Laser for shopbot

[ssteelframing@aol.com]

I have been reading various info from the forum and have found it very interesting. I am considering a cnc machine for cutting various configurations out of 12 guage through 22 guage flat sheets of 4' by 8'metal - cold roll and galvanized metal. I have considered the use of a plasma machine but am wondering if anyone has experience or info on a laser that would provide the equivalent but would provide for a cleaner cut so as to eliminate the sludge from the bottom of the cut. I did see some old conversation but never saw any follow up to this. If you know of any info that I can follow up with please advise here or send me an email @ ssteelframing@aol.com (mailto:ssteelframing@aol.com). Thanks for you help

[danhamm@abccom.bc.ca]

Larry most of the lasers used and talked about in
this forum have been CO2. or carbon dioxide lasers, there are other kinds, the laser discussed
here have been low powered and unable to mark let alone cut any metals, the lowest powered CO2 laser
for cutting metal I believe is 1000 watts that is used to cut thin aluminums and sheet metals.
My universal laser is 100 watts and it can't cut or mark metal with out using helpers such as cerdec compounds..I have seen and inexpensive water jet cut 1/8 in cold roll very nice cut and
probably not in the price range of a laser..
here is a address for some info..
http://www.franeklaser.com/prima.htm...

[grant@shopbottools.com]

It is true that a laser will provide a superior cut, and will be truer from top to bottom. However, if it is the slag on the back of the sheet that turns you off of plasma, don't let it. A properly run plasma cutter leaves little or no waste attached. If it does, the consumables need to be replaced, or speed and voltage settings need to be adjusted. Admittedly, laser and water have some distinct advantages, but I wouldn't want an improperly run machine to give plasma a bad name.

[metalcad]

Grant, Shopbot,

Sounds like you have experience with a plasma cutter. In my process I need to be able the take the cut part and then use it on a press brake and after some additional welding and handling hang on a line for steam cleaning and then spray a primer coating on the piece. My question is will I have to do an additional operation such as grinding off any slag etc on the underside of the cut prior to forming on brake press? Also what speeds can I expect (inches per minute) on a consistent basis if I am cutting say a 16 guage metal. Sounds like one of the Hyperthems units my be what I should look at. This machine would probably need to be cutting 8 hours a day 5day week. Please advise your thoughts. Also feel free to email at ssteelframing@aol.com (mailto:ssteelframing@aol.com)

Thanks for your help.

[metalcad]

Grant-Shopbot,
Also I live in Wilmington, NC. Is there anyone who is currently using a cnc plasma cutter in the area that I could visit and get a feeling of the quality of the cut. This would help in my future directions. Thanks a bunch

Larry Prewitt ssteelframing@aol.com (mailto:ssteelframing@aol.com)