Laser cutting is used for various types of materials, where complex contours require accurate, fast and trouble-free processing. Lasers create narrow slits and thus provide highly precise cutting lines. This method does not create any distortion and in many cases no post-processing is required as the component is exposed to concentrated heat.
Almost all types of metals can be laser cut: the most common are black steel, stainless steel, and galvanized steel. Other laser cutting applications involve wood, plastics, glass and ceramics. Compared to alternative methods, custom metal laser cutting is cost effective already for small batch production. The big advantage of laser cutting is the localized input energy of the laser, which ensures high productivity and minimal heat stress.
Carbon steel is the most commonly laser cut material in the industry. At the same time, high speed of work, excellent quality of cutting edges make laser cutting of stainless steel interesting for a wide range of applications. Here, laser cutting is an attractive alternative. Due to the fast conversion times, many different shapes can be implemented within a short period of time.
Although metal cutting operations traditionally use mechanical or manual processes, laser cutting can be a viable, efficient and economical option for making metal products. Laser equipment differs from other cutting machines in both design and application, and requires certain skills and qualifications to operate it.
