Almost every industry wants to leverage new technologies to produce faster, more cheaply and innovate. In the same way, the manufacturing process follows the same principles. In order to provide high quality at a competitiveprice, it needs to stay at the cutting edge of technology.
A laser cutter is one of the most efficient ways to cut through many different materials. Various materials can be processed in this way, including metals, plastics, composites, wood, etc. With the latest equipment and top-notch methods we produce laser-cut parts that are accurate and cost-effective for clients across many different industries. Laser cutting is highly flexible, versatile, and efficient. It can be a cost-effective option when compared with other fabrication processes. Nevertheless, there are still some common misconceptions about laser cutting.
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5 Misconceptions of Metal Laser Cutters
1. Laser cutting is complicated
Recent advances in laser technology have led many to the belief that they are difficult to operate. Due to advancements in laser cutting technology, manufacturers have, in fact, made it easier and more straightforward for users to use them. For instance, we do not have to change tooling depending on how the job is done. Lasers are programmable and provide very straightforward programming capabilities. CAD or drawings can be used to cut patterns with the laser. The power of the laser can even be adjusted in order to change the depth of the cut. Today, laser cutters can even adjust parameters themselves according to the material and thickness.
2. Materials are burned when being cut
Using laser cutters to cut wood will char the wood to a certain extent, but not to the extent where the edges are burned away. The charring process will never even occur in materials other than wood. The laser will cut an edge that is clean and precise to the dimensions you specify. The heat affected zone (HAZ) is very small. Even the edges of the cut will be sealed with lasers when dealing with plastics or composites.
Laser Cutting Process Close Up
3. Cuts through any thickness
Typically, laser cutters can cut stainless steel and aluminium up to 1/2 inch, and steel up to 3/4 inch. Laser cutters can cut materials of high thickness with ease, but all cutting mechanisms have their limits.
4. High Wattage is Necessary for Competitive Cut Speeds
Manufacturing companies are constantly developing lasers with increasingly higher wattages, because lasers with higher power can cut thicker materials. Nevertheless, higher wattages are not always more productive. When it comes to cutting efficiency, power density is more important than wattage. The power efficiency of a laser depends on how many laser watts can be focused per square centimetre. A laser with a lower wattage is generally more focused and has a better beam. As such, if you plan on cutting medium thickness materials, a lower wattage laser may be a better choice.
5. One-off prototypes vs full-scale runs of production
Different laser processing technologies, like laser cutting, have become more efficient with the advancements in laser processing technology. Many manufacturers are already equipping their products with the tools needed for full scale production. For example, galvanometer lasers make use of mirrors to focus beams and are far faster in small areas than 3- and 2-axis gantry lasers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cutting technique can be difficult because there are so many options available. However, laser cutting is far ahead of other techniques due to its cutting quality, accessibility, and feasibility. For whatever small project you are working on, it is worth considering laser cutting to eliminate the misconceptions mentioned above. You will always favour this method once you experience the great results it can produce.
Using state-of-the-art laser cutting equipment, Omnidex Laser offers a complete range of fabrication and finishing services. Our fabrication materials include stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminium, copper and brass. The creation of prototypes and designs is possible.
Feel free to contact us today and learn how we can help shape your future!
Oxa launches autonomous Ford E-Transit for van and minibus modes
I'd like to know where these are operating in the UK. The report is notably light on this. I wonder why?