CNC laser cutting services are the most fundamental and extensively used method in the field of metal fabrication. Cutting with lasers is the preferred technology for such tasks in the business due to its numerous advantages over other techniques.
But there are some drawbacks too. So let’s take a look at the great advantages and drawbacks in greater detail.
What are the advantages from Laser Cutting?
The reason engineers opt for laser cutting is in the numerous benefits it can provide. The benefits of laser cutting are precision, flexibility as well as speed, repeatability high-quality, low cost and contactless cutting, as well as versatility and automation options.
Flexibility
Laser cutting doesn’t require the exchange of equipment for each cut. The same setup can be used for cutting many different designs within the same thickness. In addition, the intricate cuts are not a problem.
Precision
Accuracy is among the major benefits of using lasers as compared to other cutting techniques.
A precision of +/-0.1 millimeters allows you to achieve high-precision without the need for any additional treatment. In the majority of cases this high level implies that no additional tolerances are needed.
Reliability
++/+/- 0.05 millimeters ensures that parts are very similar to the other.
Speed
Laser cutting is faster than conventional mechanical cutting techniques. Particularly in the case of more complicated cuts.
In comparison to other methods of thermal cutting, such as flame cutting or plasma cutting, laser is faster up to a specific thickness that is about 10 millimeters. The precise advantage comes down to the strength that the laser cutting tool however.
Automation
The work requires little human effort since modern laser cutting equipment is extremely automated. An experienced operator is a major factor in the final product, but it is faster to cut and the demand for manual labor results in lower prices in comparison to other cutting techniques.
A lot of machines have feeding systems and follow-up conveyors. Of course, such configurations result in a more expensive Laser cutting machines.
Quality
With the proper setting, laser cutters just leave a tiny burr. Most of the time, it’s not even necessary to take it off. It all depends on the substance the thickness, as well as other aspects.
Another advantage is that you have a smaller HAZ. The microstructure of the HAZ changes in a small HAZ area will result in better-performing and reliable components.
Contactless Cutting
When cutting lasers it is only the beam that is in contact with the surface. This means that there isn’t any mechanical friction which could damage tools.
Versatility
This is perhaps one of the main advantages of laser cutting’s excellence. The flexibility manifests itself by two methods.
Laser cutting can be used with various materials. It is a good choice for different metals, acrylics MDF wood, paper and more. One machine is able to accomplish different tasks. However, of course the capacity to cut certain material is dependent on the strength of the machine.
Laser cutters aren’t just designed to cut only. Laser marking is yet another method to utilize these machines. It has a variety of uses when making regular items.
A standard laser cutting head can’t be used for welding , and the laser welding head will not be able to meet the cutting speeds and the quality required for cutting. Certain machines permit swapping heads when a different process is required the task. Combi-heads are being developed , however they aren’t ready to go public because of the various limitations they come with.
In addition this technology can be used to a wide range of profile. Tube laser cutting is able to perform the procedure on any type of profile, from boxes as well as open channel.
What are the disadvantages from Laser Cutting?
Although it can be used to make components in nearly every industry Laser cutting has its drawbacks. For instance, the requirement for experience, limitations on the thickness of metal, cost and dangerous fumes are all factors to think about before deciding to switch to laser cutting.
You require expertise
We’ve said it before that an experienced operator is required to make the maximum use of a laser cutter’s potential. The proper set-up will ensure the cutting performance is at the level the public is expecting from this type of technology.
Limits on Metal Thickness
When comparing laser cutting with other cutting techniques laser cutting is not suited to cut plates that are very thick. The most suitable thickness is contingent on the equipment available and the knowledge available. In general metal fabrication firms tend to laser cut their metal as thin as 15 or 20 millimeters.
Dangerous Fumes
One of the benefits that laser cutting has is that it can be used for cutting various materials. In addition the method of thermal cutting causes the material to melt, resulting in the release of gases and potentially dangerous fumes.
This is particularly the case especially when working with plastic. So a well-designed, but usually expensive ventilation system is an essential necessity for a safe work setting.
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