The first laser cutting machine was manufactured in 1965, with the primary goal of drilling holes into diamond dies. In 1967, oxygen assist gas was utilised to cut 1mm thick steel sheet with a focussed CO 2 laser beam, and this technology was put into production in the early 1970s to cut titanium for aerospace purposes.
That’s how it started, but how does laser cutting work? This article explains everything.
Laser Cutting – How it Works:
During the laser cutting process, a column of high-intensity light of a single wavelength or colour is employed. Because the wavelength of a common CO2 laser lies in the infrared region of the light spectrum, it is absolutely invisible to the human eye. Using mirrors, the laser beam may be bounced in a number of ways before being focused on the plate. Compressed gas, such as oxygen or nitrogen, flows through the nozzle bore, where the laser beam passes before colliding with the previously mentioned plate.
To guarantee that the transmitted form and density of the energy of the focus point is perfectly spherical, constant, and entirely centred in the nozzle, the beam must be accurately focused. This high amount of power causes fast heating, melting, and, in rare situations, complete vaporisation of the material being cut.
When it comes to smaller gauge materials with fewer individual holes, laser cutters are typically faster than CNC punch presses. This is due to the laser cutter’s first penetration of the material, which slows it slower. This is also true for thicker gauges since it takes more heat to melt through the material.
Our laser cutter (RBOR-PH 3015) has a 3000mm x 1500mm platform and can cut with Air, Nitrogen, or Oxygen depending on the cut, material, and thickness required. We can cut extremely thick gauge material as well as thin gauge and complicated pieces using the fibre cutter we utilise.
We can work from your designs, or we have a highly trained design staff that can collaborate with you to create your parts.
Contact Red Box now to discuss your laser cutting needs, and we will be pleased to assist you.
