Laser cutting is really a technique used to cut a variety of manufacturing purposed and material for industrial. It can be applied to both cylindrical and flat components, including stainless sheets and nitinol tubing. The benefits of laser cutting is it is highly accurate and creates a cleaner cut than traditional mechanical methods.

Contrary to mechanical cutting, no parts that may wear down come in contact with the material being sliced in laser cutting. This eliminates warped edges and it is cost effective since new cutting parts don't have to be purchased again and again. One approach to laser cutting functions by melting away material having a high powered laser beam. As the material is melted away, a powerful stream of gas is blown through the insertion, sweeping away the melted material, and abandoning a relatively smooth cut surface. The laserlight can create a material incision of under .001 inches. This allows for incredibly precise cuts in flat or tubular material.

Some materials, such as wood, do not melt and can be cut using vaporization. In this method, the laser beam concentrates on the surface of the material, bringing it to its boiling point. As the material boils, vapor is released, further eroding the material until the desired cut is produced.

Laser beams can cut material on up to four axes; however two axis systems are most typical. The one drawback to a two axis system is that it produces tapered edges at some angles in cylindrical components. Adding one more third and fourth axis eliminates the tapered edge effect. While the four axis laser cutting system can produce more complicated results, it is more expensive than the traditional two axis method, so it is not used unless a specifically called for.

Laser cutting is cost effective, especially for large volumes of custom parts or designs. Since the laserlight is controlled by a computer program, once the component design continues to be programmed, it can easily be replicated. This is great for producing a large quantity of industrial or medical equipment parts.

The versatility in laser cutting is ideal for producing custom parts. The accuracy that may be achieved with the tiny laser point is perfect for projects that require the utmost precision. Laser cutting is really a quick process that can produce a large quantity of components for a specific use at relatively inexpensive. After medical and industrial instruments are laser cut to specification, they can then go on to the laser marking process for serialization, banded calibration, logo branding, or other types of marking.

John Franchi is really a Partner at Northeast Laser & Electroploish, located in Monroe, Connecticut. The company provides contract laser welding services, laser marking services, laser engraving services, and laser cutting services to companies throughout The united states. For more information, or to contact John, visit: http://www.northeastlaser.com