Cutting is the most fundamental and extensively used method in the field of metal fabrication. Cutting with lasers is the most popular method for these jobs in the business due to its numerous advantages over other techniques.
However it has certain disadvantages, too. So let’s take a look at the great advantages and drawbacks in greater detail.
What are the benefits in Laser Cutting?
The reason engineers choose laser cutting services is in the numerous benefits it can provide. The benefits of laser cutting include precision, flexibility as well as speed, repeatability and cost-effectiveness. It also offers great quality and contactless cutting, as well as versatility and automation options.
Flexibility
Laser cutting doesn’t require a change of tools for each cut. The same setup can be used for cutting many different shapes in the same thickness. Additionally, cutting intricate shapes are not a problem.
Precision
Accuracy is among the main positives of laser cutting contrasted with other cutting techniques.
A precision of +/-0.1 millimeters gives you the opportunity to attain high precision without the need for after-treatment. In the majority of cases this high level implies that no additional tolerances are needed.
Reliability
++/+/- 0.05 millimeters guarantees that the parts are pretty close to the other.
Speed
CNC laser cutting services are more efficient than traditional mechanical cutting techniques. Particularly in the case of more complicated cuts.
In comparison to other cutting techniques like flame cutting or plasma cutting laser is faster up to a certain thickness , which is approximately 10 millimeters. The specific advantage boils down to the strength and speed of the cutter however.
Automation
The job requires only a little manual labour because modern laser cutting technology is extremely automated. An experienced operator is a major factor in the final product, but it is faster to cut as well as the demand for manual labor results in lower prices when compared with other cutting methods.
A lot of machines have feeding systems, as well as follow-up conveyors. Of course, such configurations can result in a higher cost Laser cutting machines.
Quality
If you use the correct setting, laser cutters just leave a tiny burr. In most cases, it’s not required to take it off. Of course , it is contingent on the substance its thickness and other aspects.
Another advantage is the small HAZ. The microstructure of the HAZ changes in a small HAZ area leads to better-performing and reliable components.
Contactless Cutting
When cutting lasers it is only the beam that gets into contact with the surface. Thus, there is no mechanical friction that can damage tools.
Versatility
This is perhaps one of the most significant advantages of laser cutting’s excellence. Its versatility is evident through two different ways.
Laser cutting can be utilized with various materials. There are a variety of acrylics, metals, MDF wood, paper and so on. One machine is able to do a variety of tasks. However, of course the capacity to cut certain material is dependent on the strength of the machine.
A lot of laser cutters aren’t used for cutting just. Laser marking is yet another method to make use of these machines. Marking has lots 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 cut quality required to cut. Certain machines permit swapping heads in case a different operation is required and combi-heads are being created in the background, but they aren’t ready to go public due to the many limitations they come with.
In addition this technology can be used for various types of. Tube laser cutting is able to perform the procedure on any type of profile, from boxes up to channels that are open.
What are the disadvantages from Laser Cutting?
Although it can be used to make parts for almost all industries Laser cutting has its drawbacks. For instance, the requirement for knowledge, limitations to the thickness of metal, cost and harmful fumes are just a few things to think about before deciding to switch to laser cutting.
The need for expertise
As we’ve already mentioned that an experienced operator is required to make the maximum of a laser’s potential. A proper setup will ensure that the quality of cutting is in line with what that people expect from this kind of technology.
Limits to Thickness of Metal
When comparing laser cutting with other methods of thermal cutting It isn’t suited to cut plates that are very thick. The most suitable thickness is contingent on the equipment available and the expertise available. In general metal fabrication firms tend to cut metal using lasers as thin as 15 or 20 millimeters.
Dangerous Fumes
One of the benefits that laser cutting has is that it can be used to cut different types of materials. However the process of cutting with thermal energy creates material melting, which results in the release of gases and potentially dangerous fumes.
This is particularly the case especially when working with plastic. Therefore, a reliable, and frequently expensive ventilation system is an essential prerequisite for a safe working setting.
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