Laser cutting has various applications in many fields because of the many compelling reasons to use it in manufacturing and design. Due to its remarkable precision and accuracy, laser cutting has become a popular alternative.
A laser cutter is a tool that can precisely cut, engrave, or shape materials by means of concentrated beams of light. Because of this, intricate shapes, fine details, and designs can be created. The aerospace, electronics, and medical equipment manufacturing industries rely on precise and high-quality components, making this precision essential.
Laser cutting technology also has the added advantage of being quite versatile. Laser cutters are able to efficiently cut through a wide variety of materials, including metals, plastics, wood, fabric, glass, and many more. Because of its versatility, it is possible to produce a broad variety of goods, components, or prototypes, which encourages inventiveness and originality in the design and production processes. Laser cutting is a great choice for businesses seeking precision and adaptability due to its adaptability with different materials.
Another major selling point of laser cutting methods is how fast and precise they are. Laser cutters allow for precise and rapid cutting, which reduces production time without compromising quality. The computer-controlled system ensures consistent and homogeneous output through automated and repeated procedures.
By cutting down on material waste and boosting output, improved efficiency allows for more economical and environmentally friendly production methods. Because of its accuracy, variety, efficiency, and adaptability, laser cutting technology is a fantastic asset that encourages innovation and greatness in many different industry.
Table of Contents
What Does Laser Cutting Mean?
The use of a small, concentrated laser beam to vaporise and slice through materials like sheet metal produces precise and high-quality cuts in a non-contact production method known as laser cutting.
Exactly what the name says: this industrial technique employs the use of a powerful laser beam to burn, melt, or evaporate materials in order to "cut" them into desired shapes. Learn the ins and outs of laser cutting right here if you've ever wanted to know.
The technique of laser cutting entails guiding the beam of light via a nozzle onto the substance to be cut, thereby applying thermal heat. A laser's beam can melt or evaporate a substance when focused on a specific spot of its surface. When heat and pressure combine, cutting action is enabled.
Although the cutting strengths of various metals and materials that are not metallic vary, laser cutting is capable of slicing through them all. Laser cutting gets rid of the need to interact with large, extremely powerful machinery in order to cut metal or other materials. Hence, laser cutting is an effective and durable way to fabricate sheet metal.
What Can You Do With A Laser Cutter?
Laser cutters are capable of cutting, engraving, and marking, in general.
Cutting
Cutting occurs when the laser beam penetrates the substance of the object to be worked. As a rule, a laser cut leaves no visible seams. The cut edges' appearance is material dependent. For instance, it is common for the cut edges of wood to be a deeper brown than the wood itself. Even after laser cutting, the edges of acrylic retain their original colour and take on a beautiful glossy sheen.
A laser cutter has a tiny kerf. How wide of a groove is created when cutting is called the kerf. This is based on the laser's individual parameters in addition to material type. A kerf of 0.05 mm (0.002 in) to 0.5 mm (0.02 in) is typical for a wide variety of components.
Engraving
When a section of the top material is removed by the laser beam without completely cutting through it, the process is called engraving.
Marking
In the case of marking, the laser does not remove material but rather alters its colour or texture. When cutting metal with a CO2 laser cutter, marking is typically done.
To mark a workpiece, one applies a marking solution, such as CerMark or Enduramark, to its surface. The marking solution is allowed to dry before engraving can be done. The solution is permanently attached to the metal by the laser's heat.
Type of Laser
Now that we've covered the basics of the laser cutter, let's dive into the specific sort of laser that is employed. Neodymium (Nd), neodymium yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd: YAG), carbon dioxide (CO2), and fibre lasers are the four most common kinds of lasers utilised in laser cutting.
Use fibre lasers for laser cutting, even though most laser-cutting companies and specialists use CO2 lasers for cutting metal. A fibre laser outperforms competing laser beams in terms of efficiency, thanks to its reduced gas consumption and waste. Furthermore, fibre lasers enable more precise and seamless cutting, shorter processing times, and enhanced adaptability.
Despite the many advantages of fibre lasers over CO2 lasers, the latter remain still the norm when it comes to laser cutting. The earliest lasers to be utilised for cutting sheet metals were carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers. The CO2 laser is created in a gas mixture mostly consisting of carbon dioxide (CO2), helium, and nitrogen. This manufacturing laser is electrically pumped using an electric discharge.
Laser cutting can make intricate 3D objects, but it needs to be done piece by piece. By combining of extensive knowledge with fibre laser beam, we are able to create unique shapes.
CNC Cutting with Laser Cutting
Although there are many other methods for cutting metal, laser cutting is among the most successful. Popular and high-quality sheet metal production processes, CNC cutting and laser cutting both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Computing Numerical Control is what CNC stands for. CNC cutting is a method of manufacture that uses software programmes to control tools and machinery. The procedure begins with a computer or motion control system sending a signal and computer numerical control (CNC) of the design to a cutting machine, which subsequently cuts the material according to the technical design. Compared to using a laser cutter, this procedure calls for a lot more specialised gear.
