The Role Of Laser Cutting

Laser cutting is one of the most popular industrial methods of cutting metal. A computer-directed laser provides high concentration of energy and allows to cut almost any material. During the process of cutting the part of the material which is cut melts, burns out or is blown away by the flow of gas.

The history of laser cutting begins with Albert Einstein theorising the concept of the laser in 1917. In 1960 Theodore H. Maiman constructed the first working laser, which at that time was labelled as "a solution looking for a problem" meaning that there was still no practical application to the invention. However, during the next 40 years the laser found its place in medicine, science and manufacturing. It is hard to say who exactly was the first person to come up with the idea of laser cutting but this person deserves credit for major breakthrough in working with difficult-to-treat materials.

Laser cutting is different from the traditional methods of cutting in that it doesn't involve any mechanical contact with the surface of the material. Because of that even easily-warped materials can be accurately cut. The process itself is highly automated, so high productivity of laser cutting is almost guaranteed. There are three types of laser cutting devices which are used for different tasks. These are the carbon dioxide lasers, the neodymium lasers and the neodymium-YAG lasers. It is important to know what the difference between them is and what exactly can be done with each type.

The carbon dioxide lasers are one of the first gas lasers to be developed. They are still one of the most powerful kinds of lasers. They are generally used for boring, scribing, engraving or cutting of such materials as plastic, glass, aluminium and brass. Common types of carbon dioxide lasers include fast axial flow, slow axial flow, transverse flow and slab.

The neodymium lasers and neodymium-YAG lasers are very similar to each other in style, but are different in their application. Neodymium laser cutting devices are used when high energy pulses and low repetition is needed and are most often utilised for boring, while neodymium-YAG devices are used where very high energy pulses are needed and are most often utilised for boring, engraving and trimming.

The method of laser cutting is preferred for the jobs that need to be as fast as possible and at the same time cheap. When compared to other non-mechanical methods of cutting such as waterjet cutting it is really economical. Among other advantages of laser cutting is its high precision – it is able to hold tolerances to only 0,1 mm. This might be very useful for producing details for sophisticated machinery.

The importance of laser cutting in modern manufacturing processs is hard to underestimate. It is used in producing all kinds of machines and devices including agricultural machinery, food processing equipment and sports cars. It is also extensively used in decorative architecture. It may sound as an exaggeration, but our life would be much different if there was no such invention as the laser.