Laser cutting is a technology that uses a laser to cut or drill material.

The process can be used to cut various materials, including metal, wood, plastics, and textiles.

Laser cutting is helpful in manufacturing applications where a high degree of accuracy is required.

A laser cutter being used to cut a material

So, how does laser cutting work?

How Laser Cutting Works

The laser cutting process starts with your idea.

The laser cutter generates a high-powered laser beam directed on to the material using the laser head.

A laser machine being used to cut a material

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Find outhow to prepare a G-code file.

The process will create a precise and clean cut with no burns or scorch marks.

Laser cutting is an accurate and versatile method for creating everything from small parts to complex components.

CO2 laser in action

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Applications of Laser Cutting

In the modern world, laser cutters are an extremely useful technology.

The tube is shown below.

These lasers cannot cut other materials like glass and stone; however, they can engrave on them.

A laser beam tube with gas sealed inside

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YAG lasers

These solid-state lasers use an yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) crystal as the active medium.

An external energy source like an electrical current stimulates the electrons in the crystal, producing the laser light.

The YAG contains two reflecting mirrors, m1 and m2, attached to the end, as shown below.

Laser beam bouncing between two mirrors before being directed to the laser head

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A krypton lamp or xenon flash is used to pump the signals from m1 to output through m2.

The flashlight excites ions from the power source attached below the mirrors to high energy levels.

As energy transition occurs, the photon beam is generated for laser cutting.

YAG laser cutter being used to drill holes in a metal

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YAG lasers are usually used for drilling purposes on materials like metal.

They are distinguished from other types by their high efficiency and stability.

They are also resistant to heat and humidity damage, making them ideal for use in industrial tweaks.

Two mirrors, power supply, and flash tube in a YAG laser cutter

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Fiber Lasers

Fiber lasers are primarily used forlaser engraving projectsand not explicitly for cutting.

However, you might use them for cutting thin metals, usually after several passes.

These lasers create beams using active optic fiber, which are then transmitted to the cutting head.

A hand touching the fiber laser button

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However, the advantages outweigh them for many applications.

With proper care and maintenance, a laser cutter can provide years of trouble-free service.

With the advancement in technology, this cutting method will continue to become more powerful and precise.

A man holding a paper catching fire after being exposed to a laser cutter

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Most laser cutters can cut through materials like metal with high precision.

And as it continues to become more popular, the demand for skilled workers is increasing.