Everything You Need to Know About Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is an advanced cutting process used in many metal fabrication projects, known for producing accurate and precise cuts. Fabricators often use laser cutters for intricate designs requiring laser-level precision. If you’re considering using a laser cutter for your next project, here’s what you need to know.
How Do Laser Cutters Work?
Laser cutting involves a high-powered, highly focused laser beam. The laser pierces a hole in the material, and then continues cutting through it, leaving a clean and smooth finish. There are two types of laser cutting techniques: pulse laser beams, which deliver cuts in pulses, and continuous wave lasers, which keep the beam focused until the cut is complete. Both methods create highly precise cuts using powerful lasers.
Which Materials Can Lasers Cut Through?
Laser cutters are versatile machines capable of cutting through a wide range of materials, including ceramics, plastics, and metals. Common metals cut by laser include:
- Stainless Steel
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Nickel
- Brass
- Copper
What is the Quality of the Cut?
Laser cutters produce cuts with minimal heat-affected zones (HAZ), and their highly focused beams ensure precise results. Because they are computer-programmed, laser cuts are accurate and consistent. During the cutting process, the laser beam smooths the edges, resulting in high-quality cuts ideal for intricate designs and reliable manufacturing.
How Does Laser Cutting Compare to Other Cutting Processes?
Laser cutting is extremely energy-efficient, consuming less power than many other cutting systems. It is faster and more precise than alternatives like waterjet cutting, and it’s safer for operators compared to free-running blade cutting methods.
Will Laser Cutters Damage the Materials Being Cut?
Many worry about heat damage when using laser cutters, but these machines cause minimal heat-affected damage. They are highly precise, and the laser smooths the cut edges as it works, preventing damage to the surrounding material.
Which Industries Can Benefit From Laser Cutting?
Laser cutters are widely used in manufacturing across various industries. Their precision allows manufacturers to produce parts for sectors such as:
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Semiconductor
- Electronics
- Medical
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM)
Why Choose Laser Cutting?
There are numerous benefits to using laser cutters during the manufacturing process. They offer shorter lead times, high precision for accurate cuts, and consistency for mass production. Laser cutters are energy-efficient, versatile, and produce intricate designs with minimal finishing requirements. By choosing laser cutting, you benefit from a fast process and high-quality results.
To learn more about the advantages of laser cutting metal, contact Beniko Industries.
Beniko Industries | CT Laser Cutting Services
It’s essential to choose a reputable metal fabrication company to ensure high-quality work. Beniko Industries has years of experience, delivering precision laser cutting services with measurable value for our customers.