Most manufacturers these days use CNC machines to speed up their manufacturing processes. These CNC machines often use different processes, including laser cutting.
Basically, CNC laser cutting involves giving commands to machines once digitalized drawing is finalized. The benefits that come with this process are many. Some of these benefits include the following:
1. Flexibility
The laser cutting process doesn’t require tooling or exchange of tools in order to achieve several separate cuts. They also don’t need hard tools – meaning tool sharpening or changeover isn’t required. Not to mention, the setup you begin with will remain the same as you cut various shapes in the same material thickness. In addition, laser-cutting machines are flexible and may attain intricate cuts without inefficiencies or costly downtime, even in a large production run.
2. Extreme Precision
The laser-cutting process is precise. Using it helps manufacturers cut through a variety of materials to attain specific dimensions with very extreme precisions. As a matter of fact, some machines have a dimensional accuracy of around 0.0005 inches.
This is more precise than that of traditional cutting techniques, like sheers. With this extreme precision, the laser-cutting process has become popular among most manufacturers.
3. High Productivity
Deep penetration and high travel speeds contribute to higher productivity that comes with using the laser cutting process. A typical travel speed for the laser cutting process is up to 12 meters per minute.
A thinner metal sheet ranging between 01 mm and 2mm is cut faster, whereas a thicker sheet needs a lower speed. This speed surpasses traditional cutting technological advancement ranging from 0.25 to 2 meters/minute.
4kW laser machines may go up to around 25 mm in just one pass. Plus, the laser cutting process is non-contact, so it has a lower fixture cost and shorter unloading and loading time.
4. Save the Costs
You will only waste a small portion of materials when using the right laser-cutting machine. By using the right amount of materials, a laser cutting machine distinguishes itself from other machines.
A laser cutting process is also known for protecting thin materials from damage. Heat does not affect this tolerance, only impacting a small portion of the product.
5. Versatility
A multi-axis laser allows a wide range of projects laser cutters may help to complete. It may cut material of all thicknesses and types. It can also cut both complex and simple structures. Some of the materials may include glass, wood, plastics, diamonds, alloys, and metals.
In addition, a laser cutter can make complex shapes from different materials or turn them into highly intricate, precise shapes. Their accuracy and precision mean the type of cuts a laser cutter is capable of producing is endless.
6. Automation
Laser cutting requires little manpower because a laser cutter is automated. A professional machine operation will still play an important role when it comes to the final quality, but the cutting speed and little need for manpower leads to lower costs.
The Takeaway
For cutting projects, a CNC cutting machine provides good performance. Low maintenance requirements and automation of lasers make short lead times possible. Plus, lasers are precise, offering a high level of precision you can’t achieve with other cutting techniques.
