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Laser Cutting 2" Steel

CalgaryPT

CalgaryPT

Ultra Member
Vendor
Premium Member
I SO want one of these. I have no practical purpose for one, but that never stopped me before. However, I suspect the price tag would knock me over...followed shorty thereafter by my wife.

But this has to be top on the list for the dream shop I'll never own.

Has anyone ever seen one of these operate? Apparently there are 5 axis versions of these used to cut ship plates for the US Navy.

 
I'm not sure about thickness capability but there were some pretty hefty looking slabs at Laser Equation Calgary when I was in their shop many years ago. For sure in the +1" range. I'm sure if you popped in they would let you have a look around & they had some samples to fondle. I now wattage is one limitation but also the cut quality & kerf starts to look a bit more ratty. There are other shops with laser machines but just mentioning this one.

Water jetting actually is a bit smoother & doesn't leave hardened heat affected zones which can be PITA drilling or tapping lasered holes. WJ can accommodate other materials lasers aren't as good at (alloys such as aluminum, stone, rubber, plastics...). But waterjet has a more angled kerf in thicker materials, The job kind of dictates the weapon of choice.
 
You're right. I did see a water jet once, and they are certainly fun to watch. Plus, as you say, they are more flexible in terms of materials. I guess I just like the cool/geek factor of a laser.

Still hard to believe I wasn't a chick magnet in high school.

laserbeams.jpg
 
Aero Tech has a waterjet the they regularly cut through 2" steel. I've seen some fo their work. superb!
 
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So yesterday I learned a 4 kw machine will cut up to about 1-3/4”, while a 6-10 kw machine will cut 2” thick. Apparently the only difference between 6-10 kw is how fast it can cut. Also apparently this is a baby at 3 m (10 feet). According to the rep it takes about a week and a half to set one up.
It would be fascinating to watch that process happen.
 
I'll PM you my address, just drop it in the driveway please. If my wife asks, tell her it's shoes.
 
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