Laser cutting is a technology that uses a laser to cut materials. It is used in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics manufacturing. Laser cutting can be used to cut through metals, plastics, and glass. In most cases, it is used to create shapes or patterns in materials.
This technology works by directing a high-powered laser at a material. The material will then either melt, burn, or vaporize under the laser’s intense heat. The speed and precision of laser cutting make it an ideal method for creating complex shapes or patterns in materials.
Let’s go over the basics of how lasers are able to cut through materials and some helpful information on using this technology.
Why lasers are used for cutting?
Lasers are used for cutting because they produce a very focused, clean energy beam that can be precisely controlled. This makes them ideal for cutting through many types of materials without causing damage or distortion.
Laser beams are also very fast, and can cut through material very quickly without producing the heat and sparks that come with traditional metal-cutting tools like saws and torches. This makes laser cutting a much safer and more efficient option for many types of projects.
Also Read: Is Laser Welding a Good Idea For Your Business Operation?
How Laser Cutting works?
Laser cutting is a process that uses a laser to cut materials. The laser cutting process starts with the creation of a CAD file which is then used to generate a G-code file. This G-code file is then loaded into the laser cutting machine, where it is used to guide the laser during the cutting process.
The laser cutting machine consists of several components, including a computer, an amplifier, and an engraving head. The computer is used to control the overall laser cutting process while the amplifier takes the electrical energy from the power source and amplifies it to create the high-powered laser beam. This beam is then directed through mirrors and finally focused through the engraving head onto the material that needs to be cut.
As the laser beam comes into contact with the material it heats the material and causes it to vaporize or burn away. The speed and power of the laser beam can be controlled to produce different results on the material being cut. For example, a lower power setting may only engrave the surface of the material while a higher power setting can cut through the entire thickness of the material.
Laser cutting is an extremely versatile technology that can be used to cut various materials, including metals, plastics, glass, and wood. It can also be used to cut complex shapes or designs into materials. In general, any material that can be melted or vaporized by heat can be cut by a laser.
Types of Laser Cutting
CO2 Lasers
CO2 lasers use a carbon dioxide gas mixture to create a beam that can cut through metals and other thick materials. These lasers are very versatile and can be used for cutting, engraving, and welding. They can also be used to mark dark-colored substrates such as anodized aluminum or coated metals. However, one downside to CO2 lasers is that they require frequent maintenance and calibration due to the gas mixture used to create the beam.
Fiber Lasers
Fiber lasers are a newer type of laser cutting technology that is becoming increasingly popular in industrial applications. They typically have much higher output powers than CO2 lasers (up to 10,000 watts), making them well-suited for high-power applications such as cutting thicker metals.
Fiber lasers use glass or synthetic fiber to create a beam of infrared light. These lasers are much more efficient than CO2 lasers and can be used for a variety of applications including cutting, welding, and marking. Fiber lasers are also much easier to maintain and do not require the same level of calibration as CO2 lasers.
YAG Lasers
The most common type of laser used for cutting is the YAG laser. It was first developed in 1962 and is still in use today. The YAG laser emits a high-energy beam that can be focused to make very small cuts. It is also very efficient, meaning that it can cut through a wide variety of materials.
YAG lasers use a yttrium-aluminum-garnet crystal to create a beam of infrared light. These lasers are similar to fiber lasers but have a shorter wavelength, making them ideal for cutting through thinner materials. YAG lasers are also much smaller and more compact than other types of lasers, making them ideal for use in space-constrained areas.
Laser-cutting technology has revolutionized the way businesses create products. By using lasers to cut materials, businesses can save time and money while producing high-quality products. If you are looking for a company that offers laser cutting services, look no further than Laser Weld Creation. We have years of experience in the industry and use the latest technology to provide our clients with superior results. Contact us today to learn more about our laser cutting capabilities!
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