Laser Cutting System speeds cutting of plate steel.
Press Release Summary:
FAST Laser(TM) creates dual-flow zone allowing high oxygen assist gas pressures in tightly defined cut zone established by beam geometry. Accelerated oxygen flow along beam path increases cut speed by fueling exothermic reaction. Laser cutting head Model LH2100(TM) offers 7.5 and 10.0 in. focal lengths, and Model LH2125 adds 12.5 in. focal length option for thicker plate. Optional Mariner(TM) CNC controller with on-board FAST Laser process intelligence is available.
Original Press Release:
Hypertherm Enters Laser Cutting Market with New FAST Laser(TM) Technology
Hanover, NH, USA - FAST Laser (Flow Accelerated Screen Technology) from Hypertherm, Inc. represents a major advancement in plate-laser cutting technology. Hypertherm has led in the advancement of plasma cutting technology for over 35 years and is the world's foremost manufacturer of high-performance, high-quality plasma arc cutting equipment. New FAST Laser technology draws on Hypertherm's deep experience in high-temperature metal cutting research and development, and broadens the company's technology leadership position and product offering into the field of plate- laser cutting with a new line of laser cutting heads and controllers.
FAST Laser utilizes a patent-pending design to create a dual-flow zone that allows significantly higher oxygen assist-gas pressures in the tightly defined cut zone established by beam geometry. It eliminates the uncontrolled burning in the surrounding zone that is normally induced by increased assist-gas pressures. FAST Laser's accelerated high-velocity oxygen flow along the beam path increases cut speed by fueling the exothermic reaction. It also reduces sensitivity to common plate fabricating conditions and variables, most notably plate chemistry and condition.
FAST Laser cutting heads deliver up to a 20% increase in cut speed over standard CO2 laser heads on plate steel. They also significantly expand the capacity and quality range of plate-laser cutting systems. FAST Laser's combined benefits produce substantial gains in productivity and unattended operation potential for dedicated plate lasers (4 to 6 kW), whether integrated or retrofitted. Shared-duty systems (2 to 3 kW), achieve expanded capacity range and cost performance.
The Hypertherm LH2100(TM) laser cutting head offers two different focal lengths: 7.5 and 10.0 inches. The LH2125 adds a 12.5-inch focal length option for thicker plate.
An optional integrated Mariner(TM) CNC controller with on-board FAST Laser process intelligence is also offered. When coupled to process-monitoring optics, standard on LH-series cutting heads, Mariner with FAST Laser delivers improved overall control of the cutting process with fewer system faults and reduced operator involvement. Automatic Dynamic Pierce Control (ADPC) dynamically automatically senses and controls fine piercing to minimize pierce times and initiates each cut once the pierce is complete. These combined capabilities maximize uptime while minimizing total cycle time.
Since 1968, Hypertherm has been the industry leader in plasma arc cutting equipment and service. Now, with its entry into the laser-plate cutting market, and its expansion of advanced high-temperature metal cutting technol, Hypertherm expands its technology leadership commitment. By continually delivering breakthrough advances in metal-cutting productivity and precision - first in plasma, now also in laser - Hypertherm reaffirms and extends its position as the world's leading supplier of advanced high-temperature metal cutting technology. Hypertherm serves a wide range of industrial metal cutting needs from its headquarters in Hanover, New Hampshire, with subsidiaries, sales offices and partner representation worldwide.
