// DOWNTIME AND EFFICIENCY
Technology and industry has moved on to the point whereby, Just In Time logistics and automated systems are common place. Even a tiny glitch in one area of a production cycle can knock on to create a significant cost to any company. To highlight this, within the UK alone 63 billion pounds is lost in revenue due to minor technical errors with technology and machinery, (Thomas.net). More commonly known as Downtime
In relation to Lasers this is critical, in the automotive industry where lasers are used extensively it is estimated one minute of downtime costs a production facility £11000.
Don't believe us check it out. Calculate your downtime.
// SO HOW DOES LASERFUME AFFECT MY DOWNTIME?
// LASER MARKING BLURRED CODE QUALITY FADING
During lasing if laser fume particulate is allowed to build up it can obscure the laser lens deflecting the beam. This leads to blurred marking, increasing Quality control problems and often leads to slowed production as machines are fixed.
//LASER CUTTING BECOMES INACCURATE
Similar to above, during cutting operation lasers can be obscured by laser fume particulate and such can become inaccurate. Lasers are popular because of their reliability and simplicity; simple problems caused by laser fume negate any benefit reached.
//LASER CONTAMINATION
Airborne particles also cause problems for the laser if they are allowed to be deposited on the lens, or remain in the processing area, causing beam attenuation and therefore reject rates to increase Deposition of particulates within the laser enclosure can result in contamination of the product and also the need for regular cleaning of associated operating equipment
//LASER CORROSION OF MACHINERY
Some materials when lased produce acidic substances. In particular PVC which emits hydrochloric acid as gas. If not removed form source quickly this can build up on surrounding machinery quickly and corroded expensive components of the laser. Permanent damage can result costing huge delays to production and costs to fix the machinery.
