Laser Metal Cutting

Laser Metal Cutting

Laser cutting is the fastest and most efficient method of cutting metal shapes. Because it is incredibly accurate and sustains a very low chance of damage, lasers are used more often than alternatives like plasma cutting, water jet cutting or flame cutting. Lasers either burn or melt the metal, which develops clean and rounded lines that are aesthetically attractive as well as precise as far as the dimensions go. Laser metal cutting machines may also be used for laser welding metal pieces together. This process involves the lasers melting two separate pieces of metal and then joining them together. The joining becomes a permanent affair as the metals solidify as one. Piping systems and large industrial machines both require welding to work properly. With laser welding, they are ensured to be leak free. Laser engraving can also be a metal cutting process, particularly now that intricately designed metal jewelry is in high demand.  

Laser metal cutting machines are composed of a resonator, beam delivery system, machine frame, platform for the material, CNC or PC control and drive system. A carbon dioxide laser, composed of a mixture of CO2, nitrogen and helium gasses, is usually used in metal cutting operations. The laser passes through a lens that magnifies the beam and focuses it on a precise target spot of the material. Metal is a good heat conductor and has reflective properties and therefore, the laser intensity must change depending on the nature of the metal material being cut. Generally, a standard laser has a beam point two of a millimeter in width and can focus one thousand to four thousand watts of energy at one time. Because metals like aluminum and copper have more reflective properties than other metals, the laser beam is often reflected off the surface rather than cutting or melting it. Therefore, steel metals are a more popular choice for laser cutting.