A Comprehensive Guide To Laser Cutting Technology

By Author: steven glassner
Total Articles: 153
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We use many variants of cutting processes in different industries. Laser cutting is not an exception. It is widely used for different applications such as metal, nonmetal, ceramic, or so.

A technology that we looked up to as a conventional form of cutting has its own techniques and processes that provide a whole new range of possibilities for industrial applications.

Besides, manufacturers like Precitec Laser Parts and Prima Laser Parts leave no stone unturned, ensuring different lasers such as Gas lasers, Crystal lasers, and Fiber lasers make the cutting swift and fast. To help you understand it better, we have listed down different techniques and types of lasers.

Types of Laser Used for Cutting

Generally, there are three main types of lasers. They are:

1. Gas Lasers

Gas laser cutting is also known as CO2 cutting. It uses an electrical simulating, i.e., carbon dioxide mixture for cutting.

The gas laser cutting has its roots dating back to 1964. Back then, the laser was not strong enough to cut metal. Though it ...
... is now, the nonmetals remain the specialty. The laser has a wavelength of 10.6 and is widely used in medical and industrial sections.

For cutting metals such as steel and aluminum, it uses nitrogen. Given the consequences, it is wise to take precautionary measures and ensure that nitrogen is pure. If it is not, the metal may oxidize.

2. Crystal Lasers

The lasers use crystals made from nd: YAG

(neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) and nd: YVO

(neodymium-doped yttrium ortho-vanadate). The crystals are of a solid-state group and can cut both metals and nonmetals.

Crystal lasers have a wavelength of 1.064 meters, and you can use it for multiple industrial applications, including medical, dentistry, military, and manufacturing.

The drawback of using a crystal laser cutting process is that it is made of expensive pump diodes. Up to that, they have a shorter life expectancy than other lasers available in the market. The service life is around 8000-15000 hours. With time, the need to replace pump diodes or other parts can only cost you more.

Manufacturers like Precitec Laser Parts and Prima Laser Parts ensure that the machines are of good quality. So if you are ever looking for one, make sure you check them out.

3. Fiber Lasers

Here comes the fiber laser cutting, the most popular and widely used process. Optical fibers are of a solid-state group and are quite similar to crystal lasers.

They also have a wavelength of 1.064 meters.

In comparison to CO2 laser cutting, they offer faster speed, less power consumption, and significantly reduced operational costs.

What makes fiber laser cutting demanding is its service life. The lasers have a life of around 25,000 working hours, far more than the other two. It requires less maintenance. The replacement parts are inexpensive.

With types, it is quite clear that laser technology is a state of the art technology that requires experienced hands with advanced tools.

Different Laser Techniques

As we saw different types of lasers and laser cutting processes, there are different things that we can do with laser technology. Let us check them out.

1. Marking

Marking is a process in which the laser melts the surface of the material and marks it.

2. Engraving

Engraving is quite similar to marking. However, here the mark created is quite deep. Barcode creation is an example of it.

3. Drilling

Drilling is a process that involves the creation of popping holes and dents in the material.

What does it mean for Businesses?

The vast range of techniques and types means that laser technology is a futuristic approach. It can benefit a vast range of industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, semiconductors, and medical.

Even hobbyists and artists can use laser technology to create complex shapes and designs for their artistic purposes.

Steve M Glassner is the General Manager of Alternative Parts Inc, the leading manufacturer and distributor of Amada machinery replacement parts. Steve is a Machine Tools industry enthusiast and frequently writes about various aspects of the industry.