How Laser Cutting Works
Laser cutting is one of many processes that have noticed a much more widespread use over recent years. Many of the laser-based processes have similar benefits and applications, and as one cutting laser machine can perform multiple processes, it can be hard knowing exactly which one could be right for your business.
To make this a little easier, we have explored the process in greater detail below, looking at how the process works, the different types of laser cutting, its advantages, and where you’ll see it most commonly used.
Application - Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a process where a material is cut through the use of a laser beam. This can be for small & fine materials or materials with a much greater level of thickness (e.g. metal sheets). The process simply involves the use of a focused laser beam (e.g. pulsed or continuous wave) to cut a wide range of materials to a high level of accuracy, using a process, which is highly repeatable.
The laser beam can easily be programmed to precision cut a diverse range of thicknesses and materials (e.g. metals (including reflective metals such as copper, silver and aluminium) – brass, tungsten, steel, pewter and titanium etc.), gemstones (e.g. diamonds), ceramics, graphic composites, silicon and many types of plastics.
Even the most complex, awkward and intricate of shapes can be accurately cut through a Fiber Laser as the user has total control over the beam intensity, duration and heat input. Laser cutting has some similarities to other laser-based processes such as engraving and drilling, which also use a focused laser beam to effectively make designed cuts into a material.
Industrial Uses & Applications of Laser Cutting Systems
There are a large number of application areas, particularly in industrial manufacturing where a higher output is required but is also used in schools, aerospace (e.g. high-strength components which can withstand the pressures of outer space) the military and in small businesses.
Systems for cutting with lasers are used in a wide range of industries such as cutting stents in the medical industry, cutting parts to shape in manufacturing and industrial settings, cutting silicon for solar cells and semi-conductors (including resistors) as well as cutting of gems (even diamonds) for use in the jewellery industry. Also delivering precision laser cutting applications for e-mobility, lasers can be effectively used in the cutting of stator plates, battery foils and also in the manufacture of various electric vehicle components.
