Hi,
I’m trying to decide between using a typical generic X-Y plasma table and an Arc Droid with my 1200W GWieke fiber laser. I don’t think I’ll have a problem fabricating a mount for the laser head, but the piercing motion is a bit different than plasma.
On a generic X-Y Table, I can add custom g-code for ever pierce move, is that possible with the Arc Droid? Can I build my own post-processor for it? I looked around the forum and saw a few successful laser users, but no talk about how the gcode was modified.
@kingjamez given the weight of the laser head/gun and attached cooling/fiber connections, a traditional XY gantry table is better suited. While the ArcDroid works, I noticed the extra weight (when compared to a plasma torch) stresses the ArcDroid system. As far as your question on ever pierce and g-code editing to achieve the same, I have not found that to be necessary. The kerf from the laser is so fine, not to mention you will only effectively be able to cut 1/4” and less, I’ve found that a brief 1/2 second pierce delay is all I need. For cuts any thicker than 1/4” you’ll run into dross issues due to the thin kerf. I run a 2000w machine. I’ve found plasma to be so much more efficient if you don’t have any cuts finer than 5mm apart. . Good Luck!
Hi Bob,
Really appreciate the well thought out response. I talked with an engineer from Gwieke and he warned of damage to the lens if I didn’t do a pierce move. He was concerned about the initial reflection coming back. I don’t have any experience here, so was just trying to take advice.
I agree that an XY table would probably be better, I was hopeful that arc droid would work so I could save some space in my cramped shop. Maybe I need to rethink that.
My goal is to cut 1mm and 2mm titanium sheet metal for my daughter’s arts and crafts business. The fine kerf is what steered me toward the laser as speed really isn’t my goal.
I hadn’t considered the additional weight problem. That probably does kill the advantages.
I saw another video saying that we need to be careful with reflective metals when piercing else there is risk for damaging the optics. I think for no matter what movement method, we should be careful about this.
All great points. Thanks for the tips and video.
Bob, when you say you found plasma to be “more efficient” what do you mean? Can you expand… I’m about to press “BUY” on a 2000w laser welder very similar to yours, but now I’ve got doubt chills coursing through my veins.
Also: I see in your laser/Ardroid demo video that there is a wobble in the cut. Is this as a result of the laser gun weight thus stress on the arcdroid? or perhaps it’s a more traditional issue like cut speed. Tell us everything, I’m all ears (*eyes). It looks like your gun is the Relfar double pendulum
@Markdroid efficient in the sense that the plasma cutter should be used for anything greater than 12gauge. While I’ve had success cutting up to 1/2” with the 2000w laser, the thin kerf traps the dross, and the cuts need to be hammered out from the design. With 1/8” and less, the cuts can be pushed out by hand (as seen in the video). Speaking of the video, the wobble you see is definitely amplified due to the mass (increased inertia) of the laser head - amplified the further the ArcDroid arm reaches. Let’s face it, a plasma torch weighs about 1/3 of the laser head, and that’s what the ArcDroid was intended for. The laser head, weighing 5 pounds, plus the additional weight of the cables/water lines if not supported properly can and will tax the z-axis movement on the ArcDroid. Finally, you are correct, the Relfar laser head is a double axis gun. Hope this helps and good luck!
