Laser Cutting

Laser Cutting - A Simple Guide To Understanding The Term Better

All of us have heard of laser cutting. But are you aware of what goes into the process and the kinds of lasers used today?  

Some FAQ's

• What Is Laser Cutting?

Laser cutting is a process that requires cutting precise patterns out of plastic, wood, metal and in fact any other material that you can think of. With the help of laser instruments we can attain a level of accuracy and complexity that is unheard of under normal circumstances.

• How Does The Process Work?

The process works on a gaseous medium. The gas used in laser machines is commonly carbon dioxide. CO₂ causes light amplification within the laser chamber so that it starts to reflect back and forth several times. The light that emerges through an aperture is made to focus through a lens to specific points.

• What Is Laser Made Of?

Laser is made up of photons. The laser energy can be reflected by several materials like copper and aluminum alloys. These materials distribute the incoming heat evenly throughout their volume content. This means that ultimately materials that include stainless steel and carbon alloy become popular workplaces for laser cutting. All these materials are poor at absorbing heat and help the laser beam get concentrated to specific points.

Describe A Typical Laser Process And Its Use?

A typical laser process works on a beam that is about 1/5 of a millimeter (mm) in width and can focus up to 1000-2000 watts of energy. This amount of energy is enough to melt common materials. Once the laser is at its full strength, it can cut materials with maximum precision and complexity. But when the beam becomes less focused it loses its energy to penetrate through a material limiting the mm deepness. All laser machines are integrated into CAD/CAM systems in large industries.  These machines create an environment that requires lesser human workers. Once these workers are able to step away from hands-on manufacturing in industries, they can concentrate on more creative designing roles.

What Are The Different Kinds Of Laser Cutting Machines Available?

• The CO₂ laser is ideal for cutting, engraving and boring. Some variants of CO₂ laser include fast and slow axial flow, slab and transverse flow. CO₂ laser machines work by using radio frequency energy or by pumping current through a gas mix.
• Nd or neodymium laser is identical in work style to CO₂ laser but differs in its application. This kind of laser is ideal for boring where high energy is needed but repetition is not required.
• Nd-YAG laser or neodymium yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser is used in areas that require very high power. The laser is ideal for welding, boring and graving.

Laser cutting is the need of the day and its increased flexibility is replacing more and more conventional mechanical processes. Even age old techniques like plasma cutting and oxy-fuel cutting are being replaced by cutting with laser beams.