+31 40 8080 193CO2 laser machine with servo motors
In plastic processing, the accuracy and the result of the edge finishing can in some cases be improved by equipping a CO2 laser machine with servo motors. Servo motors have the advantage that they are continuously driven so that the movements do not consist of steps as with stepper motors. This allows you to achieve a somewhat smoother result in some specific applications, such as cutting curved / organic contours in plastic. More information can be found at wiki.
CO2 laser machine based on stepper motor
MetaQuip uses stepper motors in its laser machines as standard. These engines are safe, have a long life and perfect repeatability. For most applications this provides very good cutting and / or engraving results.
MetaQuip supplies CO2 laser machines with steps or servo motors
This upgrade does not require any other machine design, but fits within our current machines. This allows MetaQuip to offer a very cost-efficient solution that allows the customer to choose stepper motors or servos. View this option in the options list at the CO2 production series.
Advantages and disadvantages of servo control
Cost
Servo driven control is more complex than a stepper motor control.
Lifespan
A stepping motor has a slightly longer lifespan because brushes are often used in the engine, they have to be replaced every 2000 hours, with brushless motors this does not work.
Versatility
Both stepping motors and servo motors can be used in many different ways.
Reliability
A stepper motor is more reliable than a servo motor, because the control of a stepper motor is a lot easier. No (complex) encoder is required.
Motor resolution
Since a servo motor is continuously driven, it is more precise in terms of resolution versus a stepping motor that always works in discrete steps. These steps can be made smaller by using micro stepping, which minimizes the difference.
Sound
Servo motors are somewhat quieter than stepper motors during use.
Speed
Servo motors are just as fast as stepper motors for laser cutting: the cutting speed is determined by the laser power and the thickness of the material: the time it takes for the laser to melt the entire thickness of the material.
