24/7 Laser Cutting
June 9, 2025Comments
1. Other than providing the ability to reduce labor costs, what are other benefits fabricators can derive from 24/7 cutting?
Cutting 24/7 will yield a better return on the investment made in the equipment, but to reduce labor costs automation will need to be implemented. The ability to continuously feed material and unload product unsupervised is key. This will provide throughput consistency, leading to the benefit of more accurate estimates for product costs and lead time.
2. What are some of the key technology features that fabricators should consider for achieving 24/7 laser cutting operations?
First and foremost: automation. Fabricators should strive to implement completely automated systems capable of correcting minor errors while continuing to produce quality parts, unmanned. Enabling technologies include:
- Auto loading/unloading devices
- Increased storage capacity for raw material, work in process (WIP) and scrap, to allow for longer unattended production times
- Part picking and stacking, along with scrap removal
- Auto-correction features for part tip-up, welding and slag buildup
- Material and WIP inventory management
- Autonomous-mobile-robot (AMR) transfer devices, which allow for buffer storage of WIP and automated part transfer to the next stage of production—bending, welding, paint or assembly.
Fabricators must evaluate their material type along with production-volume requirements and then decide what technology enhancements they need to optimize throughput efficiency.
3. What are some of the common challenges that fabricators face when implementing around-the-clock operations, and are there relatively newer technology enhancements that help?
Implementing 24/7 cutting requires more-frequent equipment maintenance. And, fabricators often struggle to find qualified personnel to staff overnight shifts. Lastly, communication among the shifts can become challenging. Among the options to overcome these challenges: enhancing the equipment to run around-the-clock, including installing a nitrogen generator. Machine features to look for include crash detection with auto recovery, cut and pierce monitoring, lens-condition monitoring, automatic nozzle changer, control log-in restrictions, and email notification.
