One of XMAKE’s core businesses is laser cutting, and our ability to perform various types of cutting has earned us the favor of many large customers.
This article focuses on the principles and different types of laser cutting so that you can understand what kind of cutting service you need.
Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a precise and efficient manufacturing process that utilizes focused laser beams to cut or engrave materials accurately.
This technology has gained immense popularity across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and textiles, due to its ability to create intricate designs and complex shapes. The laser emits a concentrated light beam that melts, burns, or vaporizes the material, allowing for clean cuts with minimal waste.
How does Laser Cutting work
- The process begins with a laser beam generated by a laser source, typically a CO2 or fiber laser.
- This beam is then directed through a series of mirrors and lens systems, allowing it to be focused onto a small point on the material’s surface.
- Once focused, the intense energy of the laser causes the material to melt, burn, or vaporize, effectively cutting through it.
- Depending on the type of material and desired outcome, a gas assist such as oxygen or nitrogen may be used to enhance the cutting efficiency or quality of the edge.
- The movement of the laser head is controlled by a computer system, following a predefined path to achieve intricate designs.
Different types of laser cutter
CO2 laser cutter
This cutter is renowned for its ability to precisely cut and engrave materials like wood, acrylic, and leather. It utilizes a gas mixture to generate a focused light beam, making it ideal for intricate designs.
Fiber laser cutter
It employs a solid-state laser and is particularly effective for cutting metals. Its high efficiency and speed make it a preferred choice in the manufacturing sector. Fiber lasers produce a finer beam, allowing for cleaner cuts and reduced heat-affected zones.
Diode laser cutters
This type is emerging as a compact and cost-effective option for hobbyists and small businesses. They are suitable for lighter materials and are often used for DIY projects and personal crafts.
Difference between laser cutting and engraving
Cutting is primarily used to slice through materials, creating precise shapes and intricate designs. This process is ideal for applications such as producing components in manufacturing or crafting detailed artwork from various cutting materials like wood, metal, and acrylic.
On the other hand, laser engraving involves etching or marking the surface of a material without cutting it all the way through. This technique is commonly employed for personalization, such as adding names or logos to items like trophies, jewelry, and promotional products.
The depth and detail of the engraving can be adjusted to achieve different artistic effects, making it a versatile choice for decorative purposes.
| Attribution | Cutting | Engraving |
| Processing method | Slice through material | Etching or marking the surface of a material without cutting through |
| Main Applications |
|
|
Applications of Laser Cutting
In manufacturing sector
It is utilized for cutting metals, plastics, and wood with remarkable accuracy, allowing for complex designs that traditional methods struggle to achieve.
Automotive industry
They employ laser cutting to create intricate components, ensuring lightweight structures that enhance fuel efficiency.
fashion
Laser cutting is employed for creating detailed patterns and designs on fabrics. This technique not only reduces waste but also speeds up the production process.
Medical field
They benefit from laser cutting technology for manufacturing surgical instruments and implants, ensuring high levels of hygiene and precision.
Pipe laser cutting
Pipe laser cutting is a cutting edge technology that utilizes high-powered lasers for precise plastic and metal cutting.
This method offers:
- Exceptional accuracy and efficiency: It is preferred for industries requiring intricate designs and tight tolerances, from automotive components to architectural elements.
- High precision: The process begins with a laser beam directed onto the surface of the pipe, which melts or vaporizes the material to create a clean cut. This precision reduces the need for secondary processes, saving time and costs.
- Flexibility: It can handle complex shapes and profiles, allowing for innovative designs that traditional cutting methods may struggle to achieve.
Precision laser cutting
This is a highly advanced manufacturing process that utilizes focused beams of light to cut through various materials with remarkable accuracy.
It is widely used in industries where intricate designs and tight tolerances are essential, such as:
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Electronics
It has several significant advantages:
- Highly accurate: It produces complex shapes that traditional cutting methods may struggle to achieve.
- Highly automated: results in faster production times and reduced labor costs.
- Modifiability: With computer-aided design (CAD) software, manufacturers can easily modify designs and quickly adapt to changing requirements.
