Laser Cutting

Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Cutting

• What materials can be cut using laser cutting?

  Laser cutting is highly versatile and can handle a wide range of laser cutting materials. Metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, and brass are often cut using fiber lasers, while non-metals like plastics, wood, glass, and even ceramics are better suited for CO2 and UV lasers. Ultrafast lasers, like femto and pico, are ideal for heat-sensitive materials, reducing thermal stress during the cutting process. Each laser type has its strengths, so it’s important to match the material with the right laser to ensure optimal results.

• How does laser cutting compare to other cutting technologies like CNC machining?

  Laser cutting offers several advantages over traditional cutting methods like CNC machining, especially in terms of precision, speed, and material waste. While CNC machining is still widely used for thicker or 3D parts, laser cutting excels in high-precision work, achieving tolerances as tight as ± 0.0005”. Unlike mechanical cutting methods, lasers are non-contact, which means there’s less risk of material distortion and wear on cutting tools. Laser cutting is also faster and more efficient for thin and intricate designs, particularly when working with metals or sensitive materials.

• Can laser cutting handle highly detailed or complex designs?
  Absolutely. Laser cutting is renowned for its ability to produce intricate and detailed designs with remarkable accuracy. The laser beam, often as narrow as a few micrometers, allows for extremely fine cuts, even in materials that are only microns thick. With the capability to achieve tight tolerances and sharp edges, laser cutting is ideal for creating complex patterns, micro-machining, and parts with intricate geometries that might be difficult or impossible to produce using other methods.
• What are the cost factors associated with laser cutting?
  The cost of laser cutting depends on several factors: the type of laser used, the material being cut, the thickness of the material, and the complexity of the design. Generally, fiber lasers are more cost-efficient for cutting metals, while CO2 lasers are affordable for non-metals like plastics and wood. Ultrafast lasers such as femto and pico are more expensive due to their high precision and reduced thermal effects. However, laser cutting can offer long-term savings due to its speed, minimal material waste, and reduced need for secondary processes like polishing or finishing.
• Does laser cutting cause material deformation or thermal damage?
  While some types of laser cutting, such as CO2 and fiber lasers, can create a heat-affected zone (HAZ) on thicker or heat-sensitive materials, modern advances in laser technology have mitigated this issue. Ultrafast lasers like femto and pico operate on extremely short pulse durations, which significantly reduce or even eliminate heat transfer to the surrounding material. This makes them ideal for applications where maintaining the material’s integrity is essential, such as in medical devices, thin films, and microelectronic components.
• What industries benefit most from laser cutting?
  Laser cutting has broad applications across many industries. In the medical sector, lasers are used to manufacture surgical instruments, implants, and precision devices where cleanliness and tight tolerances are critical. Electronics companies use laser cutting for components like printed circuit boards (PCBs) and microchips. Automotive and aerospace industries rely on laser cutting for parts requiring exacting precision. Overall, any industry requiring high precision, minimal material waste, and the ability to work with a variety of materials can benefit from laser cutting.