Laser cutting machines have revolutionized the industrial manufacturing sector. The extensive benefits of their use, including accuracy and speed, have made laser cutting the ultimate method of high-quality fabrication services across the globe. If you haven’t considered what outsourcing your laser cutting needs can do for your business, now is the time to learn more.
Laser cutting machines have a wide range of abilities, some of which you may not have considered. A professional laser cutting provider can guide you through all the ways laser cutting machines can transform your business. Locally, Steelway Laser Cutting offers complete CNC laser cutting services, including custom metal cutting, bending, and welding, for all of your manufacturing needs.
What is Laser Cutting?
Laser cutting is a fabrication process that employs a focused, high-powered laser beam to cut materials into shapes and designs. A CNC (computer numerical controlled) laser cutting machine uses programable computer software as a guidance system to direct and focus the laser beam onto the workpiece.
Main Advantages of Using a Laser Cutting Machine
Manufacturing industries prefer laser cutting because of the substantial benefits across the entire product lifecycle. Furthermore, some of the most compelling reasons that industries across the world continue to use laser cutting machines are listed below.
Accuracy and Precision
Laser cutting machines can focus the powerful laser beam to the surface area with a diameter of only 0.001. Also, the beam can focus on very tight spaces with maximum precision to provide a high-quality cut with an excellent surface finish.
Fast Turn Around Time
CNC laser cutting machines can repeatedly and consistently produce complex and intricate parts to high tolerances. Additionally, they can produce high-quality cuts and edges that do not generally require further cleaning, treating, or finishing, decreasing production time and increasing turn-around time.
Relatively Cost-Effective
The initial investment in purchasing a laser cutting machine may be more expensive than other forms of cutting, but it also has many unique money-saving advantages. However, it is a non-contact process, significantly lowering the amount of damage caused to a material during the cutting process.
Additionally, it has relatively low maintenance costs since it is controlled remotely by a technician, ensuring minimal human contact and errors. Lastly, laser cutting is known for being accurate up to a billionth of a meter. With this type of precision, wasted material is minimal.
Material Compatibility
Laser cutters are capable of cutting a wide variety of materials. These include wood, fabrics, paper, acrylic, plastics, steel, titanium, nickel, and aluminum. This eliminates the need to purchase specialized equipment specific to the different types of materials. Therefore, it makes the transition from one project material to another seamless.
5 Ways Laser Cutting Machines Are Unique
The laser cutting process is complex and intriguing, but these interesting facts make laser cutting technology even more fascinating.
1. Laser Cutting Has Been Around for Over a Half-Century
Early in the 1950s, the first laser machine was constructed. In the 1960s, researchers produced the world’s first laser cutting machine and used it to cut holes in diamonds. Finally, the manufacturing industry realized all of its abilities in the 1970s. After the inception of the micro-computer chip, the laser gained popularity and continues to do so today.
2. The Strongest Laser Can Cut Through a Hydrogen Bomb
A laser’s power is measured by the total energy emitted in the form of a laser light per second (in watts). Originally named gillettes, this unit of measurement was the number of razor blades the beam could cut through. Laser intensity is determined by dividing the power by the area over which the laser is distributed. Today, the strongest laser beam can cut through a hydrogen bomb.
3. Laser Cutters Have More Than 25,000 Applications
Industries across the globe are using laser cutting technology to accomplish thousands of jobs. Over the past decade, it has featured numerous laser technology advancements. However, there are now more than 25,000 high-power laser cutting applications. This versatility keeps the demand to continue evolving and revolutionizing laser cutting machines.
4. Laser Cutters are Environmentally Safe
Laser cutting is safer and more environmentally sustainable than other fabrication techniques. Therefore, the precision of laser cutting technology allows for lower material waste and decreases harmful gases by restricting fumes to a specified interaction chamber that can be easily ventilated. This makes it a highly eco-friendly fabrication option.
With a sole beam of light, laser cutters are much safer to use than other fabrication processes. Also, there is no physical contact between the cutter and the metal being cut. With workers operating the machines from a remote location, this eliminates the risk of employee injuries and employee tool interference.
5. There is a Broad Market for Laser Cutting
The market to accurately and effectively produce large quantities of parts continues to grow. Moreover, with the capabilities to generate high volumes efficiently and in a short time frame, laser cutting is the logical choice for manufacturing industries. Increased production demands continue to drive the use of laser cutting machines for industries across the globe, some of which include:
- Automotive
- Construction
- Consumer electronics
- Military
- Aerospace
- Agricultural
- Medical
The global market for laser cutting machines is growing yearly at a rate of nearly 10%, and is expected to reach $5.7 billion in 2022. The biggest worldwide marketplace for laser cutting machines lies in the Asia Pacific region, linked to the economies of China, India, and Japan. Therefore, the demand for automation and increased efficiency operations matched with high-quality product standards drives the market growth for laser cutting machines.
Steelway Laser Cutting is Your Ultimate Source
Laser cutting technology is the way of the future for industrial fabrication and beyond. If you are looking for professional laser cutting near you, Steelway Laser Cutting is your ultimate resource. We are experts in custom metal cutting and bending. We are confident that our expert team can find a way to use laser cutting to propel your business to new heights.
Contact us to learn more about our CNC laser cutting services and how we can serve you.