Need help on selecting a laser for cutting filter media

[byrdman1]

My company manufactures filters used for pulmonary function testing. The PFT filter is constructed of 2 injection molded housing halves with a 3.5" diameter non-woven filter media disc sandwiched between the halves and ultrasonically welded. We currently buy our filter media discs pre-cut. And in the spirit of saving money and staying competitive in the marketplace we are considering cutting the discs inhouse. Our current disc supplier is die cutting the media, and we see cutting by laser as more efficent method. We have had samples laser-cut and have tested the samples in our filter assemblies and they work fine. I am looking for some guidance in selecting a laser equipment manufacturer. The filter media cuts efficently at 100 watts. The filter media would be purchased on rolls 4' in diameter, so I would a roll feed attachment and way to convey it through the machine. Currently we use about 1.5 million discs a year, so machine would need to handle volume. Anyone have any suggestions? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[cloa]

Can you specify as many parameters to the cuts that you are happy to supply?

 

[byrdman1]

cloa, Thanks for response, but I'm not sure I understand your question. The discs are 3.5"+/-.010 diameter. They cut easely at 120"/min with 100 watts co2.

 

[byrdman1]

I am looking at RD Laser and a Chinese made machine sold by CAMFive. Has anyone had any experience with these machines or companies? Any advise would greatly appreciated.

 

[opuslaser]

Hey Byrdman1

How thick is the filter media.. we bought several 150 watt machines from china but are now building our own machines...My current project is a 4 head 150 watt co2 sealed tube machine. WE cut discs out of abrasive papers and cloth and have found laser cutting to be an effective alternative to die cutting. on the samples you recieved, is "charing" a problem? WE also feed from Rolls. I would be happy to try and process some of your media and let you know how fast the machines from china could process it.

opuslaser