Alpharex laser cutting machines deliver quality and speed

Laser cutting is a thermal, non-contact process that uses high-energy laser radiation to cut various materials. Compared to other thermal cutting processes, the laser process is particularly useful where complex, precision contours are required, as well as quick processing times. Alpharex machines can cut complex geometries with consistently high quality at low cost thanks to short set-up times and maximum material utilisation.

Generally the cutting edge achieved with Alpharex machines is so clean that there is no need for extensive finishing. The precise design of the laser beam guide guarantees a constantly high beam quality over the entire working range. As a result, the heat affected zone is extremely small. The laser also does not have any wear parts that could influence the part's geometry, so that the first piece of any batch is as precise as next 1000.

Alpharex machines are equipped with optical sensors for detecting the different states of the laser process. The sensors detect the end of piercing, control the cutting speed and recognise any loss of cut. This results in fewer rejects and a constant quality. The processing time is reduced through the consequent application of the maximum cutting speed.

Versatility

The modular design of Alpharex machines means that one machine can be used for cutting and marking. It also means that future upgrades can be made easily. Furthermore, the modular concept of the cutting head provides for the use of similar components for vertical and bevel cutting. Laser-cut edges typically have minimal angular deviation and small kerfs (around 0.25-0.6m). This makes it possible to cut sharp-edged internal corners, small holes and intricate geometries. The optional bevel cutting head allows X-, Y- and K-cuts to be carried out without difficulty.

Low maintenance and high reliability are the result of continuous monitoring of the focusing optics. This includes automatic switch-off in case of a fault. Compared to other technologies, the laser process requires no short-term consumable parts. Therefore unmanned shifts are possible.

The ESAB Vision CNC control unit allows for the direct control of all the cutting parameters. Innovative ESAB Columbus software, with an integrated cutting database, ensures the highest possible quality can be reproduced consistently.

ESAB's complementary PRO-LAS 1 is an on-board laser guard system that intelligently combines efficiency with safety. It reliably protects against leakage radiation and, with the PRO-LAS 1Alpharex, the Alpharex can operate in ghost shifts, at night or over weekends without supervision.