Laser cutting is a new technology used in a wide variety of industrial cutting applications. This cutting tool uses a high power laser for cutting, and is typically done with a computer numerically controlled (CNC). Laser cutting is typically used for cutting thin sheets of materials such as plastics, polymers and metals. Laser cutting is also commonly used in metal fabrication industries. There are lots of cutters, such as CNC plasma cutters, that are widely used, but a laser cutting system offers lots of advantages over other cutting tools.
Laser cutting is less expensive compared with mechanical and manually operated cutting tools. Since laser cutting tools can be operated with CNCs, the manufacturers need lesser machinists for fabrications of materials and products.
Cutting by laser offers cleaner and smoother surface for any material being cut. A typical mechanical and manual cutting tool will leave the edges rough, unlike laser cutting which will finish the material smooth and clean. Other cutting tools need to have an extra process to finish the edges that have been cut to produce the same quality of finish that a laser cutting system provides. Laser cutter typically does not need an extra process to provide a high quality finish.
Typically laser cutting needs lesser fixtures, jigs or clamps when operating. A laser cutting tool emits high powered laser beams that are responsible for cutting the material, which provides no contact between the cutting tool and the work piece. Due to this cutting style, you may cut your materials by simply lying them down on the table, with lesser holders, unlike mechanical cutters.
A laser cutting tool needs no tensioning device or any direct contact to the material. This will make you cut your work piece easier and better. You do not need to protect or cover your material from any tension when you are cutting them.
A laser cutting system is generally more precisely and accurately than other methods. With the help of CAD and CAM, a laser cutter can work automatically with the need for the operator requiring to input any data. Also, laser cutting can produce more complex designs for any materials.
Laser cutting provides lesser or even no material deformation. Typical mechanical cutting processes leave stresses and deformation to the surfaces and edges being cut. A laser cutting tool also uses laser beams, which avoids burning or melting due to heat. This is also helpful for the environment, especially when cutting plastic materials, because a plastic cannot be subjected with fire and heat treatment when being cut or processed.
