Speedy Flexx:
One System, Two Sources

How does flexx technology actually work? Can it all really be so easy?

"What is flexx technology & how does it work?"

The Speedy flexx laser machines have both a CO2 laser source as well as a fiber laser source, making it perfect for countless application possibilities. The CO2 source is ideal for engraving and cutting plastic, wood, rubber, leather and much more, while the fiber source is great for marking metals and plastics.

The main point of difference with this machine is the patented 'flexx' function: It's the best of its kind! The flexx function, developed by Trotec, means that both laser sources can work together in the one processing step. The two laser sources are activated alternately, meaning you won't ever have to manually change the laser tube, lens or focus. Every conceivable CO2 laser application, as well as annealing marking and metal engraving, can be realised in no time. Save yourself and your company a whole lot of time and money with your new-found flexxibility!

"What materials are able to be processed with a flexx?"

CO2 Laser Source:

Wood
Paper
Leather
Acrylic
Glass
Textiles
Anodised Aluminium
Stone
TroLase Materials
Plastic

Fiber Laser Source:

Plastic
Stainless Steel
Aluminium
Copper
Titanium
Galvanised Surfaces
Nickel-Plated Surfaces
Gold
Silver
Platinum

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

The CO2 / fiber laser source is controlled automatically, depending on which laser source is selected in the materials database (CO2 engraving, fiber engraving, CO₂ cutting, fiber cutting). The main focal difference between the CO2 and fiber lasers is about 7mm, which can be stored as a fixed value. It will then automatically drive the table when switched from once source to another, which helps in reducing damage and waste.

Flexx lens for CO2 and fiber applications

CO2 and fiber applications both need different lenses. Trotec provides a special lens made specifically for the flexx function - it is suitable for both the CO2 and the fiber laser sources. This 2.85" lens allows you to create the finest details on any material imaginable. If you are using both laser sources in the one project, working remains quick and smooth - there's no need to manually change the lens!

"How do I determine the parameters for multiple materials?"

Insert the 2.85" flexx lens into the machine and focus on the material. Then, test the parameters needed for the separate materials as you usually would. Below, you can read more about how to find the perfect laser parameters quickly & easily.

Determine Your Laser Parameters

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.

"How do I find the right focus for materials with differing thicknesses?"

Please Note:

When you are working with the flexx lens, we suggest focusing for the fiber laser. This is because the focal point is much more critical here and must be as accurate as possible. Additionally, the focusing tool is set to the fiber laser, and when the software is switched to CO2, the work table will automatically move to the focal point for 'CO2', as entered in the software (ie, 7mm)

Setting Parameters & Calculating the Z-Offset - Ballpoint Pen

The clip on the end of a ballpoint pen can be marked with the fiber laser, while the wooden housing of the pen can be engraved with the CO2 laser. To determine the parameters, you use the formula we explored before using the 2.85" flexx lens. This also serves as a basis for calculating the final z-offset value:

Metal clip (fiber laser engraving): P: 80%, v: 50%, 20kHz, Z-Offset: 0mm
Wooden pen (CO2 laser engraving): P: 50%, v: 60%, 1000ppi, Z-Offset: +2mm

Calculate your focal difference: start with the fiber laser material

It is very important to know what material you'll need to focus on for the initial calculation of the z-offset. As mentioned previously, we suggest focusing on the material that will be marked with the fiber laser source (the metal clip). The focal difference between the two surfaces is 3mm. To even out the focal difference and take the offset into account: calculate as follows:

3mm (tolerance / height difference between material) - 2mm (determined z-offset) = 1mm

Please note: the table needs to be raised to even out the difference. Therefore, a 'minus' has to be set as well. So, the final parameters are as follows:

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

Calculate the focal difference: CO2 material as the starting point

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

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