Common Types of Laser Cutting Technologies
As a high-precision, efficient, and quality-controlled method of material fabrication, laser cutting has revolutionized industries from manufacturing to fashion. There are a variety of laser cutting technologies utilized around the country, each serving unique purposes and offering distinct advantages.
Understanding these techniques can help you choose the optimal solution to bring your project to life. Explore some of the most common types of laser-cutting technologies.
CO2 Lasers
Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser cutters are extremely flexible equipment that employ a gas combination containing carbon dioxide to generate a laser beam. Their versatility in working with both metallic and non-metallic materials is well-known. Smaller CO2 lasers are typically used for cutting acrylic plastic, paper, and leather. The larger ones are more suitable for industrial applications.
Although some power is lost due to using mirrors, the output beam quality of lasers using CO2 remains favorable. This allows for accurate and crisp cutting, making them useful for various complex projects. In addition, they are capable of rapid cutting speeds, making them well-suited for mass production of completed goods.
There are, however, some drawbacks to these machines. Gas refills are an ongoing expense, and frequent maintenance is necessary to keep things running well. CO2 laser cutters, despite these drawbacks, have several uses, including for the machining of mild steel and stainless steel.
Fiber Lasers
Fiber laser cutting is an advanced approach of cutting and engraving metal. Classified as a solid-state laser, this device employs a seed laser as its primary laser source and amplifies the signal through glass fibers.
Fiber lasers' superior beam quality, in comparison to that of other laser types, enables extremely precise and narrow beam applications. This allows for more efficient cutting through thicker materials since the resulting cut pathways are narrower and more precise and have a greater specific energy.
Cutting times and output for fiber lasers are similarly impressive. Metals such as copper, brass, stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, and other alloys are no match for their cutting efficiency. Fiber lasers are the instrument of choice for precise and efficient metal processing in industries including automotive and manufacturing. One drawback is that their wavelength makes them less effective on anything thicker than about 20 millimeters.
Crystal Lasers
Crystal laser cutting, which is also called Nd:YAG/Nd:YVO laser cutting, is a solid-state laser technique utilized in many fields for its accuracy and strength. In spite of their superficial differences, Nd:YAG and Nd:YVO lasers share a number of important properties. These lasers' near-infrared light is well-suited for cutting and marking metallic and a few nonmetallic materials.
The precision with which Nd:YAG/Nd:YVO lasers can etch and mark is their primary benefit. The intensity of their force allows for precise carvings even in the hardest materials. And because they can be sent over fibers, they can access places where other lasers could struggle. In fields where attention to detail is paramount, the reliability of this transmission is essential.
However, these lasers do have some restrictions. Their high price tag and limited applicability to certain materials may prevent certain companies from investing in them. In addition, their adaptability is restricted, despite the fact that they are adept at cutting metals like titanium and steel.
Metals such as stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium, aluminum, nickel, brass, and copper are the most popular materials engraved and marked with Nd:YAG/Nd:YVO lasers. They are so precise that they can even cut through ceramics, polymers, and even composites. However, they are not ideal for slicing wood or plastic.
If your project hinges on the precision, efficiency, and reliability of laser cutting, metal forming, or welding repairs, explore the capabilities of Spradlin Bros Welding Co. By controlling each phase of the fabrication process in-house, we ensure quality that stands up to any industry. Reach out to us today to discover how we can bring your project to life.