Laser Cutting Machine Basics
Not too long ago, Industrial laser cutting machines were a futuristic technology, but it has steadily become a good alternative to traditional machine cutting. This process is the most precise and effective for production available today. To get to grips with the many benefits of laser cutting lets take a deeper look at how the technology works.
Using sophisticated computer software to guide it, a laser cutting device is used to cut materials. Lasers are typically used for industrial manufacturing purposes, but some small manufacturers are now using them as well for several simple reasons. As it is cut material burns, vaporises, melts, or blasted away by a jet of air. With this method, lasers can be employed to cut flat-sheet material as well as structural and piping materials.
Lasers do not get dull or chipped in the process. Therefore not only is laser cutting more precise but also more reliable. While lasers operate by heat, the actual heat-zone is relatively small, so there is less of a chance of warping. The laser output can be altered to fit the thickness of the material, further reducing the possibility that heat damage will occur during the cutting process. Other benefits of laser cutting over traditional cutting methods include easier work holding as the piece its self is cut much quicker by the laser. There is also reduced contamination of a work piece. When you remember that cutting blades often become contaminated by the previous job, this is a major advantage.
Traditional metal cutting techniques require a high degree of cutting and grinding. Sometimes the edge is left unfinished and needs to be cleaned up. This is something that laser cutting can easily overcome. By being completely computer controlled, the precision of the laser cutting process is outstanding. When a piece has been cut, there is no finishing to be done, and you can move straight on to the next piece. Because of this the laser cutting technique much more efficient than other cutting techniques.
Although it is true that the price of laser cutting machines has dropped substantially as the machines carve out a niche in the manufacturing industry, it would not be practical to buy one if just to use it for a few hundred pieces per year. Some custom laser machine shops or machine shops with a laser or two exist for no other reason than to custom cut materials for manufacturers. There can be some benefits to this as well. Without the need to train and maintain operators for a machine seldom used or having to “brush up” before every single job, the quality continues to be high with these workshops. They also have a reputation for being time efficient and client friendly. With this in mind, outsourcing a task that can be completed faster and more accurately to a smaller laser shop may be the way of the future over on-site shops that are not always cost-effective or easily maintained.
Industrial laser cutting machines are still in its infancy in many ways. Improved machines and practices are coming to light but the fundamental process remains essentially the same and the many rewards of laser cutting should be obvious to all.