Why is it that despite the plethora of cutting methodologies available, laser cutting prevails as the topmost choice? It’s very simple: because of the laser beam. Laser cutting machines are not only capable of cutting at a broad range of materials, but they can also raster or etch intricate designs onto parts or objects to change their appearance. In fact, laser cutters are amazing cutting tools for prototype manufacturing that are mostly used by hardware owners and makerspaces to turn their digital designs into reality.
While there are various types of laser cutters, every laser cutting process utilizes the same technology of a laser beam to cut through different materials. The key distinction between these different types of laser cutters comes from what particular kind of laser the machines employ. The type of laser defines what type and thickness of material it can process as each laser has different power ranges. However, the process is pretty much identical with the laser machine sending a beam of intense light that reflects through mirrors to the cutting head.
Apart from fiber lasers, the two other major types of laser cutters are the CO2 lasers and neodymium lasers. These laser cutters are made very similar but they are quite distinct in that each of them has a specific power range. And so, each can be used to cut through different materials and thicknesses. Laser cutting that uses CO2 lasers is commonly used to cut through wood, leather, cardboard, plastics, and glass. On the other hand, neodymium lasers offer a higher intensity, making them capable of cutting through thicker materials such as ceramics and metals.
Finally, laser cutting is also able to produce some impressive projects. It is usually combined with other digital fabrication technologies such as 3D printing to achieve ultimate design freedom and amazing results.
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