Process:
Laser cutting works by directing the output of a high-power laser through optics.
Electrical discharges stimulate laser cutting through material.
Beam reflected internally until it has sufficient energy to escape as monochromatic light.
Beam usually around ⅓ nanometer in diameter.
Vector Cuts: used for cutting completely through material and Raster Cuts: used for engraving. Combinations of Vector and Raster cuts used for etching through certain depths of material.
Advantages:
No cutting edge -- laser never gets contaminated and can never contaminate the material that it’s cutting
Precision
Less warping since laser has a small area exposed to high heat
Less energy intensive in comparison to plasma cutting
Different Methods:
Vaporization Cutting: Generally used for wood, carbon, and plastics. Heat the surface to generate a keyhole → continue cutting in direction/pattern of choice
Melt & Blow: Used for metals. Uses high pressure gas to blow molten material away from cutting area.
Thermal Stress Cracking: Used for brittle materials such as glass. Thermal expansion caused by heating → cracks in material are guided by the laser beam.
Reactive Cutting: Used for thick steel plates and carbon steel. Uses laser beam as ignition source, and uses a flame for cutting.
Limitations:
Difficulty cutting reflective materials as they reflect the laser beam.
Poorly focused beam can burn material.
Equipment requires large air filtration systems.
Equipment can be expensive.
