F133: Advancements in Precision Cutting Technologies: From Oxy-Fuel to Fiber Lasers & 3-D Challenges

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Oxy-fuel: Automated Cutting Without Electricity and CO2 Emissions
The automated oxyfuel cutting process does not require electricity. All the process energy comes from the flame and the chemical reaction between oxygen and steel. Electricity is only required to move the torch and ignite the flame. When hydrogen is used as the fuel instead of conventional hydrocarbon-based gases, the process eliminates CO2 emissions. Oxyfuel cutting technology has been underestimated in recent decades. Plasma and laser cutting have been developed intensively since then. But the market situation is changing, especially with rising energy costs. Technical developments in process automation are bringing oxyfuel cutting back into the limelight. Oxyfuel is now much easier to use for both cutting table manufacturers and operators. The economics of oxyfuel start as low as 1 1/4" and the standard goes up to 12" sheet thickness. It is becoming increasingly important with the rising cost of electricity and the trend to minimize CO2 emissions.
Martin Roubicek – IHT Automation GmbH & Co. KG

Tips of Fine Cutting with Fiber Laser Due to Time
To achieve fine cutting with a fiber laser efficiently, consider the following tips: optimize parameters, fine-tune laser parameters such as power, speed, and focus to match the material you're cutting. Experiment to find the optimal settings for precision. Material Knowledge; Understand the specific characteristics of the material you are cutting, including thickness and composition. Adjust settings accordingly for different materials. Focus Adjustment: ensure proper focus of the laser beam on the material surface. Correct focal length is crucial for achieving clean and precise cuts. Nozzle Selection: use appropriate cutting nozzles for your application. Nozzle design and size can affect the efficiency and quality of the cutting process. Assist Gas Control: proper control of assist gases like nitrogen or oxygen is essential. The choice of gas can impact cut quality, and adjusting pressure helps control the cutting process.
Moath Masad, Sr.- White Horse Est. For Engineering Industries

Cutting Hole Penetrations into Vessel Heads Creates Challenges in 3-D
Production of pressure vessels and boilers are major industrial applications where cutting 3D objects is an essential part of the process. Dome cutting involves creating openings in the dish ends of the vessel to allow for welding of inlet pipes or trimming of the edges for weld preparation to the vessel. Today, this mostly manual process of measuring the dish ends for hole locations and then hand plasma cutting is not only time consuming and costly, but also results in less desirable accuracy and weld preparation edge quality. Welding to the vessel body using V, X, or K-cuts with constant or variable bevels need to be produced with prescribed accuracy to meet welding requirements. Automation of this entire process can now be realized on a gantry style cutting machine utilizing new technologies that can scan (cloud-map) the dish ends and auto-calibrate the plasma torch to produce consistent and accurate results.
John Prevish – United Precision Services