The Principle of Laser Cutting:
The laser cutting machines use highly concentrated beams of laser light to melt or vaporize material from a workpiece for cutting while controlling the temperature to keep the metals in a molten state and then cool them for welding. Or remove the material layer by layer to achieve the effect of engraving. So the laser cutting machine, welding machine, and engraving machines have something in common from the start.
What materials can be cut by laser?
So, you can imagine that almost any materials that can be melted and burned by heat can be cut by laser. So it is very widely used. except for some smooth, reflective, and transparent materials, such as glass
Melting and Vaporization: For non-metallic materials like plastics, wood, and fabric, the laser beam heats the material rapidly, causing it to melt and, in some cases, vaporize. The high energy density ensures a clean and precise cut.
Oxidation and Combustion: For organic materials, like wood or paper, the laser may cause combustion. In this case, a gas stream (often nitrogen or oxygen) is often used to blow away the vaporized or burned material.
Ablation and Evaporation: For metals, the laser’s high energy may cause localized ablation, where the material is removed in the form of small particles or vaporized. Oxygen or nitrogen assist gases are used for metal cutting to enhance the process.
2D vs 3D laser cutting machine
For most flat materials, paper, leather, cloth, plastic plates, and sheet metal, 2D laser cutting and engraving are mostly used.
For die-cast parts, pipes, and other irregular-shaped materials, 3D cutting is often used.
Motion Control: The workpiece is usually mounted on a computer-controlled program,(also known as CNC), it moves precisely along the desired path. The laser beam follows this path, cutting or engraving.
The precision, speed, and versatility of laser cutting make it a precious technology in various industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, healthcare, art, and more. It allows for intricate designs, fine details, and efficient material utilization, making it a preferred method for cutting and engraving a wide range of materials.