Since the introduction of laser cutting module in the industrial sector, cutting materials have been relatively easy. Now users can easily and precisely cut materials with accuracy and speed. You are at an equitable place if you need to learn more about laser engraving and cutting, its type, materials used, and its advantages. In this article, we will discuss laser cutting in detail, and at the same time, we will recommend one of the best laser cutting tools for you to purchase.
First, what is laser cutting? And how does it work? Laser cutting is the process of cutting a material using a high-powered and extremely focused laser. It is a digital fabrication procedure that uses a thin, engrossed laser beam to cut and etch filaments into custom patterns, designs, and shapes. It is a non-contact, thermal-based fabrication process.
The process includes many activities by the laser, the laser beam is derived from a source and is composed of a single wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. Then the beams are passed through various bending mirrors and reflectors before passing through a converging lens. Through this converging lens, the beams will be highly focused at a single spot having a diameter in fractions of a millimeter.
A fast-moving gas, oxygen or nitrogen, will accompany the beams. The laser comes out from the nozzle and strikes the material with high energy intensity. Because of this high-level focus, the laser is exceptionally intense and ready for cutting, engraving, and marking. Due to the subjection of low energy on the material’s surface, the object’s temperature will maximize within milliseconds, and the material will be vaporized in no time; this process is known as sublimation. In a process in which material changes from a solid to a gaseous form without passing through a liquid form, the laser makes the material so hot that it reaches a vaporization temperature in a twinkle of an eye.
Furthermore, the laser cutting module is moved and directed through Computer Numerical Control; the computer moves the laser head according to the predetermined requirements. The beam will penetrate and cut the material as needed with one pass or more, depending on the laser Watts. There are a variety of materials that the 3D laser cutter machine supports. They include;
- Beechwood
- MDF
- Black and red acrylic
- Pinewood
- Plywood
- Fabric
- Canvas
- Cardboard
- Corrugated fiberboard
- Leather
- Walnut
- Bamboo
There are different types of laser cutters, and it is essential to know them since they are used on other materials. So, the kind of laser will determine what materials it can comfortably cut and support. They include;
- Crystal laser cutters
- CO2 laser cutters
- Fiber laser cutters
- Diode laser cutters
Therefore, what does the 3D laser cutter machine bring about advantages? They are as follows:
- Precision
The high precision delivered by laser cutters is exceptional due to the beam being extremely focused, and because of its highly focused beam, the kerf width is very narrow. Notice that the diameter of a laser is a fraction of a millimeter. Hence it can comfortably do the sophisticated cutting with precision.
- Smooth edges
Since the laser beams produced are quite narrow, the results will be very smooth. Therefore, eliminating the need to do finishing by sanding the edges to make it smooth.
- Variety of materials
A laser cutter machine can cut any given material, almost every material, depending on the type of laser you are using. This gives the users freedom of choice of materials, broadening their creative possibilities Read more