Laser cutting systems rely on two forms of gases, that is, lasing gas and assist gas. Fabricators can increase their profitability by ensuring that they are not incurring any avoidable costs while using their laser cutters. This article discusses some ways through which higher costs are incurred on laser gas supply systems.

Interruptions in Gas Supply

Did you know that you pay a high price each time your laser cutter runs out of assist gas or lasing gas? Think about the lost production time as the machine is idle while a fresh supply of gas is sent for. Think about the costs on personnel who are idle because a laser cutter has run out of gas. You can avoid these extra costs by installing software that monitors the consumption of lasing gas and assist gas. That software can alert you to get more gas before the current supply is depleted. You can also identify a gas vendor who is so close to your fabrication shop that it takes a very short time to receive a consignment of gas once your supply is depleted.

Oversized Gas Supply Systems

Does your fabrication shop need a bulk tank of assist gas? An oversized gas supply system imposes extra costs on your facility in terms of installation costs, tank rental fees and a booster system to ensure that the gas is delivered at the required pressure. Such unnecessary costs can be avoided by getting an appropriately sized gas delivery system for your fabrication processes. For instance, a small fabrication shop can use pressurised assist-gas cylinders instead of a bulk tank. The pressurised cylinders help you to avoid the cost of setting up a concrete pad onto which a bigger system has to be installed. You can also avoid the added cost of a booster system to deliver gas at high pressure.

Multiple Start-Up Units

Did you purchase your laser cutters at different times? Chances are high that you got a starter kit for every laser that you bought. The use of those multiple starter systems imposes several avoidable costs on your operations. For instance, they take up space that would have been used for other purposes, such as storing inventory. Those starter-kits also cost money to buy and maintain. Reduce those added costs by linking all your lasers to one starter-kit. You can sell the extra units to other fabricators who need them.

As you can see, it is possible to lose money when you don't take a critical look at every aspect of your laser cutting equipment. Use the suggestions above as a starting point so that you find other hidden costs that you had previously been unaware of. You can also consult laser cutter suppliers for help in identifying other points of wastage in your fabrication shop.