Understanding The Laser Cutting Process

The functioning of a laser cutter is extremely easy to understand. Laser cutters direct a laser beam for cutting materials and are typically used for manufacturing several different products. Laser Cutting works on the principle of directing a concentrated beam of laser on to the material that needs to be processed. In this process, the material melts, burns, is vaporized and blown away by a jet of gas, leaving a high quality precision cut. Today, Laser Cutters come with different specification; some of the recent models include a CNC system that uses a computer and cutting software to produce the desired cut.

Here are some of the materials that a laser cutter can cut through:

• Plastics : Laser cutting can be done on plastic products such as Acrylics, ABS, Lucite, Plexiglass, Styrene and Kapton Tape
• Wood : Laser can cut through wood with ease and is mostly used in the production of personalized pencils, wooden jewelry, wood picture frame, etc.
• Foams : Foam materials such as Depron Foam, Polyethylene (PE), Styrene, etc. can be cut with ease through a laser cutter.

Laser Cutting – Configuration

The configuration of a laser cutting machine is determined by the way in which the laser beam hits the object that needs to be cut. This is achieved through three main configurations that work on two different axes i.e. X and Y.

• The first configuration is known as moving material. In this setup, the material to be cut is put beneath stationary cutter head & moved along its path.
• The second configuration is known as a hybrid laser. Here, the table and cutter head are operated on different axes, providing exceptional stability to the laser beam.
• The third configuration, known as flying optic configuration takes minimum time out of all three cutting processes.

Basic Upkeep And Maintenance Of Laser Cutting Machine

• To keep a Laser Cutting machine functioning smoothly and offering excellent performance, process control such as checking the cutting nozzle, laser lenses and additional optic should be done on a frequent basis.

• In addition to this, it is important to note that the air source can affect the focal lens of a laser cutter. Therefore, you should ensure that the lens is clean. You should visually inspect the lens by checking it with a polarizer.

• Always clean the lens with alcohol and damaged lens should be replaced immediately to ensure best performance.

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