Laser cutting process

Laser cutting with a cutter create patterns and designs by cutting into materials. A powerful laser beam is the source that melts, burns, or vaporizes the material.

Essentially, laser cutting is a fabrication process that uses a thin, focused, laser beam to cut. And etch materials into custom designs, patterns, and shapes as specified by a designer. This non-contact, thermal-based fabrication process is ideal for several materials, including wood, glass, paper, metal, plastic, and gemstone. It’s also capable of producing intricate parts without needing a custom-designed tool.

A Bit of Background

The invention of the laser cutting machine is due to Kumar Patel. He began his research in laser action when he joined Bell Labs in 1961. In 1963, he developed the first C0₂ laser, which is the variant with more modern applications than any other type of laser. C0₂ lasers are for engraving materials ranging from acrylic and plywood to cardboard and MDF.

Applications

Today, laser cutting has found a home in industries such as electronics, medicine, aerospace, automotive, and semiconductors. One of the most common applications is for cutting metal – whether its tungsten, steel, aluminum, brass, or nickel – because lasers deliver clean cuts and smooth finishes. We also use lasers for cutting ceramics, silicon, and other non-metals.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing uses of laser cutting technology is in the surgical field, where laser beams are now replacing the scalpel and we also use it to vaporize human tissue. This is especially useful in high-precision surgical procedures like eye surgery.

We’ll talk about more applications in a later section, but for now, let’s see how the laser cutting process works.