The fundamental difference between laser cutting and CNC cutting is how metal is actually cut. Unlike the more traditional computer numerical control (CNC) cutting method, which uses specialised tools to carve out the pattern, cutting with a strong beam of laser vaporises the metal.
How Does Laser Cutting Benefit the Work?
The extensive list of benefits offered by a laser cutting service is the main reason why engineers favour it. Laser cutting has many benefits, including adaptability, accuracy, speed, repeatability, low cost, high quality, contactless cutting, and the possibility to automate some processes.
Flexibility
Laser cutting eliminates the need to switch out tools in between cuts, unlike more conventional cutting techniques.
With the same configuration, you may cut a wide variety of forms from the same thickness of material. Furthermore, complex cuts are completely trouble-free.
Precision
Laser cutting has several benefits over conventional thermal cutting processes, one of the most notable being its accuracy.
Achieving great precision without any after-treatment is possible with an accuracy of +/-0.1 mm. Such a high quality usually eliminates the need for further tolerances.
Repeatability
Parts that are almost identical to one another are guaranteed by a tolerance of +/- 0.05 mm.
Speed
Cutting with a laser is much faster than with more conventional mechanical tools. Especially when dealing with more intricate incisions.
Laser outperforms plasma and flame cutting, two additional thermal cutting technologies, up to a thickness of about 10 mm. However, the capability of the laser cutter determines the precise benefit.
Automation
Modern laser cutting machinery is very automated, therefore very little human labour is required for the task. The final quality is still heavily dependent on the operator's skill, but the machine cuts faster and uses less manual work, thus it's cheaper than other cutting methods.
Feeding systems and follow-up conveyors are standard on many equipment. Obviously, a laser cutting machine with such a configuration would cost more.
Laser cutters, when set up correctly, produce very few burrs. It is often unnecessary to remove it altogether. The material, its thickness, and other variables will determine this, naturally.
Being in a tiny heat affected zone is an additional benefit. A narrower HAZ area leads to more predictable and reliable parts when the microstructure along the HAZ changes.
Contactless
When cutting with a laser, just the beam touches the material. Hence, tools won't wear due to mechanical friction.
Flexible
To a large extent, this is what makes laser cutting so special. There are two ways in which the adaptability shows up.
A wide variety of materials can be sliced with a laser. Variety of metals, acrylic, medium-density fibreboard, wood, paper, etc., are among them. Multiple tasks can be assigned to a single machine. The power of your machine will determine whether you can cut some of these materials or not.
You can do more than just cut with many laser cutters. These equipment can also be used for laser marking. Additionally, marking has several uses in the production of commonplace goods.
It is not possible to weld with a regular laser cutting head, and the cutting speeds and quality required for welding are not achievable with a laser welding head. Machines with interchangeable heads are available for use in situations where a different operation is required; combi-heads are also under development, but have not yet achieved widespread adoption owing to their many drawbacks.
Finally, the technique works well with many types of profiles. The procedure can be carried out by tube laser cutting on any type of material, including open channels and box sections.
Conclusion
Laser cutting is a versatile and precise manufacturing and design technique that uses concentrated beams of light to cut, engrave, or shape materials. It is essential in industries like aerospace, electronics, and medical equipment, where high-quality components are required. Laser cutting technology is also versatile, allowing for efficient cutting through various materials like metals, plastics, wood, fabric, and glass.
The speed and precision of laser cutting methods reduce production time without compromising quality. The computer-controlled system ensures consistent and homogeneous output through automated and repeated procedures. This efficiency leads to more economical and environmentally friendly production methods.
Laser cutters can be used for cutting, engraving, and marking. Cutting occurs when the laser beam penetrates the substance of the object to be worked, leaving no visible seams. The cut edges' appearance is material-dependent, with wood often having deeper brown edges than wood itself.
Engraving involves removing a section of the top material without completely cutting through it. Marking, on the other hand, alters the color or texture of the workpiece. The four most common types of lasers used in laser cutting are Neodymium (Nd), neodymium yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd: YAG), carbon dioxide (CO2), and fibre lasers.
Despite the advantages of fibre lasers over CO2 lasers, the latter remains the norm in laser cutting. Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers, created in a gas mixture, are the earliest lasers used for cutting sheet metals. Combining extensive knowledge with a fibre laser beam allows for the creation of unique shapes.
CNC cutting and laser cutting are popular and high-quality sheet metal production processes, with each having its advantages and disadvantages. CNC cutting uses software programs to control tools and machinery, while laser cutting uses a strong beam of laser to vaporize the metal. Laser cutting offers several benefits, including flexibility, accuracy, speed, repeatability, low cost, high quality, contactless cutting, and the possibility to automate some processes.
Laser cutting eliminates the need to switch out tools between cuts, allowing for a wide variety of forms from the same thickness of material. It also offers precision with an accuracy of +/-0.1 mm and repeatability with a tolerance of +/- 0.05 mm. Automation in modern laser cutting machinery reduces human labor and is cheaper than other cutting methods. It produces very few burrs and is in a tiny heat-affected zone, leading to more predictable and reliable parts.
