed.
Wait, Clay, somewhere we crossed circuits: when we spoke yesterday you mentioned the Laser Welder, not the Fiber Laser. The curtains will not work with the Fiber Laser. But we don’t need space flexibility with it; it is the size that it is.
I’m interested in the fiber laser. Yes, this is also applicable to the laser welding setup. Or our welding setups in general. As far as the shielding material I’ll have to research that question. I was under the impression that the concern was UV radiation as with arc welding. If there are other frequency considerations then we may need different curtain material. They also have opaque welding curtains. That seems a likely good bet but not preferred. They may have fiber laser curtains. I’ll do some more research and get back to you.
I know it would be less flexible than the panels we have today, but I have liked working with tracked curtains better than trying to wrangle the panels.
I saw another recommendation for the aluminum composite board. We could make 2’ or 16" wide x 8’ pieces, add 8’ piano hinges, and hang them from the track. I’m still looking into options. I’m waiting for a fiber laser maker to get back to me on their test for how much laser scatter they measure, which will give us a better idea of what rating we will need. I need to get the brand off the laser so I can ask about our specific machine but I haven’t been to the shop to get that or the exterior dimensions. The lasersafety.com curtains price out at $5k ish for a 3-sided enclosure just for the curtains. Not untenable but pricy.
I have some time Monday the 27th if you are around to visit about ideas for shielding the fiber laser and welding stuff if you are still interested in my ideas.