As highlighted in the article “The rapid evolution of modern laser cutting technology” by The Fabricator, the metal fabrication industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with laser cutting technology at the forefront of innovation.
The advancements in laser cutting technology have brought undeniable speed enhancements, rendering traditional CO2 laser cutting machines from a mere decade ago almost painfully slow in comparison. However, speed is only one aspect driving the adoption of newer laser cutting capabilities. Today’s laser cutting machines integrate automation features that eliminate the need for constant operator intervention, unlike their predecessors from a few years back.
In a climate of increased pressure to achieve more with limited resources, metal fabricators are leveraging technology to maintain efficient production workflows. This principle extends to laser cutting, where state-of-the-art technology is reshaping the landscape of metal fabrication.
One critical aspect where modern laser cutting technology shines is material utilization. With steel prices experiencing a staggering 219% increase between January 2020 and August 2021, even sporadic price hikes pose risks for job shops that aren’t financially prepared. Enter sophisticated nesting algorithms embedded within contemporary laser cutting machine programming software. These algorithms enable fabricators to transition from basic static nests to dynamic nesting strategies that optimize material usage and minimize waste.
Such programming capabilities lead to intelligent common-line cutting within nests. For instance, a single laser cut could serve as a common edge for two distinct parts. With the computational power available today, this nesting arrangement can be expanded to encompass multiple parts sharing cut lines, maximizing material placement efficiency.
Modern nesting algorithms outshine their counterparts from just five years ago. Enhanced computing power empowers these algorithms to not only determine optimal part placement on a sheet to minimize material wastage, but also to calculate the most efficient cutting paths. This maximizes production time and minimizes wear on consumables, reflecting the intricate synergy between technology and efficiency.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of thefabricator.com
