Hi guys,
So I'm pondering getting a large laser cutter. As in 48x120 sheets, .190" thick in aluminum. So not a desktop toy.
This leads to questions:
A) what's the minimum wattage I need to get through .200" aluminum? (It'll be 99% 6061, with the occasional run of .190 stainless.)
B) Any recommendations for brands to look for on used machines?
C) Any recommendations for issues to watch out for on used machines?
(I'm thinking used for two reasons. A) price, and (B) this will be for our in-house production needs, so it doesn't need to crank quite as fast as a job shop does. So a slightly older (and cheaper) one will be a good place to get our feet wet. Or at least that's my theory. Am I wrong?
and then the big one:
D) pitfalls, boobytraps, and unexpected costs of ownership. What does it really take to keep that wheel turning?
Power and gas I grok, but what else do they eat besides money? (Laser heads? Maintenance calls? Etc???)
What's the real cost of ownership on something like that?
Thanks,
Brian
So I'm pondering getting a large laser cutter. As in 48x120 sheets, .190" thick in aluminum. So not a desktop toy.
This leads to questions:
A) what's the minimum wattage I need to get through .200" aluminum? (It'll be 99% 6061, with the occasional run of .190 stainless.)
B) Any recommendations for brands to look for on used machines?
C) Any recommendations for issues to watch out for on used machines?
(I'm thinking used for two reasons. A) price, and (B) this will be for our in-house production needs, so it doesn't need to crank quite as fast as a job shop does. So a slightly older (and cheaper) one will be a good place to get our feet wet. Or at least that's my theory. Am I wrong?
and then the big one:
D) pitfalls, boobytraps, and unexpected costs of ownership. What does it really take to keep that wheel turning?
Power and gas I grok, but what else do they eat besides money? (Laser heads? Maintenance calls? Etc???)
What's the real cost of ownership on something like that?
Thanks,
Brian