TPT January 2025

CUTTING TECHNOLOGY, SAWING & SAW BLADES

Gas mixers for laser cutting systems to help precision and efficiency

WITT presents a special range of gas mixers for use in laser cutting systems. Cutting gases are crucial for achieving maximum precision and efficiency in the cutting process. By using gas mixtures instead of individual gases, both the cutting speed and the cutting quality can be significantly improved. The gas mixers from WITT reliably guarantee the high gas mixture quality that is essential for optimum cutting results. Nitrogen and oxygen each have specific advantages as individual cutting gases, but a gas mixture of the two combines the best of both gases. Especially when cutting medium to thick sheets, a nitrogen-oxygen mixture enables fast cuts that are virtually free of oxide and burrs. This minimises the need for any reworking, which in turn significantly reduces production costs. The gas mixers from WITT ensure a consistently high mixture quality and are designed for the high gas pressures required. Even the smallest deviations in the mixing ratio can disrupt the cutting process and cause stoppages. These tried-and-tested gas mixers precisely and reliably deliver the high-quality gas mixtures that are essential for laser cutting systems. The laser model range includes gas mixers with a maximum output of 438 Nm³/h and an inlet pressure of up to 40 bar. The gas mixture is generated via a proportional mixing valve, operated mechanically or electrically depending on the model. Thanks to the integrated equal-pressure control, the gas supply remains stable even with inlet pressure fluctuations. WITT gas mixers are designed to be extremely user-friendly. Depending on the model, the mixture can be continuously adjusted using a rotary knob or a touch-screen display. No special training is required for this. Models with an electric mixing valve also offer remote control options plus ease of integration into laser cutting control systems. Numerous safety systems are integrated to ensure smooth operation, such as monitoring of the inlet pressure, or optional O 2 content measurement. For even greater certainty, the gas

Cutting gases are crucial for achieving maximum precision and efficiency in the cutting process

mandatory alarm acknowledgement and the storage of alarm events with a time stamp. The robust, splash-proof stainless steel housing guarantees long lasting usability, even in demanding industrial environments.

supply temperature can be monitored by transmitters. In the event of deviations from the target state, warnings are issued via visual and audible alarms. In critical cases, the system can be switched off automatically to prevent production downtime and rejects. The optional AM3 alarm module offers a digital pressure display as well as functions such as

WITT-Gasetechnik GmbH & Co KG www.wittgas.com Guide to the accurate cutting of Fluxtrol composites

for machining Fluxtrol materials. High speed steel tools give good results. Tools with tungsten carbide inserts and tools with TiN or AlTiN coating are the premium cutters with excellent performance. Tools must have sharp cutting edges. Dull tools will result in slow cutting, material burns and creation of hot chips “sparks” that can ignite smouldering fire in dust collection areas. Though machining may be performed without any cooling, the air cooling of a cutting tool is beneficial allowing the user to increase machining speed and remove chips and dust from the cutting zone. Liquid cooling allows increase of cutting speed and improve surface quality. Bandsaw cutting tips: bandsaw may be used for straight and curved cuts, but be sure that the band blade is sharp and free of pitch and stain; don’t use a bandsaw designed for cutting wood. Fluxtrol material will quickly make the woodworking blade dull; and dull blade cuts slower and produces hot particles which can cause smouldering fire of the dust collection.

FLUXTROL materials are composites made of metal powder and plastic binders and their machinability is between plastics and metals. Fluxtrol materials are strong in compression with less strength in tension or bending loads. Different grades of Fluxtrol materials require different technique for the best results. Ferrotron 559H is closer to plastics while Fluxtrol A and 100 are similar to light metals although they are more brittle. General machining practice must be used for different machining operations – blade and band saw cutting, milling, turning, drilling and grinding. CNC machining is recommended. Water jet cutting may be effectively used when possible. For each material it is recommended to establish optimal regimes of machining on samples before producing multiple parts. Handle materials with care. For milling and grinding, the material may be held on magnetic table by magnetic forces. Be careful when clamping material in a lathe and vice. Too high applied force can cause marks/defects on the surface the part or even break it. Different grades of metal cutting tools (cutters, mill and drill bits) may be used

Fluxtrol

www.fluxtrol.com

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JANUARY 2025