Manufacturing customers today have increasing demands for complex processing techniques. To meet these needs, the CNC laser cutter has been rising in popularity among machinists to cut and shape materials accurately and efficiently.
This technology enables a wide range of precision applications with efficient results, making it an ideal choice for many manufacturers.
CNC laser cutting machine offer flexibility, accuracy, and control when forming custom shapes and designs. Its computer numerically controlled (CNC) system allows for the precision cutting of small holes and complicated shapes.
With a high-powered laser beam as its primary operating tool, CNC laser cutters are essential machines for creating bespoke products accurately and efficiently.
This article provides an overview of CNC laser cutting and examines the benefits it offers compared to traditional CNC machining. We'll discuss the process for laser cutting, as well as the different types of lasers used in this application.
What is CNC Laser Cutting?
CNC laser cutting is a versatile non-contact thermal processing technology. A CNC laser cutter consists of a laser head with a lens and nozzle. The system uses compressed gas to cool the focusing lens and expel vaporized material from the workpiece as needed.
This efficient process provides users with impressive precision, accuracy and speed of delivery of results compared to other methods.
CNC laser cutting is an accurate and efficient way to create complex shapes and patterns. It can be used in a variety of applications, including prototyping, product development, and even mass production.
How Does CNC Laser Cutting Work?
CNC laser cutting is the process of cutting metal using a pre-programmed computer-controlled laser cutting machine. It works by focusing a high-powered laser beam onto the material to be cut.
The heat from the laser beam melts and vaporizes the material, which is then blown away by gases such as nitrogen or oxygen. Computers control the movement of the laser beam and gas, resulting in very precise cuts.
CNC laser cutting is a versatile manufacturing process that can be used to create a variety of products. It is fast, accurate and can be used to cut a wide variety of materials.
Types of CNC Laser Cutting Machines
CNC laser cutting machines are usually classified according to the state of the active laser medium (solid, liquid or gas) and the composition of the active laser medium (eg, CO2, nitrogen, etc.).
Some of the most popular types of CNC laser cutters include:
- CNC CO2 laser cutter
- CNC crystal laser cutter
- CNC fiber laser cutter
CNC CO2 Laser Cutter
A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) CO2 laser cutting machine is a machine that cuts metal using a high-powered laser beam. The laser is produced by a carbon dioxide gas mixture and directed by a computer control system to create the desired cut.
CO2 laser cutting machines are capable of cutting complex shapes and designs with high precision and speed. The machine uses CAD (computer-aided design) software to create the design, which is then translated into machine code that controls the movement of the laser cutter.
The material is held on a cutting table, and the laser beam is directed by a series of mirrors and lenses to cut the material along a programmed path.
CNC CO2 laser cutting machines are widely used in various industries such as signage, woodworking, clothing, etc. They are capable of cutting a wide variety of materials ranging in thickness from a few microns to a few millimeters.
CNC Fiber Laser Cutter
A CNC (computer numerical control) fiber laser cutting machine is a machine that uses a laser beam to cut metal. This type of cutting machine uses a fiber laser that produces a concentrated beam that is directed by a computer control system to cut the material.
CNC fiber laser cutting machines are commonly used in industrial manufacturing and fabrication processes such as sheet metal fabrication, aerospace and automotive industries, etc.
They are capable of cutting a wide variety of materials ranging in thickness from a few microns to a few millimeters.
CNC Crystal Laser Cutter
A CNC crystal laser cutter is a machine used to cut and engrave a variety of materials, including crystal, glass, and other transparent materials. It uses a high-power laser beam to cut and engrave patterns on the surface of the material.
Controlled by a computer, the machine directs a laser beam along a specific path to creating intricate designs with high precision. CNC crystal laser cutters can create complex shapes and patterns that would be difficult or impossible with traditional cutting tools.
This technique is widely used in the production of jewelry, decorative objects and precision instruments. It is also used in scientific research and engineering where precision cutting is required.
Advantages of CNC Laser Cutting
CNC laser cutting is a process that uses a focused laser beam to cut material. Listed below are some of the advantages of the CNC laser cutting process over traditional CNC machining processes:
CNC laser cutting produces more intricate designs and holes as small as 2mm with great accuracy and precision.
CNC laser cutting produces cleaner cuts without the need for additional post-processing (or finishing) operations.
CNC laser cutters eliminate the need for multiple cutting tools or custom tooling, such as traditional CNC milling and milling machines.
Conclusion
CNC laser cutting is a popular choice for manufacturing because of its speed, precision and versatility. There is no doubt that the unique design and benefits of CNC laser cutting machines make them such an important value in today's manufacturing industry.
To learn more information about our products, please feel free to contact us at qllaser@qllasercut.com.