Problems in finding a solution on laser cutting copper


  #1  
Old 08-16-05, 10:58 PM
marine5958
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Problems in finding a solution on laser cutting copper

I've been busting my brains searching for a laser cutting tool or machine that can cut kerfs of 0.1 mm on copper rods (25mm in diameter). None of the cutting samples by laser cutters I saw online have attained a stable .1mm kerf on copper and the only material that can achieve precisions at or greater than .1mm kerfs by laser cutters was tungsten which is not economically feasible for my operation.

Another problem is the speeds of the cut. I know cutting copper can be a real pain because of it's resistance to laser cutting (reflectivity). Are there any solutions? Cutting in a sealed vacuum chamber to minimize heat loss? Or heating the copper before the cut to near melting tempuratures? Suggestions for any laser better than YAG for cutting copper? Any suggestions for increasing cutting length speeds would be very much appreciated.

Also most laser cutting is done by pulsing beams very quickly as the laser is guided along. When I viewed the cuts under a magifying glass I saw a jagged edge because of the pulsing beams. Are there any solutions to minimize or eliminate the jagged edges created by the cut?
 
  #2  
Old 08-17-05, 01:09 AM
G
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Without a good description of what you need this for.
You have,
broaching.
knurling
milling
EDM machine. don't know how well it works on copper.
 
  #3  
Old 08-24-05, 12:12 AM
K
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Step back and approach the problem from another direction.

Does it have to be laser cut?

Does it even have to be cut to produce the form you want? For example you might clamp two pieces with a 0.1mm spacer, braze the joint, then the "kerf" appears where the spacer was.

Attack from all angles!
 
 

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