Advantages and Disadvantages of Laser Cutting

Cutting is the most fundamental and widely utilized process used in the fabrication of metal. The laser cutting process is considered to be the preferred method for these jobs in the business due to its numerous advantages over other techniques.

However there are certain disadvantages, too. So let’s take a look at the great advantages and drawbacks in greater detail.

What are the advantages of CNC laser cutting services?

The reason engineers opt for laser cutting 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 equipment for each cut. The same set-up is suitable 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 as compared to other cutting techniques.

A precision of +/-0.1 millimeters gives you the opportunity to achieve high-precision without the need for any additional treatment. Most of the time the high precision implies that no additional tolerances are needed.

Perfectibility

++/+/- 0.05 millimeters guarantees that the parts are pretty close to the other.

Speed

Laser cutting is more efficient than traditional mechanical cutting techniques. Particularly when it comes to more intricate cuts.

In comparison to other methods of thermal cutting, such as flame cutting or plasma cutting laser is faster up to a specific thickness that is about 10 millimeters. The specific advantage boils down to the strength and speed of the cutter but.

Automation

The work requires little human effort since modern laser cutting equipment is extremely automated. A skilled machine operator has a significant impact on the final result, however laser cutting speed as well as the demand for manual labor results in lower prices when compared with other cutting methods.

Some machines come with feeding systems and follow-up conveyors. Naturally, these setups can result in a higher cost Laser cutting machines.

Quality

With the proper configuration, laser cutters will only leave a tiny burr. Most of the time, it’s not even necessary to take it off. Of course , it is contingent on the type of material the thickness, as well as other elements.

Another benefit is that you have a smaller HAZ. Because the microstructure in the HAZ changes and shrinks, a smaller HAZ area will result in better-performing and reliable components.

Contactless Cutting

When laser cutting is used the beam is the only one that is in contact with the surface. This means that there isn’t any mechanical friction which could cause wear on tools.

Versatility

This is perhaps one of the main features of the laser cutting’s power. The flexibility manifests itself through two different ways.

Laser cutting can be utilized with various materials. It is a good choice for different metals, acrylics MDF wood, paper and more. A machine can be set up to do a variety of tasks. However, of course the capacity to cut certain material is dependent on the strength of the machine.

Laser cutters aren’t just used for cutting just. Laser marking is yet another method to make use of these machines. Marking has lots of potential applications in the production of regular items.

A standard laser cutting head can’t be used to weld and the laser welding head will not be able to meet the cutting speeds and cut quality required to cut. Some machines allow the swapping of heads when a different process is required and combi-heads are being developed , however they aren’t ready to go public due to the many limitations they come with.

In addition it is appropriate for various profile. Tube laser cutting can be used to carry out 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 components in nearly every industry laser cutting comes with its drawbacks. For instance, the requirement for experience, limitations on the thickness of metal, and costs as well as dangerous fumes are all factors you should consider prior to deciding on laser cutting.

The need for expertise

We’ve said it before that an experienced operator is required for making the maximum use of a laser cutter’s potential. The proper set-up will ensure the cutting performance is at the level that people expect from this type of technology.

Limits on Metal Thickness

When comparing laser cutting with other cutting techniques laser cutting is not suited to cut plates that are very thick. The most suitable thickness is contingent on the machinery available and the expertise available. In general metal fabrication firms tend to laser cut their metal as thin as 15 or 20 millimeters.

Dangerous Fumes

One of the benefits that laser cutting has is that it can be used for cutting various materials. In addition the process of cutting with thermal energy causes the material to melt, resulting in the release of gases and potentially dangerous fumes.

This is particularly the case especially when working with plastic. So a well-designed, but usually expensive ventilation system is a prerequisite for a safe working area.