There are various types of laser control systems, which can be classified into different types according to different classification standards. The following are several common classifications of laser control systems:
1. Classified by laser type
CO2 laser control system: The CO2 laser control system is used to control the CO2 laser. The laser wavelength emitted by the CO2 laser is 10.6 microns. The non-metallic materials have the highest laser absorption efficiency in this band. Therefore, the CO2 laser is mainly used for processing non-metallic materials, including cloth, wood, plastic, foam board, etc.
Fiber laser control system: The wavelength of fiber laser depends on its gain medium and design requirements. The most common wavelength in laser processing is 1064 nanometers, which has the characteristics of energy concentration and good beam quality. It performs well in metal material cutting. Metal materials have a high absorption rate of laser at this wavelength, which enables efficient cutting. Therefore, fiber lasers are mainly used for metal material processing.
UV laser control system: The wavelength of UV laser is usually in the range of 193nm-400nm, with high photon energy and short wavelength. It can break material chemical bonds at the molecular level and strip evaporated materials without generating high heat, hence it is also known as cold processing. Due to its short wavelength and high energy density characteristics, it can achieve very precise machining, with machining accuracy reaching micrometers or even higher, which can meet the high precision requirements of precision instruments, electronic components, and other fields.
2. Divided by the number of motion axes
Single axis laser control system: The single axis laser cutting machine has only one motion axis, and its coordinate system is composed of a single XY axis. This type of laser processing calculation is relatively simple and does not require high control system requirements, making it suitable for simple flat cutting of people.
Multi axis laser control system: Multi axis laser equipment includes multiple motion axes, each with an independent YX axis coordinate system. The control system needs to calculate the motion trajectories of different motion axes separately, and through allocation algorithms, arrange the activity range of different motion axes reasonably to avoid collisions. This type of control system requires higher computing power and processing efficiency compared to single axis systems.
3. Divided by control method
Computer based motion control card: A motion control card is an upper control unit based on a computer system. Utilizing the high-performance computing power of a computer, the motion control card can accurately control the motion trajectory of laser cutting equipment, and the software intelligence level based on the computer system is higher.
Embedded control systems based on PLC or motion controllers: These control systems have the characteristics of high reliability, high anti-interference ability, and are more flexible to deploy because they do not require external computers or other devices. They are suitable for occasions that require reliability and portability, such as handheld laser welding equipment and handheld laser cleaning equipment.
In summary, there are multiple classification methods for the control system of laser cutting machines, and each control system corresponds to different production needs. There will also be differences in price and performance. When choosing a control system, one can consider their own budget and actual production needs comprehensively.
