How Proper Nesting Can Prevent Part Tipping in Laser Cutting

As reported by The Fabricator in their article, “Nesting Fundamentals for Laser Cutting Stability,” fiber laser technology has revolutionized productivity in metal fabrication. However, part tipping and bowing remain significant challenges that can disrupt operations, especially when improper nesting occurs. Understanding the fundamentals of nesting and how it affects the overall laser cutting process is essential for manufacturers to maintain stability and efficiency.

One of the primary causes of part tipping is slat positioning. Many fabricators have moved from punch presses to flying-optic lasers, where the sheet remains stationary. While this eliminates the need for microtabs in certain cases, it also introduces the risk of parts tipping if improperly positioned on slats that are 2 to 3 inches apart. Parts that rest on just one slat after cutting are particularly vulnerable to tipping, especially smaller parts with dimensions less than 6 inches.

To mitigate these risks, manufacturers can employ slug-destruct sequences, which cut parts with large internal cutouts into smaller pieces, allowing them to fall safely through the slats. Additionally, the condition of the slats themselves plays a critical role. Slats that have not been cleaned can cause parts to sit unevenly, further contributing to instability.

For larger parts, particularly long and thin ones, bowing is another challenge. Even material considered “laser flat” can bow if the cutting process is not optimized to account for the effects of heat. Programmers can use tabbing to secure parts in place, especially if there is uncertainty regarding the material’s distortion level.

Modern software has improved the nesting process by allowing for automatic detection and rotation of parts to prevent tipping. It can also adjust tabbing strategies based on part size, reducing the need for excessive manual intervention and ensuring optimal stability during laser cutting.

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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of thefabricator.com.