CO2 laser cutting was invented by Kumar Patel in 1964. Patel, a scientist at Bell Labs, developed the carbon dioxide laser, which became one of the first gas lasers capable of producing continuous high-power output. This invention marked a significant breakthrough, as it allowed for more practical and efficient applications of laser technology, particularly in industrial settings.
The development of CO2 lasers paved the way for new possibilities in manufacturing. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, the first commercial CO2 laser cutting machines were introduced, primarily for metal cutting. These early models demonstrated the technology’s potential in precision cutting, engraving, and other processes. Over the decades, advancements in laser cutting machines, optics, and software have refined the process, allowing for higher accuracy and efficiency.
Today, CO2 laser cutters are widely used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics, due to their ability to work with a broad range of materials, from metals and plastics to wood and acrylics.
Lind SA Automation offer a service of retrofitting CO2 lasers with advanced fiber laser technology. The picture is of a Bystronic CO2 laser upgraded to fiber at Difresco Distribution
For many their first venture into laser cutting was to purchase a CO2 laser from companies such as Amada, Bystronic, Durma and Trumpf, all internationally recognised companies that are still very much active in the industry.
Buying your first industrial metalworking machine is bit like buying your first car. You have no preconceived notions and have nothing but thoughts of happiness and hope. The affection we have for our first cars means that some of us even gave them names, making them more than just a vehicle but characters with their own identity. In your first car, you will create some of the best memories, whether they include having a jam session alone or with some close friends. For most it will also be their first tangible asset. When the time comes to move on, getting rid of your first car is a big decision.
A similar scenario could be painted for your first major capital investment in your business. Like the automotive industry there have been major disruptions with the advancement in technology. Fiber laser cutting, one of the most advanced forms of laser cutting, was introduced more recently. In 2007, an Italian company began exploring the potential of fiber lasers for cutting sheet metal, recognising the limitations of CO2 lasers in terms of performance improvements. They introduced a fiber laser, capable of cutting steel up to 18mm thick, which was unveiled at the EuroBLECH exhibition in 2008. By March 2009, the company had shipped its first fiber laser cutting machine, marking the beginning of the commercial adoption of this technology.
However, he CO2 laser has stood the test of time, remaining a trusted technology for decades, and many are still operating. Its enduring popularity comes down to one simple fact: it delivers results. When precision and accuracy are essential, CO2 laser cutting is a method you can rely on. Plus, it’s ideal for mass production, offering consistent performance across large volumes.
The concept behind CO2 laser cutting isn’t overly complex. It works by producing a focused laser beam that precisely vaporises the material, allowing for clean, intricate cuts. This method excels because it can handle a diverse range of materials, including metals, plastics, and textiles, making it versatile for various projects.
With technology challenges and difficulties only a handful of companies were manufacturing CO2 lasers in the early 2000s. But with the introduction of the fiber laser this all changed and now there are a proliferation of manufacturers, and in particular companies from China. The competition has reduced the barrier to entry but for a small company it is still a sizeable investment.
Lind SA Automation offer the service countrywide. Whether you are in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, East London or Gqeberha, for example, they will come and do the upgrade from CO2 to fiber. The picture is of an upgraded Trumpf at DRD Enterprises
The CO2 laser dominated the metal cutting industry in the past. However, this trend could not prevail because of fiber laser technology. Nonetheless, your existing machinery is usually still in good condition, but has deficits in its core technology. This is why there is a start to replace the laser source and the other critical components such as the laser head with components from fiber laser technology, all the while still retaining the existing structural system.
One such company doing that is Lind SA Automation. Lind SA has specialised in retrofitting and upgrading outdated equipment since 2004, as well as building their own machines such as plasma and oxy-fuel and selling new imported equipment, including fiber lasers.
“Our company has built up a strong reputation in the field of cutting and forming of sheet and plate. We now have many reference points in South Africa. However, one of the companies that we represent for fiber lasers suggested we should investigate retrofitting the CO2 lasers with advanced fiber laser technology. A no-brainer if you think about it,” explained Robin Ackermann of Lind SA Automation.
“The operating costs of fiber lasers are about 1/5 the cost of CO2 lasers. CO2 lasers require resonator gas and a series of optics and mirrors housed within a movable bellow to deliver the laser beam to the material, requiring significant maintenance to keep everything clean and in alignment. Fiber lasers are solid state, delivering the beam through a fiber-optic cable, so there are no mechanical components to maintain. The fact that fiber lasers have no moving parts means that your cutting machine is ready for operation from the start, with no misaligned components leading to costly downtime.”
“There are many around that are loyal customers and love their Trumpf, Bystronic and Amada machines and continue to buy them. Many will still have their original CO2 machines and are reluctant to part with them. This is where we come in. The structural components will still be in very good condition so you make use of these. You then retrofit them with advanced fiber laser technology. Components such as a new fiber laser source, fiber laser cutting head, cooling machine, drag chain, interface controller system and other devices. This transformation not only enhances cutting precision and speed but also reduces energy consumption, offering a modern solution that maximises the efficiency and longevity of your existing equipment. The upgrade is offered with a full warranty on the new components.”
“We have mentioned a few advantages. There are many more. For example, your machine does not have to leave your shop floor – we come and do the retrofit at your facility. This saves on transport costs and insurance. And we offer the service countrywide. Whether you are in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, East London or Port Elizabeth, for example, we will come and do the upgrade for you.”
“Additionally, that barrier to entry is reduced substantially with a retrofitted machine coming in at least 30% below the cost of a new machine. A positive outcome of this is that the client could be productive enough to purchase a new machine in the not-too-distant future.”
“Examples of where we have done a retrofit include upgrading a Bystronic CO2 to a fiber laser at Difresco Distribution and a Trumpf CO2 at DRD Enterprises. Both owners – Mark Antonic and Dale Cuthbert respectively – are very happy and they welcome anybody phoning them to chat about the experience.”
“We can also take any existing fiber laser eg a 1kW, 2kW or 3kW machine and upgrade it to a higher power eg 12kW or 20kW fiber laser cutting machine. This also enables the customer to not only cut a wider range of material thicknesses but also enables the customer to cut at higher speeds to reduce production times and production cost.”
“In addition to retrofitting CO2 laser cutting machines, Lind SA Automation offers comprehensive retrofits and upgrades for a wide range of Chinese manufactured fiber laser cutting machines already in operation in South Africa, as well as plasma and oxy-fuel cutting machines.”
For further details contact Lind SA Automation on TEL: 011 552 8265 or visit https://lindsaautomation.co.za
