CNC Laser Cutting

CNC Laser Cutting

These computer controlled laser cutting machines (CNC) are fast, require little time to set up 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 more difficult materials to cut because of reflection and toxic fumes. This process is both cost and time efficient and creates irregular-shaped products with minimal burrs and warping. Because there are specialized CNC machine shops, a company in need of laser cutting is not required to buy the machine itself, but may go to a machine shop with all of the specifications of the product they need and get it that way. After the dimensions and design are finalized, an operator may input the information into the CAD or CAM programs that are the framework for the CNC laser machine. The laser cutter then automatically takes care of the rest. Many parts can be produced from the one design quickly and efficiently, while secondary finishing processes, such as staining or heat treating are available as well.

During the manufacturing process, a piece of material, usually sheet metal is secured to a computer controlled platform that 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. The variety of industries that use products produced by laser cutting services branch out far beyond the basic industrial manufacturing and automotive companies that might first come to mind. Any industry that requires specialized machining, such as food canning companies, packaging companies and fabric manufacturers, need the help of CNC laser cutting, as well as other CNC tools and laser options.