CNC Laser Cutting
Computer numerically controlled (CNC) laser cutting machines are used for cutting materials like sheet metal and acrylic into any two dimensional shape. They are best for producing prototypes and short runs of thicker materials for the automotive, aerospace, agricultural and manufacturing industries. These computer controlled laser cutting machines are fast, require little set up time and are able to make multiple cuts to the same sheet of material. Aluminum, spring steel, stainless steel, titanium and acrylic are often used, while coppery alloys and plastics are difficult materials because of reflection and toxic fumes. This process is both cost and time efficient and creates irregular-shaped products with minimal burrs and warping.
During the manufacturing process, a piece of material, usually sheet metal, is secured to a computer controlled platform which moves the part around a stationary laser beam. The beam passes through a focusing lens and exits through a tiny hole in a nozzle to cut the material into the desired shape. After the laser cutting has finished, an operator must manually remove the product and either shake the scrap pieces loose or knock them out with a mallet. These machines use a CO2 laser and a high voltage system that excites the gas and causes a single wavelength of light to appear. Oxygen is used to increase the speed of the cutting process, while nitrogen helps make a cleaner and smoother cut with no slag.