The combined technology of punching and laser cutting from coil combines several advantages, first of all substantial time and cost savings. Let's see how the process works and which are the best technological solutions to provide it.
Combined punching and laser technology are one of the most flexible, cost-effective and fast solutions on the market for punching and laser cutting of sheet metal. On this page we will see how this technology works and why it pays to rely on a punch laser machine.
What is a punch laser machine?
A laser punching machine, also referred to as a punch laser combination machine, is a CNC system that integrates two distinct processing units on a single platform: an electric punching unit and a fiber laser cutting head.
Unlike traditional sheet-fed machines, a punch laser machine processes sheet metal continuously from coil and eliminating manual handling between operations.
How does the punch laser technology process take place?
How does the punching and laser cutting process take place? The two working heads of the laser punching machine, perfectly synchronized, operate simultaneously but are completely independent. The electric punching unit handles the punching and forming operations, while the fiber laser cutting unit produces all the cutting operations. Together, these two workheads make it possible to achieve combined punching and laser processing in a short time without sacrificing precision.
We can sum up the various processing steps as follows:
- Coil positioning for automatic machine feeding;
- Setting the punching and cutting parameters via interface;
- Shearing and deformation of the sheet metal by the punching unit;
- Cutting operation by the laser unit;
- Ejection of the processed sheet metal.
Main components of a punch laser machine
Understanding the architecture of a punch laser machine helps clarify why it outperforms standalone punching or laser cutting systems. The key components are:
- Electric punching unit: a CNC-controlled head equipped with a multi-tool turret that performs punching, forming, embossing, and tapping operations at high speed.
- Fiber laser cutting head: a high-precision laser source (1 kW to 10 kW) that handles all cutting operations, offering superior speed and edge quality compared to traditional CO2 laser technology.
- Coil feeding system: an automatic decoiler and feed unit that delivers sheet metal strip continuously to the processing area, eliminating the need for individual sheet handling.
- CNC control interface: the operator sets punching and cutting parameters, nesting layouts, and production sequences via an integrated digital interface, enabling full automation and minimal supervision.
- Part ejection and scrap separation system: finished parts are automatically unloaded and separated from scrap, enabling continuous production cycles without operator intervention.
The advantages of using the punch laser technology
Precision, speed and increased productivity-these are the main advantages of the combined punching and laser technology, as well as:
- Flexibility: the combined action of punching and laser cutting allows any cutting-punching processing to be carried out with a single plant.
- Time savings: laser cutting provides greater speed than mechanical punching tools. In addition, with the combined punching machine line, there is no need for accessory machines: the whole process takes place in a single machine.
- Drastic reduction in CO2 emissions: punch laser machines don’t produce harmful emissions, hence CO2, due to the use of fiber laser technology (instead of the traditional CO2 laser) for cutting operations. It also has a well-delimited working area that allows precise fume extraction and reduced need for lubrication systems.
Plus, punch laser technology by Produtech is performed working directly on sheet metal by coil. This increases the savings in cost, time, and space needed for operations.
