Laser cutting is a digital subtractive manufacturing technique that consists of cutting or Control panel engraved a material using a laser. Laser cutting can be used in various materials such as plastic, wood, cardboard, branding irons for wood crafts etc.

The process involves cutting the material with a powerful and high-precision laser that focuses on a small area of the material. The high power density results in rapid heating, melting and partial or total vaporization of the material.

Since the area affected by heat is small (about 0.5 mm), the cut pieces have minimal deformation. Usually, a computer directs the high-power laser over the material and traces the path of the cut.

Laser cutting:

Three main types of lasers can be used for Laser Cutting, which can be pulsed or continuous. In hamiilton-rand.co.uk, we use CO2 laser cutters with a power of 100 W, since they allow cutting all kinds of materials faster than pulsed source laser cutters, and can cut pieces up to 15 mm thick.

What is the difference between CO2, fiber and YAG lasers?

The laser equipment available in the market is distinguished by the laser source they use. At present, there are only three main types of lasers that have sufficient efficiency and output power to process large-scale materials:

CO2 laser: Carbon dioxide sealed inside the laser is "pumped" (activated by heating) by an electric current that creates the flow of photons. It is usually used for cutting, drilling, welding, and engraving.

Fiber laser: uses semiconductor diodes as a pumping mechanism and an optical fiber doped with a rare-earth element as a laser medium.

The main differences between CO2 lasers and YAG and fiber lasers are the wavelength of the beam they produce. CO2 lasers usually emit a far-infrared light with a wavelength of 10.6 microns.

This wavelength is very effective for processing a wide range of materials, including wood, paper, plastics, glass, textiles, rubber, and metals. Fiber lasers and YAG emit a wavelength of 1.06 microns and are suitable for processing metals. However, plastic or organic materials do not support this wavelength.

Uses and benefits of a laser cutter:

Laser cutting is particularly effective in several sectors where production rate and speed are essential. Where traditional manufacturing methods have proven ineffective, the laser facilitates precise cuts in all types of materials.

While traditional production processes impose limits and restrictions, Laser Cutting allows freedom of design and quantity.

Together, laser cutting allows:

- High level of precision and positional accuracy
- Material savings with embossing heat tool
- High production speed
- Sharp and clean edges
- Minimum deformation of the material
- Safe processes