Laser cutting is a great way of cutting, shaping and forming many different types of material as part of the manufacturing process. Recent advances in this field now mean that this type of equipment is now being made available to smaller businesses. If you are looking to invest in a laser cutting machine, you may be looking for more info about the different types. Read on to find out about some popular types of laser cutting technology.

Fusion laser cutting

The fusion laser is a very fast and accurate cutting process. Compared to conventional laser cutting, fusion laser cutting is very fast at producing results. There is less risk of damage as the laser beam does not cut through the layer of the material. Instead, the laser heats the surface until it becomes molten. A powerful jet of air is then used to remove this molten section, creating a cut in the surface. This technique is also called fusion milling and it is a popular technique in creating 3D models.

Fracture-controlled laser cutting

This type of cutting involves using a laser to heat one particular area of brittle material. The sudden heating of this area creates an extreme temperature gradient which causes the surface to fracture and crack in a particular way. By carefully repositioning the laser, it is possible to direct and control the line which the fracturing occurs along.

Carbon dioxide laser cutting

Carbon dioxide laser cutting is one of the most common and accurate methods of cutting materials. It uses a chamber of carbon dioxide gas and two mirrors to create high energy pulses. The longwave laser generated by this set-up cannot be seen by the human eye. However, it is extremely powerful and can swiftly and cleanly cut through just about any type of material.

High-speed laser cutting

It is common for lasers to cut materials in a slow, steady manner. However, high-speed laser cutting works in a very different way. It can cut material at a much faster rate than a standard laser cutting machine, resulting in fast and accurate cuts. High-power lasers are used to cut materials at a much faster rate than other laser cutting methods. The major advantage of using a high-speed machine is the increased productivity you can enjoy.

If you are looking to invest in a laser cutting machine, take a look at the different types of laser cutter machines on the market. If you would like to find out more, you should make contact with a local manufacturing machine supplier.