Mathematical Model for Machining Time of a YAG-Rod Laser Cutting Machine

The Laser cutting machine cuts a given profile with precision and accuracy that cannot be compared with other CNC cutting machines. This is made possible because the laser cutting beam forms a thin kerf of about 0.15 mm during the cutting process. The heat affected zone (HAZ) on the material is also minimal. One of the commonly asked questions by our clients is, “how long would it take to cut this profile.” The inability of the cutting software to predict the machining or cutting time becomes a challenge for the operator. In this paper, a model was developed relating speed and profile length to machining time. The actual machining time of five different profiles were obtained from the HG LCY 300 laser cutting machine and compared with the calculated machining time obtained using the model. By comparison, the slight differences between the actual and the calculated machining time are just in milli-seconds; suggesting that the model is valid and can be employed by laser cutting machine operators to predict the machining time for job profiles ahead of the cutting operation.