Though modern precision, laser cutting uses the latest technology and is not a new process. First introduced in the mid-1960s, when the first production laser cutting machine was used to drill holes in diamond dies. Additionally, the technology that powers custom laser cutting has grown by miles in the years that followed.
Exceptional laser cutting service providers utilize the most advanced tools on the market, like Steelway’s first-class machines from the TruLaser Series 1000. It can address a range of materials and perform distinctive and detailed cuts with meticulous precision, speed, and extreme accuracy.
At Steelway Laser Cutting, we’re always keeping an eye tuned to the evolution of laser cutting and the new advancements as they occur, and the future of laser current technology is certainly bright.
What are the Advantages of Laser Cutting?
Laser cutting is used in manufacturing processes for industries across a wide array of sectors, as metal and other materials are cut, bent, and shaped into unique parts that fit together or form an entire product. The automobile, construction, aircraft, electronic, and medical industries turn to laser cutting for faster and better production. Additionally, there are many companies that outsource these needs to an experienced laser cutting service provider to ensure the best and most reliable results possible.
Laser cutting reduces time, waste, and cost because instead of cutting through the material, leaving behind waste, and enhancing the possibility of errors, laser cutters melt away material from a given workpiece. As a result, leaves the desired shape behind. In addition, because laser cutting machines are powered by CAD (computer aided design) software, there is little to no human involvement throughout the entire process, which means that metals can be meticulously cut repeatedly at a higher rate of speed.
Emerging Trends in Laser Cutting Technology
In the past several decades, laser cutting technology and services have increased exponentially as new technology floods the market and makes the process even more precise and productive.
The automotive and aerospace industries started using laser technology exclusively by the early 2000s. Furthermore, by 2005 the development of a functioning short-pulse laser expanded laser cutting uses. It resulted in micromachining and a host of new highly efficient and fast machines.
The biggest change in the past several years has been the increased automation that laser cutting machines can achieve. Software programs that craft the initial specifications and instructions for laser cutting machines can now handle a wide array of intricate designs. This includes 3D designs, and further advancing the precise projects a laser cutting machine can handle.
What is Expected in the Future for Laser Cutting Technology?
The global laser cutting industry is expected to continue its rapid growth as fiber and other high tech lasers grow in popularity. In the years and decades ahead a wave of additional advancements is on the horizon, including the following.
Increased Automation
Automation has always been a key and attractive feature of laser cutting. Simply because once the laser has the computer-generated instructions, it can run and produce materials indefinitely without interruption. Maintenance is limited to laser cutting machines, and while the best laser cutting service provider has technicians on hand to monitor the process, laser cutting machines can work independently 24/7 to get the job done.
Expect this automation to grow further and expand in the years ahead, as new tools are invented and implemented that reduce human involvement even further.
Design Software
The software that created the designs and specifications for the laser cutting machine is also steadily progressing and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The introduction of 3D designs in laser cutting design software was a groundbreaking event that opened doors for new options and opportunities to uncover just what laser cutting machines can do.
Applications of Laser Cutting Machines
Just a few decades ago, laser cutting machines were solely used for metal parts in the aerospace industry, but now it’s used in virtually every manufacturing sector in the world. These industries will expand as laser cutting technology is used for metal and other materials, including wood, plastic, glass, acrylic, and more.
Direct Diode Laser (DDL) Technology
The recent introduction of a direct laser beam powered by high-performance diodes has noticeable results when it comes to enhancing the power of laser cutting. Direct Diode Laser (DDL) technology will likely surpass solid-state and pulse lasers.
Until recently, DDL could only be used for cutting very thin pieces of metal to low inherent power levels of around 2000 watts. However, this is evolving quickly, and DDL now has power levels of about 8000 watts or more, allowing it to handle thicker metals and materials.
We expect this technology to grow as DDL shows faster results and becomes in higher demand. Recent research has shown that DDL tends to cut approximately 15% faster than other cutting methods for many metals and other materials, with a distinctive 30% increase in speed when cutting aluminum sheet metal. This is a popular foundational material in multiple industries, like construction.
Take Advantage of the Best Available Laser Cutting Services on the Market with Steelway Laser Cutting
Companies of all sizes and across all sectors may question, “Where can I find laser cutting services near me?” However, the answer is simple and closer to home than you think.
At Steelway, we can handle all varieties of manufacturing products, from rough metals like brass and bronze to delicate metals similar to aluminum. Additionally, we are renowned for our adherence to quality and speed.
Even if you live miles from our state-of-the-art facility, we offer fast production times and shipping to streamline all of your laser cutting service needs. We take a collaborative approach to each one of our partnerships and will use your exact design to cut, weld, bend, and even package your parts of products to ensure perfect satisfaction.
It’s time to learn more about everything you can accomplish when you have modern laser cutting services.
Boost your operations with high quality service and production for every project.
Contact us today to learn more.