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ALPHAREX LARGE FORMAT LASER CUTTING WITH CLASS LEADING PERFORMANCE
The key to the latest generation of ESAB Cutting Systems’ ALPHAREX laser cutting machines is the ability to cut large sheet metal plate extremely accurately. This differentiates the ALPHAREX from other laser cutting machines and there are no restrictions on the size of plate to be cut. Equipped with the most up to date laser cutting technology, the ALPHAREX provides high-precision cutting of mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium.
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 appropriate where complex contours and precise, quick processing times are required. ALPHAREX can cut complex geometries with a consistent high quality level at low cost thanks to short set-up times and, maximum utilisation of material.
Generally, the cutting edge achieved with ALPHAREX is so accurate that no extensive finishing is necessary. 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 which influence the part´s geometry so that the first piece of any batch is as precise as next 1000.
ALPHAREX is 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.
The modular design of ALPHAREX means that one machine can be used for cutting and marking. It also means that future upgrades can be easily made. The modular concept of the cutting head provides for the use of similar components for vertical and bevel cutting. Laser cutting does not have a physically caused angle and therefore smooth cutting edges with minor angular deviation and small kerfs, typically from 0.25 mm to 0.6 mm, can be achieved. This makes sharp-edged internal corners, square cutting edges even with small holes and the cutting of intricate geometries possible. The optional bevel cutting head allows X-, Y-, 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 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, which intelligently combines efficiency with safety. It reliably protects from leakage radiation and with the PRO-LAS 1® the ALPHAREX can operate in ghost shifts, at night or on weekends without supervision.
For full details contact ESAB Cutting Systems, Crown Way, Walworth Industrial Estate, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 5LU, Tel: 01264 332233, Fax: 01264 332074 or email to ian.kirkpatrick@esab.co.uk