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CNC Laser Cutting

The Laser Cutting machine produces part shapes by cutting sheet material using an intense laser beam.

CNC Laser Cutting machine

During laser cutting, a beam of high-density light energy is focused through a tiny hole of a nozzle. When this beam strikes the surface of the work piece, the material of the work piece is vaporized.

Possible shapes

Any 2D shape including shaped cutouts. Allows intricate designs.

CNC Laser Cut part

Example parts

CNC Laser cutting is a popular process for cutting simple to intricate designs accurately and is used widely for many applications. For example: Aerospace, Architectural, Automotive, Biomedical, Decorative, Electronic, Medical, Petrochemical, Power Generation.

Brackets, cams, gaskets, assorted mechanisms.

Advantages of CNC Laser Cutting

Laser cutting offers low cost for prototype and short runs since no physical tooling is needed. Heat distortion is minimal (heat affected zone is about 10% of material thickness). Parts remain flat. Produces identical parts consistently, maintains close tolerances, wide range of materials, minimal burrs.

Specifications for CNC Laser Cutting

Material - laser cutting works best on materials such as carbon or stainless steels. Metals such as aluminum and copper alloys are more difficult to cut by laser due to their ability to reflect the laser light as well as absorb and conduct heat. These materials require more powerful lasers. Some of materials that can be cut by laser cutting: Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, Aluminum, Galvanized Steel, Polyethylene, Acrylic, Delrin, Nylon, Wood, Plywood.

Alternative machines - Blanking (for long runs), Turret Punch (for medium runs), Mill 3-Axis (for short runs).

Tooling - CNC Laser Cutting requires only software program tooling.

Reducing costs - reduce total cut length.

Notes

Edges are not as smooth as milling or punching. Edge quality is usually very good for thin materials - around 1/16" or less. Edge roughness becomes significant around 1/8" and thicker. Some spots along the edge, such as where the cut ends may be less smooth than the Surface Finish setting - up to .020" typically. Sharp inside corners of the part may have a slight rounding at a radius of approximately 0.02 - 0.04". Edge burrs are usually minimal and deburring of edges is usually not necessary but should be considered for a smoother edge. Kerf width is typically 0.002 - 0.01". Thin flimsy structures, such as shapes where a high percent of material is removed, may experience some warping. Some curvature may also occur in X-Y axis at places where the shape is long and thin.

Among plastics, Acrylic laser cuts superbly with a near polished edge.