Laser cutting is a technological process by which metallic and some of the non-metallic materials are cut with extremely great precision as per the requirement. Typically the laser beam diameter is in between 0.1 mm and 0.32mm with a power range of 1 to 3 kW, We can set or adjust the power depending on the type of substrate or material and the thickness of the substrate. example like Power range of 6kW is needed to cut through the aluminium. (e.g. metals (including reflective metals such as steel, brass, copper and aluminium, tungsten, steel, pewter and titanium etc ), gemstones (e.g. diamonds), ceramics, graphic composites, silicon and many types of plastics).

laser cutting simply involves the use of pulsed or continuous wave of the focused laser beam which cut a wide range of substrates with higher-level of accuracy, which is highly repeatable.

From simple to the most complex, awkward and intricate shapes can be precisely cut with fibre laser machine where the user has complete control over the beam intensity. laser cutting is very similar to other laser-based methods such as drilling and deep engraving. In those processes also focused laser beam is used to make the design into a metal or composite

Types of laser cutting

Depending on the application of the laser cutter a selection of different gases are used in conjunction with the cutting. For general boring, cutting and engraving then Co 2 is typically used.

If high powered laser pulses are used then neodymium (Nd) gas is required, this set up is mainly associated with boring. For a constant high powered beam neodymium yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd-YAG) is used.

On the bases of application of the laser cutting different gases are used for laser cutting. For simple cutting or boring CO2 is typically used.

if we are using high power then neodymium (Nd) gas is used. For the concentrated high power laser source neodymium yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd-YAG) is required.

Gaseous laser cutting always needs an electrical current pumped through the gas which gives the laser its cutting characteristics, however, this has recently been revised and RF energy is now preferred as this method does not require the use of electrodes like the DC current does. These electrodes were susceptible to erosion

What can it do?

Laser cutting can cut through different types of metals, non-metals, polymers or any substrates. Non-metals like acrylic, wood, paper and foam core to high carbon and metal like stainless steels. Laser cutting is not best suited to metals example aluminium and copper alloys as they have light-reflective properties and a good conductor of heat, these materials require the use of high powerful wattage of the laser. Laser cutting machines are generally best suited and allowed to thin materials of thickness less than 12mm but can cut through materials around 25mm.

Advantages

Computer and the Marko-controller is used to point and focus with great precision which helps laser cutting very sharp and accurate, there is also no wear in a laser while it is cutting as there is with more conventional methods, such as milling.

There is very less chance of warping the metal while the laser is cutting as laser only generates heat in a very small area in comparison with plasma cutting.

At the time of laser cutting, there is no physical damage as mechanical force is not applied.

Disadvantages

Laser cutting machine always needs very high energy or wattage thus consume very high energy. Precise, sharp and fast cutting speed somehow makes up the cost of a high amount of power which is consumed. The price and setup of a laser cutting machine can also be expensive but its an accurate and easy process to invest money on. Work hardening along the edges of cuts can mean harder work if any further machining is required.

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