THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO INDUSTRIAL LASER CUTTER: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Industrial laser cutters have revolutionized the manufacturing industry by providing a precise, efficient, and cost-effective method of cutting a wide range of materials.
Our machines use a high-powered laser beam to cut, engrave, or mark materials with a high degree of accuracy, speed, and repeatability.
In this ultimate guide, we will cover everything you need to know about industrial laser cutters, from how they work, the types of materials they can cut, their applications, advantages, and disadvantages, to how to choose the right one for your needs.
How do Industrial Laser Cutters work?
Industrial laser cutters work by focusing a high-powered laser beam onto a material’s surface, melting, vaporizing, or burning it to produce a cut.
The laser beam is guided by a series of mirrors and lenses, and its intensity and duration are controlled by a computer program that follows the cutting path defined by a CAD file.
The most common types of industrial laser cutters are CO2, fiber, and Nd:YAG lasers, each with unique characteristics, advantages, and limitations.
- CO2 Laser Cutters
CO2 laser cutters use a gas mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and helium to produce a laser beam with a wavelength of 10.6 microns, making them suitable for cutting materials such as wood, plastics, fabrics, leather, paper, and acrylics. CO2 laser cutters offer high cutting speeds, excellent edge quality, and low maintenance costs, but they are not ideal for cutting metals or reflective materials.
- Fiber Laser Cutters
Fiber laser cutters use a solid-state laser, typically made of rare-earth doped fibers, to produce a laser beam with a wavelength of 1.06 microns, making them ideal for cutting metals, such as steel, aluminum, copper, and brass, as well as some non-metallic materials, such as plastics and composites. Fiber laser cutters offer high cutting speeds, low operating costs, and high cutting precision, but they are more expensive than CO2 laser cutters and require more maintenance.
Nd:YAG Laser Cutters
Nd:YAG laser cutters use a crystal of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet to produce a laser beam with a wavelength of 1.06 microns, making them suitable for cutting metals and some non-metallic materials, such as ceramics, glass, and some plastics. Nd:YAG laser cutters offer high cutting precision, low heat input, and excellent beam quality, but they are slower and more expensive than fiber laser cutters.
What materials can be cut with Industrial laser cutting machine?
Industrial laser cutting machine can cut a wide range of materials, including metals, non-metals, and composites. The type of laser cutter and the cutting parameters depend on the material’s thickness, hardness, and reflectivity. Some of the most common materials that can be cut with industrial laser cutters include:
Metals
Steel
Aluminum
Copper
Brass
Titanium
Nickel alloys
Stainless steel
Non-metals
Wood
Plastics
Fabrics
Leather
Paper
Cardboard
Acrylics
Glass
Ceramics
What are the Applications of Industrial Laser Cutting equipment?
Industrial Laser Cutting equipment have a wide range of applications in various industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical, and architecture. Some of the most common applications include:
Manufacturing
Cutting and shaping of metal and non-metal components for machinery, equipment, and tools
Cutting and engraving of signage, logos, and branding materials
Cutting and etching of PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) for electronics manufacturing
Aerospace
Cutting and shaping of metal components for aircraft engines, airframes, and interiors
Cutting of composite materials for aircraft structures and components
Automotive
Cutting and shaping of metal components for automotive frames, chassis, and body panels
Cutting of leather and fabrics for upholstery and interior trims
Medical
Cutting and shaping of medical devices, such as implants and surgical instruments
Cutting and marking of medical packaging and labels
Architecture
Cutting and engraving of architectural models and prototypes
Cutting of stone and glass for decorative elements and building facades
How to Choose the Right Laser Cutter?
Choosing the right laser cutter depends on several factors, including the type of material to be cut, the desired cutting speed and precision, the available budget, and the required automation level. Some of the key factors to consider when choosing an machines are:
Laser type
The type of laser cutter depends on the type of material to be cut, its thickness, and its reflectivity. CO2 lasers are ideal for non-metals, while fiber and Nd:YAG lasers are suitable for metals and some non-metals.
Power
The laser power determines the cutting speed and depth, with higher power lasers being faster and capable of cutting thicker materials. The power should be chosen based on the material thickness and cutting speed requirements.
Cutting bed size
The size of the cutting bed determines the maximum size of the material that can be cut. The cutting bed should be chosen based on the material size and the required production volume.
Automation level
The level of automation determines the ease of use and the required operator skill level. Fully automated laser cutters require less operator intervention and can reduce the risk of human error.
The Benefits of Cleaning Without Consumables
HIGH PRECISION AND ACCURACY
Laser cutter can produce very precise and intricate cuts, with accuracy up to 0.1mm or higher, allowing for the creation of complex designs and shapes.
VERSATILITY AND FLEXIBILITY
Laser cutting machines can cut a wide range of materials, including metal, wood, plastic, fabric, and more, and can be programmed to cut or engrave any desired shape or pattern.
EFFICIENCY AND SPEED
Laser cutting equipments are faster and more efficient than traditional cutting methods, reducing production time and increasing productivity.
COST-EFFECTIVE
Despite their high initial cost, laser cutting machines can be cost-effective in the long run as they eliminate the need for expensive tooling and reduce waste by minimizing material loss.
