Laser metalworking is widely used in industry, construction, mechanical engineering and the production of various metal structures. Modern laser metal cutting services make it possible to cut sheet metal with high precision and minimal waste. The technology is used both for mass production and for the manufacture of single parts of complex shape.
The principle of laser cutting
Laser cutting is the process of heat treatment of metal using a focused laser beam. The energy of the beam heats a surface area to a melting or evaporation temperature, after which the molten metal is removed by a jet of gas.
Special equipment with a numerical control system (CNC) is used for operation. This allows you to precisely set the cutting path and produce parts with minimal deviations from the drawing.
The main stages of the process:
- preparing a digital layout;
- configuring hardware settings;
- focusing the laser beam;
- cutting material along a given contour;
- post-processing if necessary.
The technology is suitable for processing various metals, including:
- carbon steel;
- stainless steel;
- aluminum;
- brass;
- copper.
Depending on the thickness of the metal and its characteristics, the power of the equipment and the type of auxiliary gas are selected.
Types of laser cutting
Modern laser cutting of metal includes several technological options, differing in the type of equipment and the method of impact on the material.
CO₂-laser cutting
In this case, a carbon dioxide-based gas laser is used. This technology has long remained one of the most common for sheet metal processing.
Features:
- Suitable for cutting non-metallic materials;
- provides high-quality processing of thin sheets;
- requires more complex maintenance.
Fiber Laser Cutting
Fiber lasers are considered a modern stage of technology development. The beam is formed in a fiber-optic environment, which improves accuracy and reduces power consumption.
Method features:
- high processing speed;
- stable cutting quality;
- the ability to work with reflective metals;
- reduced operating costs.
Fiber installations are most often used for industrial metal processing today.
Laser cutting using different gases
Various auxiliary gases can be used during the treatment process.:
- oxygen;
- nitrogen;
- compressed
