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Laser Cutting Description
Laser cutting is at the forefront of profiling technology, because it has the ability to accurately cut component parts with a less than a 0.130mm tolerance.
The position and the cutting path of the laser is precisely controlled by computer controlled software which allows very fine detail to be handled with ease and allows for a much higher definition and quality of cut when compared to other types of manufacturing.
Laser cutting systems work by creating a gas laser where CO2 is mixed with other gases, helium and nitrogen, to form a lasing medium.
Advantages of Laser Cutting
The Laser Cutting Process
Process Applications and Uses
Process Precision
Advantages of Laser Cutting
Laser cutting systems are at there effective best when producing a precise cut because of the accuracy of the fine laser contact.
Heat is generated but because of the precise contact with the material it generates only the narrowest heat-affected area. Charles Day laser cutting systems can cut up to 25mm in carbon and stainless steel.
Laser cutting can produce complex internal and external detail, small diameter holes can be produced and remove the need for further machining operations.
The Laser Cutting Process
The beam from the laser is focused on to the surface of the material being cut by means of a lens. The focused laser beam heats the material surface and a very local melt capillary is quickly established throughout the depth of the material.
The great majority of CO2 laser cutting is performed using an assist gas. The significant feature of gas assisted laser cutting is that the molten material is ejected from the base of the capillary by a jet of gas coaxial with the laser beam. Stainless steel is cut utilising nitrogen as the assist gas, which prevents oxide on the cut edge, eliminating secondary processing prior to welding.
The cut is generated by either moving the focused laser beam across the surface of the stationary material or by keeping the laser beam stationary and moving the work piece.
Process Applications and Uses
| Typical process uses |
Cutting, drilling, engraving. |
| 3D material cutting |
Difficult due to rigid beam guidance and the regulation of distance |
| Materials able to be cut |
All metals (excluding highly reflective metals), all plastics, wood and paper can be cut |
| Tube |
To 230mm dia. |
| Material thickness at which cutting or processing is economical |
.05mm to 25mm depending on material |
| Common applications for this process |
Cutting of flat sheet steel of medium thickness for sheet metal processing |
Precision Process
| Kerf width |
0.5mm to 1.00mm |
| Cut surface appearance |
Cut surface will show a striated structure |
| Degree of cut edges to completely parallel |
Good; occasionally will demonstrate conical edges |
| Processing tolerance |
Approximately +/- 0.05mm |
| Degree of burring on the cut |
Only partial burring occurs |
| Thermal stress of material |
Deformation, tempering and structural changes may occur in the material |
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Highly complex profiles
Fast and cost efficient cutting
Incredible accuracy
Cutting bed 4m x 2m
Repeatability
Flexibility
No tooling costs
Reduced client product costs.
Clean burr free edges.
Increased quality.
Minimal distortion due to low heat
Non-contact cutting – no contamination
Very thin materials processed accurately
Increased material utilisation
Fast efficient programming
Our technical service desk is available to discuss and advise the optimum cutting process for your application.
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