modern laser-cutting machine is not cheap. But many fabrication shops invest in them because they are well worth the price. With the ability to precisely cut everything from mild to stainless steel, titanium and more, the hefty investment is offset by a laser’s unmatched performance and reduced waste in the manufacturing process.
However, many fabrication shops are only using general-purpose, spring-loaded regulators to supply gas for this high-performance cutting, which is like putting snow tires on a sports car. They simply are not up to the task of providing the consistent, reliable gas pressure needed to provide optimal performance. Servo dome-loaded regulators are a better option.
Consistent inlet pressure is one important reason why dome-loaded regulators are the better choice for laser cutting machines. However, dome-loaded regulators also provide consistent, constant outlet pressure as demand from the laser fluctuates, which leads to better, more dependable outcomes. This regulator technology monitors the outlet pressure so that, when the demand from the laser increases or decreases, the valve opens or closes accordingly so that the outlet pressure remains constant, another safeguard against droop.
It is critical that laser cutting machines have consistent, stable pressure, not only during jobs but also in between jobs. When the pressure drops, these machines will shut down, creating downtime. And when fabrication shops are cutting 400 to 500 inches per minute, even a short downtime can hurt both productivity and profitability.
Finally, while many laser cutters run on dome-loaded regulators that handle between 0 and 500 psi, some of the more modern machines may require a higher pressure. With that in mind, Harris offers a dome-loaded regulator with the standard 0-500 psi range, as well as a model with a 0-1,000 psi range. When investing in a dome-loaded regulator, make sure to check the machine’s requirements in order to maximize performance. Finding a regulator that can ensure the purity of gas by eliminating contaminants as well as provide optimal pressure can maximize profitability while minimizing downtime.
Additionally, there are many fabrication shops that not only run nitrogen for precision materials but also oxygen for mild steel. For these shops, a laser gas assist kit is the easy way to run both gases to a laser machine. It has everything the shop will need, including two dome-loaded regulators for each of the assist gases (oxygen and nitrogen), along with two ID laser assist gas hoses. There is also a premium kit option that includes particulate filters that protect laser optics. However, both kits include CGA fittings that hook up to a 12-pack, cylinder or bulk system.