Laser cutting is based on a principle of thermal subtraction of the material which allows the clean cutting without deburring of ferrous, non-ferrous metals and organic alloys in complex forms. This technology is now widely used in the industry for its speed, flexibility and reliability. This thermal process is particularly suitable for shearing metal parts on stainless steel plates, anodized aluminum and various materials.
The laser power of its beam, allows to shear with high precision, metals in sheet metal fine up to a maximum thickness of 25 mm. The use of the laser is also widespread for punching, bending, engraving and machining work, as well as for rapid prototyping of single parts, and the production of medium and large series.
How does laser cutting work
The principle of the laser cutting process is based on the amplification of the light by stimulated emission of radiation. Under the action of a dense electric arc, an electron of a carbon dioxide (CO2) atom is displaced in its gravitational field. Upon regaining its place, it releases a large amount of energy in the form of a particle of photonic light, which in turn, will disrupt another electron generating a new similar emission of photons.
This process generates a photon chain reaction, channeled by a system of reflecting mirrors, generating focus and amplification of energy in a pressurized optical path called a nozzle until it is released at the point of impact. When the industrial laser beam reaches the metal, the latter absorbs the photons that produce a thermally variable energy, depending on the strength of the beam and the chemical components of the materials.
This energy has the effect of subtracting the material, producing the action of a sharp laser cut and without burr.
This process allows to release a very large amount of energy on a tiny surface, is widely used in the industrial sector for the micromachining of small mechanical parts, requiring surgical precision. Many manufacturers integrate this cutting technology into their manufacturing process on a daily basis because of its many advantages.
Why choose laser cutting in industrial sheet metal?
CNC-controlled robotic cutting machines used by laser cutting companies offers high precision and high cutting speed. It appeals to many PMIs. Used in the prototyping phases, this process is nonetheless suitable for the manufacture of medium and large series parts.
Because of the precision of the laser beam and the absence of contact with the materials, this technique avoids the deformation of the material and generates only relatively few losses.
The disadvantage of this technology lies mainly in its high energy consumption, to generate the necessary power of the industrial laser.
