subject: Fundamentals Of Laser Cutting [print this page] In the 1950s, science fiction authors forecasted the advent of laser technology. In their minds the laser would be the next generation of used to dissolve 'puny humans' from the inside out. In truth, however, lasers are helping to revolutionize every aspect of our lives right here on earth. For example, every day devices such as photocopiers and barcode readers use lasers, as do many security systems. We also use them during boardroom presentations as "pointers", and we see them in the operating room too. However, it is in industry that lasers are most commonly used, in the form of laser cutting machines. In numerous cases, however, the laser is burning more than it is actually cutting, but the most common industrial purposes see precision cuts being made in once difficult materials by the laser machines.
There are various different kinds of laser cutting machine, some run on gas and some use diodes. Some lasers are made specifically materials that do not melt (wood for example), but many more are used for cutting metals and plastics. They can fall under a range of categories based solely on the power output and wavelength of the light produced. For example, they can have names such as "semi conductor" lasers and "fluid" lasers, however they all rely on the exact same mechanics.
How exactly does the laser cutting process work? Since lasers are typically used to cut metals such as stainless steel and aluminium, most laser cutting machines tend to melt rather than cut the metal that crosses the path of the beam. The beam is produced within the machine where atoms are manipulated in an incredibly controlled way to create an effective stream of light that will be absorbed into the metal. The result of this process is that there is a massive amount of heat at the end of that beam and this begins melting the metal.
Interestingly, some laser cutters can make both clean and highly-finished or sealed cuts, but they could also make less refined cuts in order to allow some other machinery to complete the modifications. For instance, if a laser cut metal component requires some form of threading worked into the design, the software can actually program the laser mot to harden the edges of the cut.
Laser cutting companies, much like all other businesses, are always searching for mew ways to increase efficiency. For instance, lots of businesses will "nest" parts on their laser cutting machines, allowing them to create several objects with a single use of the laser. Additionally, many modern companies will computerize their whole production line. This has several names, including CAM, MRP and ERP, but these are all separate technologies that combine to make the manufacturing process more efficient and cost effective. These programs might receive specifications on three or four different jobs using pieces that will be made from the same type of metal. Instead of scheduling separate production runs, they might decide to cut all of the parts from just one sheet and in just one procedure. This ensures that all of the metal is used saving time and reducing waste, thus refining business functions and limiting wear and tear on machines.
