EdgeWISE Tools has developed a continuous-feed cutting system that uses lasers to cut a variety of rolled, non-metal materials up to 60 in. wide and up to 0.5 in. thick. The conveyorized cutting systems makes it possible to cut rolled materials into shapes from file of virtually any length.
Originally designed for precision-cutting of fabrics for huge, atmosphere-monitoring balloons for NASA, the built-to-order CFL system has an accuracy of +/- 0.004 in. and cuts at speeds up to 40 in./sec. The system can use data from popular CAD and graphic file formats. Pricing starts in the $89,000 range, with various options and add-ons ranging from $1000 to $50,000.
EdgeWise Tools has been making roll-feed laser cutting systems since 1992 and received a patent in 1993. According to company president Patrick Momany, rollfeed laser-cutting technology requires less floor space than conventional flatbed cutters and the lasers use very little heat for less material distortion. Lasers also provide a high degree of accuracy, consistency, control, and flexibility and their extremely small cut widths supports detailed work and close nesting of components to be cut. (Edgewise Tools, Inc: www.edgewisetools.com)