Broadly defined, laser cutting is a process that helps you to cut, slice, chip, melt, and vaporize materials. Narrowly, “laser” stands for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.” Emanating light containing electromagnetic radiation, laser beams are the strongest and densest lights that we know so far. The beam emission device can be programmed and the intensity of the laser beam can be manipulated according to the requirements of the application.
Technicians begin by programming their lasers using CNC technology. Then, with the help of laser optics and more CNC technology, they project the laser beam onto material for cutting. For larger and more critical applications, they will supplement control measures with a speed control system. This added control is important, as it helps ensure worker safety and prevent accidents. More often than not, manufacturers defer their cutting needs to laser cutting professionals, who are adept at preventing such accidents.
Note that, when poorly controlled or uncontrolled, lasers carry a high health risk. They can cause serious injuries, especially to the eyes, and can also costly or insurmountable material damage. To help keep you safe, laser cutting service providers take several factors into consideration when selecting and using laser cutters for your application.
Lenses, which are sometimes added to increase intensity and cutters are chosen based on their intended application. Choosing the right intensity ensures that providers don’t run into any problems associated with mismatched power, heat or pressure.
Before beginning work, good service provider’s double check that the lens and/or cutter have been adequately cleaned. They also check to make sure that their lens and cutter are working properly, properly sharp, stable and programmed.
Before cutting into anything, they also make sure that the nozzle or head of the laser cutter is sitting in the right position and pointed in the correct direction. They do so by broadcasting a low-intensity beam onto a test strip of thin tape, and checking if the beam created the hole in the correct spot. To test out whether the nozzle is in the center, the laser cutting service provider takes a thin tape and broadcasts a low-intensity laser beam on it. Then, they check if the hole created by the beam is at the desired place.
In addition, laser cutting service providers take their equipment in regularly for servicing and maintenance. Here, the cutters undergo a focus test and a series of light tests. These tests ensure machine accuracy.