As reported by The Fabricator in their article “Nesting Fundamentals for Laser Cutting Stability,” the fiber laser has revolutionized metal fabrication, offering exceptional productivity. However, to ensure optimal performance, understanding the fundamentals of nesting is critical. Poor nesting decisions can lead to parts tipping or bowing during the cutting process, potentially causing machine crashes and production delays.
One common issue arises when smaller parts, especially those under 6 inches, rest on a single slat during cutting. If not properly supported, these parts can tip, disrupting the laser’s operation. Advanced nesting techniques, such as slug-destruct sequences, can help mitigate this by cutting potential problem areas into smaller pieces, ensuring they fall safely through the slats.
Larger parts, particularly long and thin ones, can present different challenges by bowing upwards, which affects stability. Material properties, such as being “laser flat,” play a role in preventing such distortions. To counter this, programmers may choose to tab parts in place, ensuring they stay secure during the cutting process. Modern software aids this by automatically detecting and rotating parts to optimize their position on the laser cutting bed, reducing the likelihood of tipping or bowing.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of thefabricator.com.