Contactless cutting ensures that tools don't wear due to mechanical friction. Laser cutting can slice a wide variety of materials, including metals, acrylic, medium-density fiberboard, wood, and paper. It can also be used for laser marking and has several uses in the production of commonplace goods.
However, laser welding is not possible with a regular laser cutting head, and machines with interchangeable heads are available for different operations. Tube laser cutting can be carried out on any type of material, including open channels and box sections.
Content Summary
- Laser cutting has various applications in many fields because of the many compelling reasons to use it in manufacturing and design.
- Due to its remarkable precision and accuracy, laser cutting has become a popular alternative.
- A laser cutter is a tool that can precisely cut, engrave, or shape materials by means of concentrated beams of light.
- Laser cutters are able to efficiently cut through a wide variety of materials, including metals, plastics, wood, fabric, glass, and many more.
- Laser cutting is a great choice for businesses seeking precision and adaptability due to its adaptability with different materials.
- Another major selling point of laser cutting methods is how fast and precise they are.
- Laser cutters allow for precise and rapid cutting, which reduces production time without compromising quality.
- Because of its accuracy, variety, efficiency, and adaptability, laser cutting technology is a fantastic asset that encourages innovation and greatness in many different industry.
- The use of a small, concentrated laser beam to vaporise and slice through materials like sheet metal produces precise and high-quality cuts in a non-contact production method known as laser cutting.
- Exactly what the name says: this industrial technique employs the use of a powerful laser beam to burn, melt, or evaporate materials in order to "cut" them into desired shapes.
- Learn the ins and outs of laser cutting right here if you've ever wanted to know.
- A laser's beam can melt or evaporate a substance when focused on a specific spot of its surface.
- Although the cutting strengths of various metals and materials that are not metallic vary, laser cutting is capable of slicing through them all.
- Hence, laser cutting is an effective and durable way to fabricate sheet metal.
- Laser cutters are capable of cutting, engraving, and marking, in general.
- Cutting occurs when the laser beam penetrates the substance of the object to be worked.
- A laser cutter has a tiny kerf.
- This is based on the laser's individual parameters in addition to material type.
- When cutting metal with a CO2 laser cutter, marking is typically done.
- The solution is permanently attached to the metal by the laser's heat.
- Now that we've covered the basics of the laser cutter, let's dive into the specific sort of laser that is employed.
- Neodymium (Nd), neodymium yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd: YAG), carbon dioxide (CO2), and fibre lasers are the four most common kinds of lasers utilised in laser cutting.
- Despite the many advantages of fibre lasers over CO2 lasers, the latter remain still the norm when it comes to laser cutting.
- The earliest lasers to be utilised for cutting sheet metals were carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers.
- Although there are many other methods for cutting metal, laser cutting is among the most successful.
- Popular and high-quality sheet metal production processes, CNC cutting and laser cutting both have their advantages and disadvantages.
- Compared to using a laser cutter, this procedure calls for a lot more specialised gear.
- The fundamental difference between laser cutting and CNC cutting is how metal is actually cut.
- Unlike the more traditional computer numerical control (CNC) cutting method, which uses specialised tools to carve out the pattern, cutting with a strong beam of laser vaporises the metal.
- The extensive list of benefits offered by a laser cutting service is the main reason why engineers favour it.
- Precision Laser cutting has several benefits over conventional thermal cutting processes, one of the most notable being its accuracy.
- Cutting with a laser is much faster than with more conventional mechanical tools.
- However, the capability of the laser cutter determines the precise benefit.
- Obviously, a laser cutting machine with such a configuration would cost more.
- When cutting with a laser, just the beam touches the material.
- To a large extent, this is what makes laser cutting so special.
- There are two ways in which the adaptability shows up.
- A wide variety of materials can be sliced with a laser.
- The power of your machine will determine whether you can cut some of these materials or not.
- You can do more than just cut with many laser cutters.
- These equipment can also be used for laser marking.
- It is not possible to weld with a regular laser cutting head, and the cutting speeds and quality required for welding are not achievable with a laser welding head.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, safety protocols are crucial when operating laser cutting machines. Users must receive proper training to understand the equipment, its safety features, and how to handle emergencies. Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety glasses, following machine-specific safety guidelines, and ensuring proper ventilation are vital safety measures.
Laser cutting machines have limitations in terms of the thickness they can cut. The maximum thickness a laser cutter can handle depends on the material type and the power of the laser. Thicker materials may require multiple passes or alternative cutting methods.
Laser cutting is generally considered environmentally friendly compared to traditional cutting methods because it produces minimal waste and doesn’t require additional tooling. However, the process might produce emissions depending on the materials being cut. Some laser cutting systems have filtration mechanisms to reduce environmental impact.
The cutting speed in laser cutting depends on various factors such as material type, material thickness, laser power, focal length, and intricacy of the design. Optimizing these factors ensures efficient cutting while maintaining quality.
Laser cutting reflective materials like copper or brass can be challenging due to their reflective nature. Specialized laser equipment or methods might be required to cut such materials effectively.