laser cutting plastic questions

[kenVTME90]

We are looking at integrating a laser onto a robot for cutting thin plastic but we know almost nothing about lasers.

Is there a company that makes a laser that feeds thru flexible fibers? It seems everybody we have talked to so far uses mirrors. Definately not optimal for robot integration.

any idea what wattage is needed for cutting 6mm glass filled polypro?

Research so far into this market has been slow and painful. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

[gewing]

Yes, there definitely are laser systems that utilize fiber optics for beam delivery. These allow integration with articulating arm robots for real 3D processing of parts. I am not familiar with any specific brands but I know that most fiber optic lasers use a YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) laser source. Whether there is one powerful enough to cut through your material is another question. I am not sure what effect the glass fibers will have on the beam. It seems to me that the glass fibers might cause the beam to diverge but I really don't know. All of my experience is in cutting steel with a CO2 laser.