Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a highly specialized process that employs a narrow beam of high energy, high density laser light to cut, vaporize, and melt away materials. In contrast to traditional cutting processes, laser cutting does not rely on a physical blade for cutting material. Instead, laser cutting is achieved by high-pressure lasers which use a very narrow beam to melt away material at speeds of several hundred cutting cycles a second, resulting in smooth, precise cuts.
The ability to control the laser beam, combined with the strength and accuracy of the cutting process, make laser cutting extremely useful in a number of different applications. It can be used to simply cut out shapes, to hollow out objects and to etch shapes or patterns into the material being cut. Industries such as electronics, metalworking, medical device manufacturing, automotive and aerospace manufacturing all take advantage of laser cutting capabilities to fabricate parts and components.
The process of laser cutting begins with selecting the right laser source for the job. Most laser cutting systems come with a metal-cutting laser source. These systems use pulsed powerful laser light to cut into the metal. The most widely used laser cutting sources are carbon dioxide lasers, due to their energy efficiency and overall low cost.
Once the laser source has been chosen, the workpiece can be loaded and positioned onto a cutting table. The laser cutter then directs the laser beam onto the workpiece in a selected pattern. Depending on the thickness of the material being cut, the laser may need to make multiple passes. As the laser beam passes through the material, it melts, vaporizes or burns away the material precisely according to the programmed pattern. It is important to note that the laser slicing process does not require a significant amount of pressure to make the cuts, allowing for a much smoother finish.
After the cutting is finished, the workpiece must be cooled down. This cooling process is essential for laser cutting, as it helps to relieve internal stress created by the intense heat of the laser beam. In addition, the cooling process enables better accuracy and precision of the cut.
One of the greatest advantages of laser cutting is its ability to cut intricate and complex shapes easily and accurately. Laser cutters can cut through a variety of materials, including metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, cobalt and brass, as well as non-metals such as paper, wood, plastic and composites. The narrow beam laser ensures that any intricate patterns, contours, or shapes can be produced with precise accuracy.
Another advantage of laser cutting is its speed. Lasers can slice through materials at a speed of several hundred cycles a second, making them much faster than traditional cutting methods which rely on using a blade or drill bit. This can save time and money on production costs in the long run.
Furthermore, laser cutting helps to minimize material waste. Because the laser beam is so precise, it only burns away the material necessary for the job. This eliminates the need for additional polishing or finishing of the job, making the process quicker and more cost-effective.
Laser cutting is a specialized process that provides manufacturers with a precise, efficient and cost-effective way to shape and cut a variety of materials. With its ability to cut complex and intricate shapes with speed and accuracy, laser cutting is becoming an invaluable tool in many industries.
