As detailed by RapidDirect in their article “Advantages and Disadvantages of Laser Cutting,” laser cutting utilizes a focused laser beam to efficiently shape materials based on specified designs or patterns. This advanced technique has revolutionized the manufacturing process, particularly when cutting through tough materials that traditional methods struggle with.
Laser cutting works by converting digital designs into commands for computer numerical control (CNC) machines, which guide a high-power laser to execute precise cuts. Similar to how a printer produces images from digital files, laser cutters interpret 2D vector files to control the cutting process. The laser itself can be powered by different resonator types, such as glass fibers or gas mixtures, depending on the material and design requirements.
During the cutting process, the laser beam is focused through various mirror lenses and directed onto the material. This high-intensity beam melts, vaporizes, or burns the material, creating a finished edge surface of high quality. The laser beam, typically less than 0.32 mm in diameter, can achieve a kerf width as small as 0.10 mm, depending on the material’s thickness.
While laser cutting offers significant advantages such as precision, speed, and the ability to handle complex designs, it also has some disadvantages. For example, certain materials may present challenges in terms of cut quality or may require additional considerations, such as piercing when the cut does not start from the material’s edge.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of RapidDirect.
