Laser Cutting Fundamentals

It seems like only yesterday that laser cutting was a futuristic technology

, but it has quickly become a viable option for custom cutting for sheet metal and an excellent alternative to more traditional machining methodology. This technique is the most precise and effective for production available today. To fully appreciate the various benefits of laser cutting lets take a deeper look at how the process works.

Via the use of computer software as a guide, a laser cutting device can cut through almost anything. This is often used for industrial manufacturing purposes, but numerous small custom shops are now using for some simple reasons. During the process the material then melts away, vaporizes, burns, or blasted away by a jet of gas, leaving an edge with a smooth finish. With this method, lasers can be employed to cut flat sheet metal and structural and piping materials.

Lasers do not get dull or chipped by the process. Therefore not only is the quality better from laser cutting, it is also more reliable. While lasers operate by heat, the actual heat zone is typically very small so there is less of a chance of warping. The output of the laser can be adjusted to better accommodate the thickness of the material, further reducing the possibility that heat damage will occur during the process. Some of the advantages of laser cutting over traditional cutting techniques include easier workholding as the material is cut much quicker by laser than by machine. Also there is a much reduced contamination of work pieces. When you consider die, blades or edges can be contaminated by the previous job and affect the next one this is very important.

Traditional metal cutting involves a high level of cutting and grinding. The edge is often left unfinished and has to be refinished to achieve piece uniformity. This is a problem that laser cutting can easily overcome. By being completely computer controlled the accuracy of the laser cutting process is outstanding. When a piece has been cut, there is no finishing to be done and you can just move on to the next piece. Because of this the method of laser cutting much more efficient than other cutting methods.

Although the costs of laser technology have fallen significantly as the machines carve out a place for itself in the manufacturing industry, it would not be practical to own one if just to use it for a few hundred pieces per year. Many custom laser machine shops or machine shops with a laser or two exist solely to to custom cut material for manufacturers. There can be some benefits to that too. Without the need to train and maintain operators for a machine that is rarely used or having to remind yourself of how to operate it before every job, the quality remains high with these workshops. They also have a reputation for being efficient and customer friendly. So, over all, outsourcing a task that can be completed more accurately and faster to a smaller laser shop may be the way to go over on site shops that are not neccessarily economical or easy to maintain.

Laser cutting is still an emerging technology. New and improved technology and practices are coming to light (no pun intended) but the basic process is essentially the same and the obvious advantages of laser cutting should be clear for all to see.

by: Marc Anderes

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