Boss Laser’s Mach4™ Servos
The quality of the drive motors in a laser cutter is crucial in determining the machine’s overall accuracy and performance. The drive motors are responsible for the precise movement of the laser cutting head around the worktable. Here’s how their quality impacts the accuracy of a laser cutter:
Unmatched PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE = SPEED & ACCURACY
The quality of the drive motors in a laser cutter is crucial in determining the machine’s overall accuracy and performance. The drive motors are responsible for the precise movement of the laser cutting head around the worktable. Here’s how their quality impacts the accuracy of a laser cutter:
FASTEST IN CLASS:
Mach4-equipped machines can engrave up to 2,300mm/sec, over 5x the speed of most consumer machines and over 2x the speed of competitive “Pro-class machines. Our standard hybrid servos offer engraving speeds up to 1,500mm/sec, which is fast, but our new Mach4s are more than 50% faster!
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5X ACCURACY:
Typical laser cutters/engravers have an accuracy of 0.01″, which is adequate for most consumer-level needs. Boss machines equipped with optional Mach4 servos offer an accuracy of 0.002” inch and a repeat accuracy of 0.001″. To put this in perspective, 0.001″ is only 25% of the thickness of a sheet of paper!
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Mach4 Advantages
Precision and Resolution:
- High-Resolution Feedback: Boss’ Mach4 servos are paired with high-resolution encoders. These encoders provide detailed feedback on the motor’s position, allowing precise control of the laser head’s movement. The higher the encoder’s resolution, the more accurately the motor can position the laser head.
- Stability and Smoothness: Better quality servos can produce smoother movements. This is crucial when creating intricate designs or when working at high speeds. Smooth movements ensure consistent laser application, reducing errors and improving cut quality.
Responsiveness & Speed:
- Rapid Acceleration and Deceleration: Mach4 servo motors can accelerate and decelerate quickly, essential for maintaining accuracy in a laser cutter/engraver. Rapid changes in direction can be executed more precisely, which is particularly important for complex patterns and sharp corners.
- Consistent Speed Control: Maintaining a consistent speed is vital for achieving uniform cuts, especially in heat-sensitive materials. Mach4 servo motors offer better speed control, ensuring the laser moves consistently and avoiding variations in the cut depth and quality.
Reliability and Repeatability:
- Long-Term Stability: Mach4 servos are more reliable and have a longer lifespan. They can maintain their accuracy over a more extended period, reducing the frequency of recalibrations and maintenance downtime.
- Reduced Backlash and Mechanical Play: Macch4 servo motors and their associated drive mechanisms are designed to minimize backlash and mechanical play. This precision ensures that the movement of the laser head is directly and accurately correlated to the motor’s motion, enhancing the repeatability of cuts.
Vibration and Heat Dissipation:
- Effective Heat Dissipation: Mach4 servo motors efficiently dissipate heat, maintaining consistent performance over extended operating periods. Overheating can lead to thermal expansion in mechanical components, affecting accuracy.
- Low Vibration: Mach4 servo motors are designed to operate with minimal vibration. Excessive vibration can lead to micro-movements during cutting, affecting the laser’s path and, consequently, the accuracy of the cut.
Conclusion:
In summary, the servo motor’s quality directly impacts a laser cutter’s precision, speed, reliability, and overall performance. Investing in high-quality servo motors is crucial for high-accuracy and precision applications. Mach4 servo drive system ensures consistent, reliable operation and can significantly enhance the quality of the final product in laser cutting applications.
See the Mach4 In Real Time
The enhanced accuracy is due to the new closed loop servo drive system and provides up to 5x the accuracy of our competitors.
John Hughes Lead Mach 4 Engineer
Mach4 Servo Available on…
LS-2440
- 24″ x 40″ Work Area
- 4-Way Passthrough
- 80, 105, or 155 Watts
- 2,300mm/sec with Mach4
- 1,500mm/sec without
SAVE $2500 WITH MACH4
| 80 Watt – Save $2,000 | REG |
| Mach4 Upgrade – Save $500 | REG |
| LS-2440 w/ Mach4 | REG |
LS-3655
- 36″ X 55″ Work Area
- 4-Way Passthrough
- 80, 105, or 155 Watts
- 2,300mm/sec with Mach4
- 1,500mm/sec without
SAVE $2500 WITH MACH4
| 80 Watt – Save $2,000 | REG $ |
| Mach4 Upgrade – Save $500 | REG |
| LS-3655 w/ Mach4 | REG $ |