Laser Cutting & its Evolution

Due to the apparent implications of the technology in weaponizing them, laser technology fascinates people of all ages. The real benefits, however, were the industrial implications and the improvements it made to a variety of industrial processes. Although the ideas and theories date back to the early 1900s, Kumar Patel, an electrical engineer at Bell Labs, was the first to use gas laser cutting in 1965. For the cutting, he employed a carbon dioxide combination. The laser cutting process’s first application was confined to drilling holes in diamond dyes.

Because of the limited applicability, there were few uses of the machines or processes in the industries, but the process’ potential prompted research and development. A German scientist was nearing the end of his development of laser cutting with the help of a nozzle CO2 laser beam and an assisted gas in the form of oxygen, nearly two years after the first iteration. With the use of his invention, Peter Houldcroft was able to cut through a 1mm steel sheet, and this became the tipping point for laser cutting to become a prominent participant in the industrial cutting process.

Developments in the laser cutting process

Early investigations discovered that the narrowness of the cut made by laser cutting was superior to that made by conventional cutting processes, indicating that there remained room for improvement. Because the laser beam’s strength was limited in the beginning, scientists realized that by increasing the laser beam’s power, the cutting technique could be utilized on a wider range of materials, including thicker ones. Although the pace of the laser cutting process was slower in the beginning, it was faster than other techniques, indicating the scope of progress to come. The potential was realized during the next 30 years, bringing up new avenues for development.

The 1mm cut formed on steel sheet by the first laser cutting technique has already grown to 20 mm, and laser cutting machines can now cut a broad variety of materials. With the help of computers and software, the speed of the process has substantially increased, and it has become automated and efficient. Laser cutting’s small kerf and precision have accelerated and transformed industries by proving to be efficient and minimizing reworks.

Present and Future for Laser Cutting  

The ongoing pursuit of higher efficiency, automation, and profit in the industrial fields is a driving force behind the development of new and existing technologies. Since its inception, laser cutting has progressed in leaps and bounds, presenting intriguing potential for the scientists behind it. Automation through computerization and software-controlled operation has been a significant step forward. The 5-axis manipulation for 3-dimensional work, however, is the definitive use of laser cutting. Those types of support beam delivery technologies were not available in the early stages of development. We expect to see new technological breakthroughs in the laser cutting process, which will assist existing sectors while also allowing new industries to emerge.

CO2 LASER CUTTING MACHINE

The laser is powered by electrically stimulated gas mixes, the majority of which being carbon dioxide (CO2). Light is produced in a CO2 laser cutting machine when energy is passed through a gas-filled tube with both mirrors at the end. While one mirror allows some light to pass through, the other is completely reflecting. These mirrors are in charge of guiding the laser beam into the cutting material.

CO2 lasers are the most prevalent form of laser cutting machine because they require little power, are inexpensive, and can cut a variety of materials, including mild steel and stainless steel. Aluminium, as well as cardboard, leather, wood, glass, acrylic, and other plastics, are used.

CO2 LASER CUTTING MACHINE

The laser is powered by electrically stimulated gas mixes, the majority of which being carbon dioxide (CO2). Light is produced in a CO2 laser cutting machine when energy is passed through a gas-filled tube with both mirrors at the end. While one mirror allows some light to pass through, the other is completely reflecting. These mirrors are in charge of guiding the laser beam into the cutting material.

CO2 lasers are the most prevalent form of laser cutting machine because they require little power, are inexpensive, and can cut a variety of materials, including mild steel and stainless steel. Aluminium, as well as cardboard, leather, wood, glass, acrylic, and other plastics, are used.

How does the CO2 laser machine work?

The laser beam is sealed and filled with C02 in the glass tube. A strong current is passed down the tube, causing a reaction with the CO2, which increases the energy of the gas particles, causing them to emit light. When light reaches this brightness, intense heat is produced, which is powerful enough to melt materials with extremely high melting points.

Throughout the optical framework, there are three reflecting mirrors. The first is located near the laser tube, the second is located above the Y-Axis gantry, and the third is located above the laser head. Light is reflected back and forth across the length of the tube by the three mirrors.

The focus lens’ job is to fine-tune the laser’s path so that it can focus on a precise location. A CO2 laser cutter’s ability to achieve such accurate and clean finishes on a wide range of materials is due to this additional focusing process.

Advantages of Laser Cutting

There are several benefits in using a laser cutter.

Below are some of them:

• Non-contact process – The beam doesn’t physically touch the material it is working with, which causes only minimal damage to the material.
• Safer method – In general, laser cutting is much safer than other forms of cutting since it does not use any blade.
• Accuracy – Laser cutters produce highly accurate and precise cuttings providing clean cuts and a smooth finish.

Why Use Laser Cutting?  

Laser cutting may be used to create a variety of spectacular projects, ranging from technical to decorative. It’s also employed in a variety of industries. Laser cutting has more advantages than other fabrication techniques, such as precision, customization, and accuracy.

With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why laser cutting is such an excellent choice for fabrication.

At Al Hirfa  , we offer best laser cutting services here in Qatar, for projects of all sizes, and we’d be happy to discuss our services with you in further detail.

Your project will be completed on time and with minimal interruption using a laser cutter, guaranteeing that your deadlines are met.

If you have any questions about our services, feel free to  Contact us.

Simply call us at +974 7446 9729 to learn more about how we may assist you. Alternatively, you can send an email to hello@alhirfa.com, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.