Speedy flexx: Two laser sources, one laser machine

Perform different laser processes in a single step: How does flexx technology work?

What is flexx technology and how does it work?

Part of the Speedy series, Speedy flexx laser engraving machines feature both CO₂ and fiber laser sources. Thanks to the combination the application possibilities are almost unlimited. With the CO₂ laser source you can engrave and cut plastics, wood, rubber, leather and many other materials, while the fiber laser can be used to mark metals and stain plastics.

The main feature of the patented flexx function: As the flexx function is developed by Trotec, both laser sources work in a single process step. Depending on the material, the two laser sources are activated alternately by the laser software in a single job without needing to manually change the laser tube, lens or focus. Every conceivable CO₂ laser application, as well as a annealing marking or metal engraving can be achieved in no time. This guarantees time and cost savings in your daily work, with the processing of the materials being handled by a single laser machine.

Which materials can Speedy flexx laser machines process?

CO₂laser source:

Wood
Paper
Leather
Acrylic
Glass
Textiles
Anodised aluminium
Stone
TroLase materials
Plastic

Fiber laser source:

Plastic
Stainless steel
Aluminium
Copper
Titanium
Galvanised, Nickel-plated surfaces
Gold
Silver
Platinum

How do I use both laser sources for the same job?

Whilst Speedy laser machines are single source laser machines, flexx lasers allow both sources to be controlled in the same job. The CO₂ or fiber source is controlled depending on which laser source was selected in the parameters within the material database (CO₂ engraving, fiber engraving or CO₂ cutting). This happens automatically with the laser software.
Between the CO₂ and fiber laser source there is a focal distance of about 7mm, which is stored as a fixed value in the laser software and automatically drives the table when switched from one source to the other.

Flexx lens for mixed material applications

CO₂ and fiber applications are very different and thus need different lenses. For flexx laser machines Trotec has created a lens suitable for both CO₂ and fiber laser sources. The lens is 2.85 inch and lets you create the finest details in the highest possible quality on any material. For jobs which require both laser sources this negates the need to manually change the lens.

What parameters do I need for multiple materials?

For this you should insert the 2.85” flexx lens and focus the laser on your material. You can then test the parameters needed for each different material as you normally would.
Read our below guide to see how you can quickly and easily determine the best laser parameters for your material.

Determine laser parameters

How do I find the correct focus for multiple materials with different thicknesses?

Enter the parameters for material engraving and cutting
First, define the engraving and cutting parameters for the material as usual by using the 16 available colors. Enter these laser settings, such as performance and speed, in the material dialog. The z-offset parameter in the material process color is used to set the correct focus for different positions on your workpiece in the material dialog.
Measure thickness of material and calculate z-offset parameter
The next step is important. Measure the thickness of the different materials for calculating the focus point. That means, the material that will be the focus is the (fixed) focal point, and the focus on the other materials is in reference to that. This difference is calculated in the parameters with the z-offset determined earlier.

Important information:

It is recommended that when using a flexx lens that the fiber laser source is focussed because the focal point is more critical than with CO₂ lasers. You must be accurate when focusing this laser source. The focusing tool is set to the fiber laser and when the software is switched to the CO₂ laser source, the work table will automatically move to the focal point for CO₂ entered in the software, for example 7 mm lower.

Example: Setting parameters and calculating z-offset using a ballpoint pen

A ballpoint pen is a good example of a flexx application. The metal clip is marked using the fiber laser, while the wooden housing is engraved with the CO₂ laser source. The parameters determined earlier using the 2.85” flexx lens are as follows and serve as a basis for calculating the final z-offset value:

Metal clip (fiber laser marking): P: 80%, v: 50%, 20 kHz, z-offset: 0mm
Wooden housing (CO₂ laser engraving): P: 50%, v: 60%, 1000ppi, z-offset: +2mm

Calculate the focal difference using the material for the fiber laser source as starting point

When calculating the final z-offset it is important to know which material to focus on first. As mentioned earlier, we recommend focusing on the material that will be worked using the fiber laser source, in this example the metal clip for the pen.
The focal difference between the two surfaces is 3 mm. To even out the focal difference and take the offset into account, calculate as follows: 3 mm (tolerance/height difference between materials) - 2 mm (determined z-offset) = 1 mm Note: To even out the difference the laser machines table needs raising, which is why a ‘minus’ value has to be set. The final parameters are as shown:

Metal clip (fiber laser marking): P: 80%, v: 50%, 20 kHz, z-offset: 0mm
Wooden housing (CO₂ laser engraving): P: 50%, v: 60%, 1000ppi, z-offset: -1mm

Calculate the focal difference: Material for CO₂ laser source as starting point

Generally, you can also focus on the material for the CO₂ laser source first. This is particularly helpful when the height difference is large enough that the calculated z-offset is less than -5 mm.