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Features and Application of Laser Cutting Machine

Laser cutting is a mostly thermal process in which a focused laser beam is used to melt material in a localised area. A co- axial gas jet is used to eject the molten material from the cut and leave a clean edge. A continuous cut is produced by moving the laser beam or workpiece under CNC control.

Laser cutting machine can accurately produce complex exterior contours. The laser beam is typically 0.008 in (0.2 mm) diameter at the cutting surface with a power of 1000 to 2000 watts. this beam is normally focused and intensified by a lens or a mirror to a very small spot of about 0.001 in. to create a very intense laser beam.

Laser cutting works by directing the output of a high power laser, by computer, at the material to be cut. Lasers work best on materials such as carbon steel or stainless steels. Metals such as aluminum and copper alloys are more difficult to cut due to their ability to reflect the light as well as absorb and conduct heat. This requires lasers that are more powerful.In order to achieve the smoothest possible finish during contour cutting, the direction of polarization must be rotated as it goes around the periphery of a contoured workpiece. For sheet metal cutting, the focal length is usually between 1.5 in. and 3 in.

Types of Laser Cutting Machine

There are three types of lasers. The CO2 laser is suited for cutting, boring, and engraving. The neodymium (Nd) and YAG laser is usually called neodymium yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd-YAG) lasers are identical in style and differ only in application. Nd is used for boring and where high energy but low repetition are required.the Nd-YAG laser is used where very high power is needed and for boring and engraving. Both CO2 and Nd/ Nd-YAG lasers can be used for welding.

Processing Range

  • C-Mn steels up to 20mm
  • Stainless steel up to 12mm
  • Aluminium up to 10mm
  • Other non-ferrous metals
  • Thermoplastic materials
  • Wide range of other non-metals

Benefits

  • High quality cut - no finishing
  • Flexibility - simple or complex parts
  • Non contact - no marks
  • Quick set up - small batches
  • Low heat input - low distortion
  • Virtually any material can be cut


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