How can I monitor laser cutting time?

[chiefvanzuiden]

I am looking for the best way to monitor actual laser cut time(anytime the head is moving) as opposed to just beam on time. Can anyone tell me if there is an existing way to check this on a Mazak Mark II and a Bystronic BySpeed 3015 or do I need to by something to detect and record movement time of the head. Any help with this topic is greatly appreciated.

 

[laserkim]

Hi.
In case of byspeed, Tow timers builted in STL box.
There are Machine-on time timer and beam-on time timer.
Can you Check the STL box?
see U..

 

[IRstuff]

Isn't there any facility for datalogging of the operations?

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[BAuxier]

What type of laser is on the byspeed? If it is a 4000W you can press the 'set' button on the laser display panel and see total on time and cutting time. If it is bigger than a 4000W you can check the various data pages in LaserView for the cutting hours.

I've not heard of any datalogging that can be done to capture the information via software on a Bystronic (like IRstuff suggested). If there is, I would like to hear about it.

 

[mbaengineering]

I would say the only way to take any readings from both machines is to take a signal from the shutter open circuit. To acutally define when the laser is cutting during its operation is difficult. When a laser cuts during cycle it normally keeps the shutter open and reduces the power to zero when it transfers between parts. This is difficult to monitor. Seek advice from your programmers, ther newer Bystronic and Mazak software compensate for this.

 

[mbaengineering]

Chief,

For what purpose would you like to monitor axis movement time? Is it from a service point of view or a cost per job point of view? What software are you running on the machines? This info may help in terms of providing the best advice.

 

[krugtech]

Just be careful, some of the time logging systems will keep counting while the operator stops the machine in the middle of a job to have lunch, go to the can, take a break.

Chris Krug http://krugtech.com/