Everything You Wanted to Know About Laser Cutting

Author: Steven Glassner

We have already read a brief information about how important laser technology has evolved to be. Today, I will be giving you insights on what laser cutting means. Not only that, we would also be talking about the pros and cons involved in the cutting of metals using the laser technology. As we all know, cutting of metals is a significant part of metal fabrication.

For any metal to have its desired shape and size, we need to mold it as well as shape it. This is where laser cutting comes into play. Accurate, fast, and precise – we can call laser cutting as a trending way of cutting metals today. With proper use of good quality laser parts like Precitec laser parts, we can make the laser cutting process effective and efficient. But as the proverb goes – there are two sides of a same coin. Similarly, every process has some pros and cons associated with it.

Let us first have a look at the brighter side of the picture. The advantages of laser cutting are as follows:

Advantages of Laser Cutting Process

  • As the name suggests, laser cutting is swift and accurate. In comparison to other traditional methods of cutting, laser cutting is automated and fast.

  • We can avoid physical damage in case of laser cutting since this activity is mechanical. Unlike the old methods wherein the risk of getting cut was intense.

  • We obtain intricate and sharp cuts with the help of laser cutting. They are accurate and can be molded into any shape and size as desired. It’s for the very reason that laser cutting is a preferred choice for many industries.

  • As the process of laser cutting is mechanical, we can avoid the chances of metal to metal contamination.

  • In traditional processes where heat becomes the weapon to cut metals, the edge of the metal usually deforms to some extent. Laser cutting gives you a fine edge metal cutting.

  • Laser cutting process requires less energy for cutting the metals than other traditional methods.

Now, let’s move on to the other side of the coin. Yes, the pitfalls of laser cutting.

Disadvantages of Laser Cutting Process

  • Even though laser cutting is sharp and precise, it consumes high amount of energy in comparison to any other methods.

  • The laser beam with which the laser cutting is carried out is fragile to handle. To err is human but can cause fatal damage to the metal in case the temperature is not maintained.

  • The laser beam can cause excruciating pain if it hurts any worker. It can cause burns that can take longer to heal.

  • Laser cutting is still not capable of cutting thick metals.

  • This process of cutting is not feasible for every metal.

We have a slight knowledge about the pros and cons of laser cutting. However, do we know how laser cutting functions? Let me guide you here!

Revelations Made – The Process of Laser Cutting

To simplify the topic, laser cutting in brief is the use of laser to cut metals and give them desired shapes and sizes. It makes the metals agile and flexible, preferable for molding tough metals into complex designs. It is normally carried out using CNC machines using laser parts.

The laser works in close coordination with laser beams that are pre-programmed into the computer that is in sync with it. A focusing lens helps in concentrating the beams into a pin-point and as the super powerful laser comes in contact to the metal it melts or burns the parts of the metal to get the desired blueprint.

In general, there are three types of lasers deployed to assist in cutting namely CO2, Nd, and Nd-Yag. We can position these laser beams with the help of a program called as CNC code. This code also helps in maintaining as well as controlling the speed of the laser beams. A number of mirrors are used to divert the beams to different directions and are known as ‘beam benders’.

Laser cutting is of two types widely used in industries. They are Gantry System and Galvanometer System. What does each of these systems mean? Let’s find out:

  • Gantry System: This process is relatively slow and is engaged for the manufacturing of prototype of products. Here, the machine moves to move the laser across the targeted medium.

  • Galvanometer System: This system is more trusted for the accuracy and precision it has to offer. For the very reason, manufactures use this system for producing the final products to be sent out to the market.

Conclusion

I am sure this article has been fruitful to make you understand the laser cutting process in depth. As we already spoke, laser cutting is a very consistent, steady, and precise process. Every process has its pros and cons. Similar, laser cutting is a sharp and precise method available to cut metals with ease using laser parts like Trumpf laser parts that perform par excellence.