Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a type of high-precision fabrication technology used for cutting, welding and marking most materials. Lasers use an intense beam of light that can be directed to precisely cut through a wide range of materials from paper and fabric to metals like steel and aluminum.
Laser cutting is becoming increasingly popular due to its many advantages. The laser beam is extremely thin and cuts in one direction, creating smooth edges with minimal distortion or burrs. Since the beam is made of light, it can be used in a variety of complex shapes without the need for generating new tooling. It also creates minimal heat affected zones (HAZ), making it ideal for use on heat-sensitive materials.
These benefits have propelled laser cutting to the forefront of modern manufacturing and fabrication with applications in virtually every industry. Lasers are frequently used in the automotive, aerospace and electronics fields to process and assemble parts with unparalleled precision. They are also employed in the medical, food and construction industries, where the accuracy and speed of laser cutting are particularly advantageous.
In most cases, laser machines use a material bed to hold the workpiece in place during cutting. The laser beam is generated from a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) system which can digitally adjust the intensity, size and speed of the beam to best suit the material and the desired application. The CNC system is also able to monitor the entire cutting process and make modifications to the cutting parameters if needed, ensuring the end result is accurate and high-quality.
The speed and accuracy of laser cutting technology can result in some impressive improvements in productivity. Companies can significantly reduce the time it takes to fabricate parts and products, and produce them at a much lower cost.
Many new developments are being made in the field of laser cutting, including the development of safer laser systems and processes, which will further enhance the technology’s capabilities. As the technology continues to improve, it will no doubt open up even more doors for innovation and productivity in the manufacturing world.