Laser Cutting a CNC Process
Laser cutting is a process that uses a high-powered light to cut through various types of materials. It’s a popular method for manufacturing products that require tight tolerances and precise cuts. It’s also a useful tool for making prototypes and small batches of items. Laser cutters can produce high-quality products that are often aesthetically pleasing. There’s a lot of misinformation surrounding laser cutting, but the truth is that it’s a very safe and effective way to create products.
The first thing to consider when using a laser cutter is safety. When used incorrectly, lasers can cause serious damage to the machine and its users. There are many ways to avoid these hazards, including following safety guidelines and using appropriate protective equipment. This includes wearing safety goggles and keeping a distance of at least 2 inches from the laser head during operation.
When choosing a laser, it’s important to choose the right power and wavelength. Depending on the material being processed, certain wavelengths of laser energy may be more suitable than others. This will help ensure that the material is cut and engraved properly. Lasers that are too powerful can warp or distort the material being cut. This is especially true for wood and other natural materials. To avoid this, it’s important to know the different qualities of different types of materials and how they react to different laser wavelengths.
Is Laser Cutting a CNC Process?
One of the most common materials to use a laser for is wood, with MDF and birch plywood amongst the most popular choices. However, there are other materials that can be cut with this technology as well. These include acrylic, leather and even some synthetic fabrics and materials. These materials can be engraved and cut by using a CAD program and a laser. Lasers can also be used to seal the edges of these materials, so that they don’t unravel. This saves time and money in the long run, and it can reduce the need for mechanical or sanding processes.
Aside from the material type, other factors can influence how well a laser can cut or engrave a given piece of material. These factors include the material’s melting temperature and how thick it can be cut. Additionally, the width of the kerf created by the laser (the gap that’s cut) can vary. Thicker and lower-melting-temperature materials tend to have larger and more obtuse kerfs.
There are two types of lasers that dominate the manufacturing world, CO2 and fiber lasers. CO2 lasers have been around for a longer period of time and are more familiar to most manufacturers. However, fiber lasers have recently become more popular and are making a big impact in the industry.
Both CO2 and fiber lasers use a powerful beam of laser light to cut and engrave various materials. These lasers work by causing a direct phase change in the material from a solid to a gaseous state, with no intermediate liquid phase. This allows for a much faster cutting and engraving process than traditional methods.
