Precision
Laser Cutting
Precision laser cutting
is a more effective alternative to traditional cutting processes
used in manufacturing for several reasons. The main advantage
of precision laser cutting is right in its name: precision.
Because the laser is usually controlled by a computer, it
can make cuts that are more precise than most traditional
equipment is capable of making. In industries where precision
matters most and where quality is a must, precision laser
cutting can be a tremendous asset to their production.
Laser cutting is fast, flexible and cost
effective. In most cases, laser cutting offers significant
benefits over short run stamping, wire EDM, plasma cutting,
nibbling, water jet cutting, and NC milling. Lasers are capable
of cutting steel, stainless steel, super alloys, copper, aluminum,
and brass. They also cut non- metallic materials such as ceramic,
quartz, plastic, wood and certain composite structures. The
laser is so fast and so repeatable that it is particularly
ideal for high production volumes associated with fully automated
or semi-automated tooling applications.
Another advantage of precision laser
cutting is that there is no physical contact. With traditional
cutting machinery, the cutting tool has direct contact with
the material in order to perform the cutting operation. As
a result, the tools can be worn down and eventually become
less precise and break down, resulting in down time for the
operations. Additionally, that direct contact can cause contamination
of the material, which is also undesirable and detracts from
the quality of the finished product. Because precision laser
cutting involves no direct contact with the material, these
problems are no longer an issue.
With older cutting techniques, material warping
can also be a concern. Even though precision laser cutting
does involve the use of a high-energy beam which produces
heat, warping is not a problem because the laser directs that
energy at only a small location. Plus, pulsed lasers are frequently
used for precision laser cutting in order to further prevent
this problem. A pulsed laser works by emitting powerful bursts
of energy, not a constant stream of energy thus reducing the
gross heat energy into the part.
Of course, there are also some materials
which are nearly impossible to cut using traditional methods.
Precision laser cutting can effectively get the job done on
almost any material of nearly any thickness. This flexibility
has made laser cutting a valuable tool in modern manufacturing.
When quality and accuracy are high priorities,
precision laser cutting is a good alternative
to traditional methods of industrial cutting.
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