Laser cutters as the name signifies involves the use of a beam of narrow-wavelength light called laser that produces in-step waves of identical polarization, frequency and phase. Laser cutters provide a short cut to brilliance with their high precision and accuracy. Devised to melt away the material it attacks, the laser cutters use a powerful beam delivered through the cutting nozzle. There are several advantages associated with the use of laser cutters, which definitely justifies its popularity.
- In order to cut or mark intricate designs and drawing there are hardly any alternatives to the high accuracy provided by laser cutters.
- The cut quality is excellent and simply brilliant.
- The high processing speed of the laser cutters saves time and effort.
- The heated zone is extremely narrow in case of laser cutters.
- The oxidation layer left behind by the laser cutters is minimal and hence easy to clean.
- You can also achieve oxide-free cutting when the laser cutters are used with nitrogen.
- There is absolutely no need to change tools while working with laser cutters.
- The low level of heat applied ensures minimal deformation of the cut sheet.
- Small holes, bevelled surfaces and intricate designs which were earlier impossible with other thermal heating approaches are now easy to achieve with laser cutters.
- You also have a higher control on tight curves due to the availability of real time control of the laser power supplied to the cutters.
In general, there are two basic cutting methods employed by laser cutters i.e. Oxidation cutting and Fusion cutting. The oxidation method is considerably quicker and cost effective for cutting of carbon steels whereas the fusion cutting approach protects the edges from oxidation and mainly used for aluminium, stainless steel and their alloys. The cut quality provided by the laser cutters invariably depends on the beam generation, its delivery, cutting gas configuration and the characteristics of the material.