Laser cutting

Laser cutting is the cutting of materials using a laser jet. The laser jet is generated in the laser source (resonator) and fed to the cutting head. The laser jet is focused so that it is strong enough to make the material melt. This creates a high concentration of energy, the intensity of the jet being so great that as the material melts and evaporates very small, precise cuts can be made. Cutting gas is delivered through the nozzle that ensures that the molten material is blown away or burned.

The advantage of laser cutting is that it produces a very fine cut with minimal loss of material. Complex contours can be cut problem-free with the laser-cutting process.

The disadvantages of laser cutting are the relatively high investment cost, the fact that the laser cutting process is entirely automated and the limited thicknesses (<25 mm) it can be used to cut.

Click here for more information on oxy-fuel cutting or plasma cutting.