The gains stem from a new design of cutting nozzle that optimises gas flow dynamics, and the company’s own fibre laser engine with 3 kW diode modules – said to be the largest in the industry.
CFC is capable of delivering benefits to general subcontractors that cut mid-thickness stainless steel and mild steel, as the higher cutting speeds and lower gas consumption give a reduced cost-per-part. Manufacturers needing to weld or paint parts after processing will also enjoy advantages as there is no need to clean the edges, which is necessary when using oxygen to cut mild steel. Food, marine, medical and chemical plant equipment producers will benefit too, thanks to higher productivity in stainless steel processing.
On a 9 kW Amada fibre laser, CFC is effective on stainless steel from 4 to 15 mm thick and mild steel from 4 to 12 mm, while on a 6 kW machine the technology will produce gains on stainless steel from 4 to 12 mm and mild steel from 4 to 8 mm. Below 4 mm thickness, Amada says that its standard CC is very productive.
Aside from faster processing speeds and reduced gas consumption, a number of additional advantages are available to customers. For instance, the nozzle does not touch the sheet of material, so will not produce marks or scratches, a factor that will appeal particularly to manufacturers in the food and medical sectors. In addition, CFC does not require excessive nesting gaps between parts, so sheet utilisation can be maximised, further reducing cost-per-part, while close pitch holes can be processed without affecting gas flow dynamics, thus maintaining part quality.
Importantly, CFC is not an optional extra and is shipping now as standard with newly ordered Amada 6 and 9 kW fibre laser machines. Visitors to the EuroBLECH exhibition in Hanover, Germany on 23-26 October will be able to see the new technology for themselves, where it will be presented on Amada’s stand (Hall 12, Stand D06/F06).
