When it comes to cutting metal, there are so many different machines to choose from. So how do you know which is best for your project? Well, in this week’s blog, we focus on laser cutters by looking at their role and how they work.
Why use a laser cutter?
Laser cutters have many different purpose. However, the most common use is to cut metal plates. Laser cutters are great for mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum plate as they deliver an extremely precise and excellent cut quality. Structurally, laser cuts have a narrow kerf width and small affect zone. This allows you to cut intricate shapes and small holes.
Laser cutters are therefore perfect if you need to cut small, intricate pieces of metal or simply require a highly accurate cut for your metal.
The word, “laser”, is a actually an acronym for: Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. So how does light cut through a steel plate?
How do laser cutters work?
Essentially, the laser melts the material that it runs through away. It is therefore more like melting rather than cutting. Due to this, laser cutters can cut light materials, such as cloth, up to tougher materials like metals, gemstones and diamonds.
There is both a pulsed laser beam and continuous wave laser beam. The former is delivered in short bursts while the latter operates continuously. Depending on the material you’re working with, you can control the beam intensity, length and heat output.
At Acra Machinery, we offer a variety of state-of-the-art laser cutters. To learn more or to enquire about one of our products, please call us on 03 9794 6675.