Compact laser: small in size, not in performance

What to consider before buying a laser machine?

First of all it is important to define the goal of the purchase: there are laser machines for many applications, with very different sizes, prices and power. For an industrial laser cutting system, the aspects to weigh are:

• The material you intend to work
• Cutting power
• Precision of the laser source
• Processing speed
• Quality of the motor
• Cut quality across different thicknesses
• Size and footprint
• Maintenance and support needs

All these features affect the price. Buying a laser system only because it is the cheapest machine would be a big mistake, one that costs more in the long run: a slow machine with poor cut quality does not improve productivity.

The footprint of a laser machine can also be considerable: you always have to plan how to fit it into the production floor. That is why, at equal performance, a light and compact machine is the ideal choice.

What are the advantages of a compact laser machine?

In the industrial field it is not easy to find light or compact laser machines: power and processing needs often require substantial sizes. Still, it pays to compare the footprints of the models on the market, because a compact machine does not necessarily have lower performance and, at equal technical specs, offers several advantages:

• Smaller footprint in the work area
• Easier to fit into the production cycle
• Easier to use for the operator
• Less time for maintenance and cleaning
• Simpler transport

LME: the compact laser machine for metal cutting

For metal cutting, Cutlite Penta developed the compact laser machine LME. Thanks to linear-motor technology — present in the entry-level model too — the LME offers high lightness and speed.

It is easy to fit into the production cycle, can be installed in just three days and is immediately operational. Small and compact, it can be configured with storage towers or loading and unloading systems and offers power up to 12 kW.

Like all LME and PLUS models by Cutlite Penta, the LME offers:

• Fly Cut — proprietary cutting-on-the-fly technology
• Fly Piercing — piercing the material on the move
• Cutting head — designed and built in-house to handle high power with optimized gas management
• Linear motors — for compactness, efficiency and speed
• Absolute encoders — guaranteed axis positioning with no machine homing
• CNC — with proprietary technology on all models
• Smart Manager — proprietary machine-management software
• Raster Module — to handle image files
• Smart Composer CAD CAM — integrated and installed on board the machine

Cutlite Penta metal laser cutting machines are made in Italy and designed for high-performance cutting needs.

Frequently asked questions about compact laser machines

What to check before buying a laser machine?

Material, power, source precision, speed, motor and cut quality across thicknesses, footprint, maintenance and support. Do not choose on price alone.

Does a compact laser machine have lower performance?

Not necessarily: at equal technical specs a compact machine gives the same results, with a smaller footprint, easier use and faster maintenance.

What are the advantages of a compact laser machine?

Smaller footprint, easier to fit into the production cycle, easier use, less time for maintenance and cleaning, simpler transport.

What is the Cutlite Penta LME?

A compact linear-motor laser machine for metal cutting, up to 12 kW, installable in three days and configurable with storage towers or loading and unloading.