Waterjet laser cutting
Waterjet laser is an advanced manufacturing process that utilizes high-pressure water jets combined with abrasive materials to cut through various substances.
This technique is particularly valued for:
- Material universality: It can handle many materials, including metals, plastics, and ceramics, without generating heat.
- Avoid heat damage: The absence of thermal distortion ensures that the integrity of the material is maintained throughout the cutting process.
- Precision: High power focused beams of water can create intricate designs and detailed patterns with minimal kerf width.
- Environmentally friendly: It produces minimal waste and does not emit harmful gases.
Stainless laser cutting
Stainless cutting is used in various industries for shaping and fabricating stainless steel components.
This technique uses a laser beam to melt or vaporize the material, allowing for intricate designs and clean edges, which also leads to.
- Efficiency: It minimizes waste and ensures the final product meets specifications.
- Minimal distortion: It cuts through thick materials with minimal distortion. This is particularly important in sectors where precision and durability are paramount.
- Non-contact nature: This ability reduces the risk of damage to the workpiece, making it an ideal choice for delicate designs.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Advancements in industrial cutting technology have led to faster cutting speeds and improved energy efficiency.
Aluminum laser cutting
It is a highly efficient and precise manufacturing process cut with a laser through aluminum sheets. This technique offers numerous advantages over traditional cutting methods:
- Detail accuracy: allowing for clean and smooth edges on the cut pieces.
- Versatility: It can be used for various thicknesses of aluminum, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from automotive components to decorative elements in architecture.
- Easily programmed: enabling quick adjustments for different projects and reducing lead times in production.
CNC laser cutting
CNC laser is a modern manufacturing process that uses computer numerical control (CNC) technology to precisely cut materials.
This method is renowned for its accuracy, efficiency, and versatility. It can be applied to many materials, including metals, plastics, wood, and fabrics.
Additionally, the process allows for rapid prototyping and production, significantly speeding up the manufacturing timeline.
Conclusion of Laser Processing
To summarize, laser cutting is a common manufacturing method that uses laser pulses to offer high cutting quality. There are many different laser methods, and each has its effects.
Laser Cutting Service Near Me
XMAKE is waiting for your quote. As the world’s leading digital manufacturing platform, XMAKE excels in advanced design software and CNC machines. We can use a laser machine to deal with a variety of materials.
FAQS
Q1: What materials can a laser cutter cut?
A: Laser cutters can cut a variety of materials, including thin materials like wood, acrylic, and sheet metal. The material thickness that can be cut depends on the power of the laser-cutting machine.
Q2: How does the laser cutting process differ from plasma cutting?
A: Laser uses a focused laser beam to melt or vaporize materials, while plasma employs a high-velocity jet of ionized gas. It is typically better for intricate designs and thinner materials, whereas plasma cutting is more suited for thicker metals.
Q3: What is the kerf of a laser cutter?
A: The kerf of a laser cutter refers to the width of the cut made by the laser beam. It is an important factor to consider as it affects the precision of the cutting operation and the final dimensions of the cut piece.
Q4: How do I buy a laser cutter for my business?
A: When looking to buy a laser cutter, consider factors such as the laser power, the types of materials you plan to cut, and the machine’s cutting capabilities. Research different brands and models to find a machine that fits your needs and budget.
Q5: Can a laser cutting machine be used for marking?
A: Yes, laser-cutting machines can also be used for laser marking processes. This involves using a laser to engrave or mark materials without cutting through them, allowing for high-quality branding and design applications.
Reference
- GmbH T. L. (n.d.). How does laser cutting work? | Trotec Laser Frequently Asked Questions. Trotec Laser GmbH. https://www.troteclaser.com/zh/learn-support/faqs/how-to-laser-cut
- GUIDANCE Preliminary Understanding of Laser Cutting and Engraving- 2020 Guide. (n.d.). Treatstock. https://zh.treatstock.com/guide/article/149-chu-bu-le-jie-ji-guang-qie-ge-he-diao-ke-2020zhi-nan
