A coil-fed laser cutting line is a fully automated system that transforms a metal coil into a stack of finished blanks — no dies, no manual loading, minimal scrap. Here is a breakdown of every stage, each component, and its role.
The Process in One Paragraph
A coil is loaded onto the decoiler. The strip feeds through a leveler that removes deformations. The flat strip moves onto a conveyor table where the cutting head cuts part contours following a DXF program. The scrap skeleton is trimmed and removed automatically. Finished parts are unloaded and stacked — manually, by gantry, or by robot. The entire cycle is continuous: 1–2 operators, cycle time per part — from 3 seconds.
8 Line Components
1. Decoiler
Smooth coil unwinding with strip tension control. Coils weighing up to 30 t are loaded by crane or forklift. The decoiler ensures even feeding without jerks or sag.
Option: multiple decoilers for running different coils without changeover.
2. Leveler / Straightener
Removes strip deformations from coiling: waviness, camber, residual stress. The strip passes through a roller system and exits geometrically flat. Leveling precision is critical — an uneven strip means unstable laser focus and cut defects.
3. Feeding Unit
Precision strip feed onto the conveyor table. Controls speed and positioning to sub-millimeter accuracy. Synchronized with the CNC system: strip feed and cutting head movement are coordinated in real time.
4. Laser Cutting
The core of the line. A fiber laser source generates a beam focused by the cutting head onto the strip surface.
| Parameter | Range (SBMachines lineup) |
|---|---|
| Laser source power | 1.5–60 kW |
| Number of cutting heads | 1–8 |
| Head travel speed | up to 130 m/min |
| Acceleration | 2g |
| Cutting gas | Nitrogen, oxygen, compressed air |
The cutting head automatically adjusts focus and gas pressure for the material type and thickness. Cutting takes place on a conveyor table — the strip moves continuously or step-by-step depending on configuration.
Multi-head: the SU4 series features 2–8 cutting heads working in parallel. Two heads deliver approximately 2× throughput on the same parts.
5. Laser Marking (Optional)
Each part receives a unique ID: serial number, QR code, production date. Marking at 20/30/50 W, speed up to 8,000 mm/s. Provides full traceability — critical for automotive and aerospace.
6. Scrap Removal
The strip skeleton (waste after part cutting) is automatically trimmed and removed from the conveyor. The system includes:
- Skeleton cutting into manageable fragments
- Transport to a scrap container
- Fume and particle extraction (Siemens + TORAY filtration)
No manual scrap handling required — the line manages it continuously.
7. Unloading
Three options depending on part geometry and required speed:
| Option | When used |
|---|---|
| Manual unloading | Low volumes, non-standard parts |
| Gantry system | Standard parts, high speed |
| 6-axis robot | Complex shapes, mixed parts in one cycle |
8. Stacking
Automatic collection of finished parts into stacks. The system identifies part shape and orientation, then places them onto pallets. Result: a ready stack of blanks that goes directly to the next step — forming, welding, or shipping.
Materials and Thicknesses
| Material | Thickness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon steel | 0.6–20 mm | Primary range: 0.8–6 mm |
| Stainless steel | 0.6–20 mm | AISI 304, 316, etc. |
| Aluminum | 0.6–20 mm | Requires nitrogen cutting |
| Galvanized sheet | 0.6–3 mm | Pre-painted steel — no coating damage |
| Advanced high-strength steels (AHSS/UHSS) | 0.6–6 mm | Up to 1,200 MPa, including Usibor/ALSi |
Strip width: up to 1,500 mm (SU3E) or up to 3,000 mm (SU3Pro, SU4).
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Automation Options
| Option | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Multi-Gantry Cutting | 2×/3×/4× speed increase with multiple gantries |
| 6-Axis Robot | Stacking of complex-shaped parts |
| Gantry Sorting System | Automatic sorting and stacking |
| Integrated Panel Bending | Bending immediately after cutting — one line instead of two |
| Additional Decoilers | Multiple coils without changeover |
| Filtration & Ventilation | Siemens + TORAY, industrial grade |
| Screw Compressor with Dryer | Compressed air supply for cutting |
Target Industries
Automotive. Body and structural parts, blanks for hot and cold forming. Advanced high-strength steels AHSS/UHSS up to 1,200 MPa. Laser marking ensures traceability for every part.
HVAC & Climate Equipment. Air conditioner housings, heat exchangers, enclosures. Thin metal 0.6–2 mm, high speed, mass production.
Home Appliances. Panels and housings for washing machines, refrigerators, ovens. Galvanized and pre-painted sheet without coating damage.
Cookware. Discs of varying diameters from stainless steel and aluminum. No die needed per size — one DXF per diameter, changeover in one minute.
Commercial Refrigeration. Chambers, insulation panels, display cases. Long parts, pre-painted steel.
Contract Manufacturing. One line serves dozens of customers with different parts. Minimum batch — from 1 piece. The ideal model for metal service centers.
Solar / Energy. Panels, frames, mounting elements. Thin aluminum and galvanized steel.
Heavy Transport. Wheel discs, frame elements. Thick material up to 18–20 mm.
SBMachines Series
| Series | Positioning | Power | Max. width | Thickness | Heads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SU3E | Entry Level | 1.5–6 kW | 1,500 mm | 0.6–2.0 mm | 1 |
| SU3Pro | Professional | 3–60 kW | 3,000 mm | 0.6–20 mm | 1 |
| SU4 | Multi-Head | 3–60 kW | 3,000 mm | 0.6–20 mm | 2–8 |
| SU5 | Zero-Waste | 3–12 kW | 1,850 mm | 0.6–3.0 mm | 1 |
FAQ
Q: How does a coil-fed line differ from a sheet laser with an uncoiler?
A: A coil-fed laser line is an integrated system: decoiling, leveling, cutting, scrap removal, and stacking operate as a single unit under one CNC controller. A sheet laser with an uncoiler is two separate devices without end-to-end automation.
Q: Does it require a special foundation?
A: No. The line installs on a flat industrial floor. No loop pit, no dedicated foundation, no overhead cranes required — unlike a press line.
Q: How fast is changeover to a different part?
A: ~1 minute. The operator loads a new DXF file into the CNC system. No mechanical changeover is needed — no dies, no changeable tooling.
Q: Can the line integrate with existing production?
A: Yes. The line output is a stack of finished blanks on a pallet. It connects to any downstream process: forming, bending, welding, painting. The integrated Panel Bending option combines cutting and bending in a single line.
Q: What is the typical delivery and installation timeline?
A: Depends on configuration. Contact SBMachines engineers for a timeline based on your specifications: [email protected]
