Lasers have always been known to be these cool light streams of intensity. However, laser cutting has evolved over the years and it is innovative. Let’s learn more about the evolution of laser cutting, including a brief history of where the journey began all the way to what to expect in the future. Then, we will explore why laser cutting has advantages and how you can incorporate it into your business and manufacturing processes.
Brief History of Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a process to cut metal with quality and precision. This method of clean-cutting metal has truly revolutionized the manufacturing industry, and all other industries that rely on manufacturing to operate their businesses. Laser cutting’s history dates back to the 1960s and 1970s when physicists and engineers sought new industrial solutions. In fact, the first laser beam, as we know them today, was developed in 1960.
Then, in the mid-60s, carbon dioxide was used with laser work for welding and other manufacturing work. Note that at first, the carbon dioxide was being used in gas form, then in the 80s was converted into hybrid energy. Additionally, carbon dioxide gas was converted into actual powered energy used for manufacturing.
However, this power was lacking in terms of large-scale production, and other alternatives, like fiber laser cutting, proved more useful in producing high-volume work. Fiber laser cutting came into existence in 1963, and today, we have CNC laser cutting machines that are efficient, easy to use, safe, and powerful. Thanks to the heavy leg work for the evolution of laser cutting in the 1990s, we have the best technology today.
How Has Laser Cutting Evolved Over the Years?
Now that you know a little bit more about the history of laser cutting, it’s time to find out what has evolved or changed about it over the years. Laser cutting changed everything in the manufacturing industry from the technology, techniques, and volume.
More Power and Volume
Laser cutting involves using energy to melt metal. Over time, laser cutting technology is improving and can handle manufacturing needs at high volume of production. Not only has the volume increased, but the power has improved. You can’t have one without the other. Therefore, that is why we see CNC laser cutting machines in use today. Their power combined with their volume output is no match for alternative laser cutting methods.
Different Metal Types
In addition to cutting steel, we can now cut through stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and brass. There are also different surface types to cut, like oxidized and coated materials. The journey of evolution is what brought us to be able to expand laser cutting services. This is also considered to be a form of science and it took experimentation and tool refinement. Additionally, it expanded the types of products that could be made in manufacturing. Laser cutting techniques is preferred within multiple industries, like transportation, automotive, and more.
Evolution in Laser Types and Technologies
Laser cutting relies on gas and hybrid technologies to complete all projects. Now, we have fully powered machines that do the heavy lifting when it comes to laser cutting. Of course, there are still smaller-scale laser cutting techniques used today that stem from original inventions back in the 60s and 70s. However, the evolution of the technologies is why there will be a promising future for the use of laser cutting.
The future of laser cutting still has waves of evolution but it has come far over the last 40-plus years. Let’s see what the future for laser cutting.
What are the Future Goals of Laser Cutting?
In addition to the manufacturing industry, laser cutting is helpful in a variety of sectors, including small businesses, education, and architecture. You can benefit from laser cutting services if you need to cut metal, do precision metal bending, or even steel bending.
Laser cutting has revolutionized the process, the time, and cost it takes to get manufacturing projects done. Laser cutting will continue to grow financially. By 2024, it is expected to be a multi-billion-dollar industry (already surpassing that goal in 2022 and into 2023). The future goals of laser cutting include expanding to more industries and products, and increasing the understanding of its power and greatness. Laser cutting has many advantages, its future is looking very bright as we begin 2023.
Advantages of Laser Cutting
Laser cutting services provide many benefits:
- Precision metal bending and steel bending – once metals are cut, they are easier to handle. Companies that provide laser cutting services can also provide other services, like metal bending and welding.
- Protects the materials – laser cutting protects the material from damage and keeps it intact for use in the product.
- Supports many industries and products – we already touched on this a few times, but laser cutting supports so many industries and products that it is not just about manufacturing.
- Etch or engrave items – in addition to cutting metal, laser machines can etch or engrave your products so that your brand stays intact.
- Quick, yet efficient, turnaround time – this one speaks for itself, no waiting on small or low-power machines to get the work done.
- Energy efficiency and automated – reduce labor and energy costs and needs.
- Smooth and seamless edges – precision and accuracy, that is why laser cutting services even exist!
Steelway Laser Cutting Provides the Best Service for All Metal
Steelway Laser Cutting has you covered! We are proud to provide the best family service, and we have over 50 years of experience in the industry to prove it. We use a high-quality CNC laser cutting machine and our team is professional to get your projects, big and small, completed cleanly, efficiently, and seamlessly.
Our services include laser cutting, welding, bending, and packaging. We offer a free consultation and quote.
Contact us now to get started on your metal laser cutting projects!