Laser cutting is a process that uses lasers to vaporize material and create a cut edge. It can be used for a variety of different materials, including metals, plastics, and wood.
Laser cutting is an efficient and versatile method of manufacturing. It is also less expensive than traditional processes.
Types of Materials
Laser cutting is a versatile technique that can be used on a variety of materials. Some of these include metals and plastics.
When a high-power laser is configured with an appropriate power, speed, frequency and resolution, it vaporizes the material to cut it. A set of lenses or fiber-optics focus the light into the workpiece.
This process is used to engrave, mark and cut materials. It is a more precise, flexible and fast process than other traditional methods of cutting.
Melting
When the laser beam strikes a material, it heats and melts it. This process is used for cutting materials such as metals, plastics, and fabrics.
The melting process uses a high-intensity, short-pulse laser to produce holes in the material. This method can be done quickly and efficiently, making it ideal for production.
The resulting kerf or hole is then removed from the material. This process can be used to cut thicker materials such as aluminum.
Sublimation
Sublimation is a very versatile process and can be used on many types of organic or non-organic materials. It’s also a great way to customize things like mugs, t-shirts, keychains and much more!
The process involves printing an image onto a special transfer paper, which is then lined up over the fabric. Then, a combination of heat and pressure is applied. This causes the inks to change from their current solid state, directly into a gas.
Because the dye gases penetrate into the fibers of the material, this means that they become a part of the product and are permanently bonded to it. That makes sublimation a very durable and long-lasting decorating solution that will not fade or crack over time, even in the wash!
Reactive Gasses
Laser cutting uses reactive gases to create additional heat and assist the melting process. Oxygen is a common assist gas for laser cutting of mild and carbon steels.
The reactivity of the assist gas is relative to the material being cut. This determines the optimal cutting mechanism, cutting gas pressure, and laser machine.
Aside from oxygen, other common reactive gasses used in laser cutting include nitrogen and argon. Argon has a higher specific heat than oxygen or nitrogen and can produce high-quality edge quality at slightly lower speeds.
Moving Material
LASER CUTTING uses a laser beam to heat, melt, or vaporize the material being cut. The cutting head of a laser cutter is mounted on what is known as an XY gantry, a mechanical system that allows for the precise movement of the cutting head over a work piece to produce the desired cuts.
A laser is produced by directing a concentrated beam of light through a lens to the surface of the material being cut. Once a beam is focused, it is then used to melt or vaporize the material with a high-pressure jet of gas blowing molten or melted material away from the cut.
The movement of a laser beam can be achieved through reflective mirrors, a control box, or by manipulating the material being cut. There are three different configurations for laser cutting machines, defined by the way in which the laser beam moves or is moved over the material: moving material, flying optics, and hybrid laser cutting systems.
