Laser Cutting Essentials

There are three kinds of laser in use today; first there are decerative lasers used in bars and nightclubs, then there are laser tripwires usually used for security purposes in banks, museums and by hollywood villians. The third category of laser is the industrial laser cutter, which frankly puts the other types of laser to shame.

How can lasers fulfill so many different functions? It’s complicated, but all of these lasers are designed on the exact same ideas. For one thing, the primary design feature of a laser is that it is a device which controls atoms (which are in a state of high stimulation) turn some of their energy into a single stream or laser beam. The strength of this light beam depends on the type of laser. Types of laser include semi-conducting lasers, gaseous lasers and fluid lasers, and many more. Some of these designs can be used for industrial and manufacturing purposes, including laser cutting systems.

Whenever we talk about laser cutting technology or laser cutting machines we are often referring to gaseous lasers such as those using CO2, or the semi-conductor types. The selection of laser type used for cutting usually depends upon the material in question. For example, CO2 lasers are normally the better choice for cutting steel and aluminum. What typically happens is that the lasers will vaporize the materials on contact, however this generally involves a two-part process.

The first part of the laser cutting process requires that the beam, and the substance to be cut, come into contact. The second part of the process is usually referred to as making a keyhole which facilitates the next cutting procedure. However, this is normally only done with non-melting substances. When laser cutting systems are put to use to cut metal they will normally follow the “reactive cutting or “melt-and-blow” designs . These superheat the material and use a secondary system to remove any excess material from the cutting area.

All laser cutting technology will leave an incredibly clean edge and finish and that is the reason why such a high number of businesses and shops will invest in the massive machines required to offer any kind of fabrication or custom component making services.

One thing many people ask is if this technology can be employed to produce both large and small items, and the answer is a resounding yes. Laser cutting machines can be used to cut anything from heavy steel gates to precision components for model railways and cell phones.

Marc Anderes is the Vice President of Operations of Maloya Laser that is dedicated to Metal Manufacturing and Laser Cutting with state-of-the-art laser technologies, servicing aerospace, medical, machinery, scientific and transportation needs.