Laser cutters, as the name implies, are used to cut patterns and designs into materials. The substance is melted, burned, or vaporized using a high-intensity laser beam. Kumar Patel, who joined Bell Labs in 1961 and started working on laser action research, is widely credited with inventing the laser cutter. For the first time in 1963, he invented the C02 laser, which has more current uses than any other kind of laser.
Custom-designed patterns and forms may be carved out of materials using a laser beam that is narrow and focussed, which is how laser cutting works. Several materials, especially wood, glass, paper, metal, plastic, and gemstones, are suited for this non-contact, thermal-based production approach.
Utility Of Laser Cutters:
Laser cutting has also found a home in sectors such as electronics, medical, aerospace, automotive, as well as semiconductors today. ‘ Lasers are often used to cut metals, such as tungsten, steel, aluminum, brass, and nickel – all of which have a smooth and clean finish. Other non-metal materials may also be sliced using lasers.
Surgical laser beams are already replacing the knife and vaporizing human flesh, maybe one of the most exciting applications of laser cutting technology. Eye surgery, for example, requires a great degree of accuracy.
Latest Developments In Laser Cutters:
A current is sent through a gas mixture (DC-excited) or, more often these days, a radio frequency energy is used (RF-excited). In contrast to DC, which employs an electrode within the cavity, the RF approach uses external electrodes, which eliminates the potential issues of electrode erosion and electrode plating on glass and optics.
Depending on the size and architecture of the system, several cooling solutions are used for the laser generator & external optics. It is possible to transport waste heat directly to the atmosphere, although using a coolant is more usual. Heat transfer and chiller systems typically employ water as a coolant.
Laser microjet systems, which use a low-pressure water jet to direct a pulsed laser beam in the same way as an optical fiber, are an example involving water-cooled laser processing.
Conclusion:
Laser cutting has various benefits compared to other cutting methods, including less contamination and more straightforward work holding. Laser cutting also improves precision since such beam does not wear out through the cutting process, and materials are less prone to warping. With lasers, cutting materials that would otherwise be impossible is possible.
The method has several benefits but is also associated with a high power consumption level. Laser cutting plastics produces poisonous fumes that must be vented, which is a costly undertaking in and of itself.
