Laser cutting
is a technology that uses a laser to cut materials, which is used in
the production line and is typically used for industrial manufacturing
applications. Laser cutting works by directing the output of a high
power laser, by computer, at the material to be cut. The material then
either melts, burns, vaporizes away, or is blown away by a jet of gas,
leaving an edge with a high quality surface finish. Industrial laser
cutters are used to cut flat-sheet material as well as structural and
piping materials.
Comparison to mechanical cutting
Advantages
of laser cutting over mechanical cutting vary according to the
situation, but two important factors are the lack of physical contact
(since there is no cutting edge which can become contaminated by the
material or contaminate the material), and to some extent precision
(since there is no wear on the laser). There is also a reduced chance of
warping the material that is being cut, as laser systems have a small
heat-affected zone. Some materials are also very difficult or impossible
to cut by more traditional means. One of the disadvantages of laser
cutting includes the high energy required.
