{"id":165906,"date":"2022-10-28T16:29:18","date_gmt":"2022-10-28T08:29:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=165906"},"modified":"2022-11-22T16:32:01","modified_gmt":"2022-11-22T08:32:01","slug":"what-is-a-laser-cutter-simply-explained","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/what-is-a-laser-cutter-simply-explained","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Laser Cutter? \u2013 Simply Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The process sure sounds cool, but you might have caught yourself wondering: What is a laser cutter? Dig into this lengthy guide where break down laser cutting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Introducing the Laser Cutter<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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History of laser cutting: from MASERs to CO\u2082 laser cutting. (Source: Sculpteo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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As the name suggests, laser cutters create patterns and designs by cutting into materials. A powerful laser beam is the source that melts, burns, or vaporizes the material.<\/p>\n

Essentially, laser cutting is a fabrication process that uses a thin, focused, laser beam to cut and etch materials into custom designs, patterns, and shapes as specified by a designer. This non-contact, thermal-based fabrication process is ideal for several materials, including wood, glass, paper, metal, plastic, and gemstone. It\u2019s also capable of producing intricate parts without needing a custom-designed tool.<\/p>\n

A Bit of Background
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The invention of the laser cutter is attributed to Kumar Patel, who began his research in laser action when he joined Bell Labs in 1961. In 1963, he developed the first C02<\/sub>\u00a0laser, which is the variant with more modern applications than any other type of laser. C02<\/sub>\u00a0lasers are for engraving materials ranging from acrylic and plywood to cardboard and MDF.<\/p>\n

Applications<\/strong><\/p>\n

Today, laser cutting has found a home in industries such as electronics, medicine, aerospace, automotive, and semiconductors. One of the most common applications is for cutting metal \u2013 whether its tungsten, steel, aluminum, brass, or nickel \u2013 because lasers deliver clean cuts and smooth finishes. Lasers are also used for cutting ceramics, silicon, and other non-metals.<\/p>\n

Perhaps one of the most intriguing uses of laser cutting technology is in the surgical field, where laser beams are now replacing the scalpel and are being used to vaporize human tissue. This is especially useful in high-precision surgical procedures like eye surgery.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll talk about more applications in a later section, but for now, let\u2019s see how the laser-cutting process works.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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How Laser Cutting Works<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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The subtle science of burr-free laser cutting. (Source: thefabricator.com)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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A laser cutter\u2019s beam usually has a diameter between 0.1 and 0.3 mm and a power of between 1 to 3 kW. This power needs to be adjusted depending on the material being cut and the thickness. To cut reflective materials like aluminum, for instance, you may need laser powers of up to 6 kW.<\/p>\n

Laser cutting is not ideal for metals like aluminum and copper alloys because they have excellent heat-conductive and light-reflective properties, meaning they need powerful lasers.<\/p>\n

Below are some core components of a laser cutter:<\/p>\n