Extrusion line crosscut saw retrofit

[acrylicguy]

We extrude acrylic sheet. We have extensive dust collection/control systems for the crosscut saw and acrylic sheet, but we still get some sawdust on the sheet which is unacceptable for some customers. I had this idea about replacing the crosscut saw with a laser cutter and not generating sawdust to begin with. We could remove the saw blade and motor, and use the carriage frame to mount the laser cutter. Any thoughts or help would be appreciated.

 

[fastasleep]

I've cut acrylic with a laser in the past, but would not recommend it as a full-time process. The toxic fumes produced by the cut are extremely overwhelming and cannot be handled by a dust collection unit. If the fumes collect under the cut they will ignite, even with using Nitrogen assist gas. Depending on the thickness of your acrylic, you may need a considerable amount of power to cut through the material. I was able to cut through 3/4" thick at about 1800 Watts. This is very inefficient compared to saw cutting. If you don't cut all of the way through, the smoke comes back up and contaminates the focusing lens.

On a more positive note, laser cutting does produce a very nice edge; much smoother than a saw cut one.

 

[acrylicguy]

Thanks for the input fastasleep.

 

[JayMaechtlen]

The fumes need to be exhausted outside the facility. They should probably be treated first.
When cutting acrylic, more power will give more speed. Note that a YAG laser wouldn't be suitable, you need a CO2 laser.
Depending on what country you are in, there may be stringent laws regarding laser safety. If you envision buying a laser generator and mating it to your own transport mechanism, that (in the USA) makes you the builder and responsible for reporting to the FDA and complying with all related regulations.

Depending on the value of a clean sheet and clean edges, the laser might be worth the expense?

regards
Jay

Jay Maechtlen

 

[acrylicguy]

Thanks Jay.

 

[Timelord]

Acrylicguy,

Sounds like an application for water jet cutting. The material removed from the cut in entrained in the water and easy to dispose of.

Timelord