If you want a clean, precise cut, a laser cutter machine may be the best bet no matter what kind of project you’re working on. Laser cutting is the latest technology that provides a truly one-of-a-kind service. Complex designs, intricate layouts, sharp angles, text, and logos are just some of what a quality laser cutting machine can do. On top of that, laser cutting is compatible with all kinds of materials, giving you a wide range of surfaces to work with. To learn more, check out this quick guide to all things laser cutting.
What is a Laser Cutting Machine and How is it Used?
A laser cutting machine is different than traditional mechanical cutters. Laser cutters are perfect for creating top quality industrial parts. Due to their precision, parts cut with laser cutters require little to no finishing work. When in use, laser cutters are extremely high powered. When cutting, any excess material is either scorched, vaporized, or melted away. This is because an extremely high pressure jet of gas blows away any detritus, leaving a fresh and polished surface cut. In addition, the laser never makes contact with the surface of the material it is cutting. Due to this, there is low wear and tear on the machine itself, as well as a lower risk of the material becoming contaminated. Laser cutter machines can last much longer than traditional mechanical and manual cutters.
Common Uses of Laser Cutting
Laser cutting machines are typically used for industrial application. Cutting metals, piping, and other industrial parts and products, laser cutters offer a more precise and finished cut every time. In addition to industrial uses, laser cutting is also commonly used by schools, hobbyists, and even small businesses. Besides metals such as titanium, brass, bronze, silver, tungsten, and gold, laser cutters can also cut a range of other materials. These include:
- Stainless Steel
- Aluminum
- Plastic
- Wood
- Leather
- Rubber
These materials can be used to make quality signs, keepsakes, filters, stamps, business cards, jewelry, and crafts and necessities.
Saw vs. Laser Cutter: Which is Better?
If you feel hesitant about using a laser cutting machine, it’s likely because you’re used to old-fashioned, tried and true saw cutting. Of course, both options have their benefits and disadvantages. Laser cutting machines, however, offer a wider range of use.
- Laser Cutters: Laser cutters are perfect for cutting parts from large sheets of metal. Whether it’s stainless steel, steel, aluminum, brass, or even gold, laser cutters can do an effortless job each time. In addition, laser cutting is a bit faster and obviously more precise. You can cut and etch in just a single step with no worry of mistakes. Finally, laser cutting machines often come with 3D rotating laser heads, giving the user more mobility and ease with even the most complex cuts.
- Saws: A traditional method of cutting, saws are useful but come with quite a few drawbacks. Because they require manual labor, there is a higher chance of making a wrong cut—either one that isn’t straight, one that is jagged, one that isn’t deep enough, etc. In addition, saw cutting is rather slow and inefficient when compared to laser cutting. It lacks precision and quality ultimately relies on the skill level of the saw operator.
Overall, laser cutting machines trump saw cutters every time. If you want efficiency, precision, speed, versatility, and quality results, a laser cutter is the way to go.
