subject: The Fundamentals Of Laser Cutting [print this page] Modern lasers come in three different types; first there are decerative lasers seen in bars and clubs, then there are laser tripwires usually used as part of a security system in banks, museums and by hollywood villians. The third type of laser is the industrial laser cutter.
How are all of these different things lasers? It's complicated, but all of these lasers are designed on the same basic ideas. For instance, the main design feature of laser is that they control atoms (which are in a state of high stimulation) convert some of their energy into a single powerful precision cutting beam. The strength of this light beam is dependent on the kind of laser. There are fluid lasers, gaseous lasers and semi-conducting lasers, among others. Some of these designs can be used for manufacturing and industrial purposes, including laser cutting systems.
Whenever we talk about laser cutting technology and laser cutting machines we usually mean gaseous lasers such as those relying on CO2, and the semi-conductor types. The selection of laser type used for cutting usually depends upon the material in question. For example, steel, aluminum and even plastic will usually find the CO2 lasers at work. What typically happens is that the lasers vaporize the material on contact, however this typically involves a two-part process.
The first part of the laser cutting process requires that the laser beam, and the substance to be cut, come into contact. The second part of the process can sometimes be referred to as the making of a keyhole to use as a starting point. Normally, however, this is something done only with non-melting materials. When laser cutting systems are put to use to cut metal they will generally use the "melt-and-blow" or "reactive cutting" strategies . With these techniques the metal is superheated and a second system is used to remove any excess metal from the cutting area.
Laser cutting machines will always produce a remarkably neat edge and this is why so many businesses and shops will invest in the huge machines needed to offer any type of fabrication or custom component making services.
One question commonly asked is if this technology can be put to use to make both large and small items, and the answer is a definite yes. Miniatures such as model trains and cell phones can be made through the use of laser cutting, heavy duty auto parts can be made on the same machines, and even large and elaborate steel gates can also be cut using a laser.
