Laser cutting is a technology that uses a focused laser beam to cut or engrave materials with precision. The process involves directing a high-powered laser through optics to a specific location on the material's surface, where it interacts with the material to melt, burn, or vaporize it. Laser cutting is widely used in various industries for its accuracy and ability to cut intricate shapes.

The process begins with a digital design or Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model, which is translated into a set of instructions for the laser cutting machine through Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software. The laser beam, generated by a resonator and directed through a series of mirrors and lenses, then cuts through the material with remarkable precision. The result is a clean, burr-free cut that meets the exact specifications of the design.

Laser cutting offers several advantages, including high precision, minimal material wastage, and the ability to cut complex shapes. It is a valuable technology for a wide range of applications in different industries.

What is Laser Cutting?

Laser cutting is a non-contact thermal separation technique that uses a focused laser beam to cut through various materials. As one of the most widely used industrial applications of high-power lasers, laser cutting can handle a broad range of materials—from thick steels to delicate foils and medical devices. By optimizing laser settings, it is possible to cut both simple and complex shapes from materials such as metals, polymers, glass, crystals, wood, and even fabrics.

Laser cutting systems employ two main methods for beam delivery: dedicated cutting process heads, which focus the beam in a single direction, and scanners, which direct the beam across a larger area. Both methods are capable of producing a variety of cut shapes and sizes with high precision and fast results. As a non-contact process, laser cutting is known for its consistency and flexibility, making it easy to automate for diverse industries and applications.

Advantages of Laser Cutting

Precision & Consistency

Laser cutting delivers highly accurate and repeatable results, ensuring top-quality cut edges and the ability to create complex features on parts with great precision.

High-Speed Processing

The focused laser beam quickly penetrates both thick and thin materials, allowing for rapid cutting along the desired path and achieving high production speeds.

Low Maintenance Requirements

Since laser cutting is a non-contact process, there is minimal wear on the system, reducing the need for maintenance and ensuring consistent cutting quality over time.

Flexible & Easily Automated

Laser cutting can be integrated into various systems and is suitable for cutting almost any material or feature, making it highly adaptable and easy to automate for different manufacturing needs.

How Laser Cutting Works

Laser cutting systems from Laser Photonics use either fiber or CO2 lasers to effectively cut a wide range of materials, from highly reflective metals to glass.

Understanding the Technology:

1. Laser Generation:
   Laser light is created within either an optical fiber or a glass tube containing a gas mixture, which generates the high-energy laser beam.

2. Focusing the Beam:
   The laser beam is directed into the cutting head, where it is focused and then released through a protective window.

3. Material Cutting:
   As the focused laser beam moves along the CNC-programmed cut line on the workpiece, it melts and vaporizes the material, creating the desired cut.

4. Assist Gas:
   A jet of assist gas is directed onto the cut area to blow away the molten material, preventing oxidation and overheating of the workpiece.

5. Resulting Cut:
   The process results in a precise, clean cut with minimal impact on the base material, maintaining the integrity of the workpiece.

Our Laser Cutting Capabilities

Laser Cutting Metal Services

With our experienced team and cutting-edge laser technology, we are equipped to handle a wide array of materials, thicknesses, and production volumes.

High-Capacity Laser Processing Systems:
Our advanced laser systems feature a gantry unit capable of processing sheets and plates up to 14 ft. x 100 ft. with a power capacity of 6,000 watts. Additionally, we have a pallet system that can cut plates up to 8 ft. x 20 ft. with a maximum output of 8,000 watts.

Material Thickness Flexibility:
Utilizing our 3-axis CO2 and hybrid laser technologies, we can cut materials ranging from 16-gauge sheet to 1.25-inch-thick plates, producing high-quality results across various thicknesses.

Scalable Production Capabilities:
Whether you need a single prototype or high-volume production, our services are tailored to your unique laser cutting requirements, ensuring we meet your needs at any scale.

Design Versatility:
Thanks to our precision laser cutting technology, we can create virtually any shape with exceptional accuracy. Unlike manual cutting methods, which may struggle with complex or intricate designs, laser cutting allows for precision and ease with non-circular and unique geometries.

One-Stop Comprehensive Solutions:
We provide a full range of in-house secondary and finishing services to complement our metal fabrication capabilities, including CNC plasma cutting, bending and forming, and welding. By handling everything in-house, we eliminate the need to manage multiple vendors, streamlining the process and reducing both turnaround times and costs, so you can trust that your project is in capable hands from start to finish.