5 Ways Laser Cutting Is Used in Manufacturing Industries
Laser cutting, especially tube laser cutting, has become one of the most popularly used processes in the manufacturing business across the globe. The popularity of laser cutting is attributed to the technology’s high-quality performance, precision, and accuracy. Decades ago, laser technology was a fictitious ideology that only appeared achievable in the unforeseeable future. However, laser technology is an already actively adopted method in today’s automotive and manufacturing industries, thanks to generations of technicians and scientists. Manufacturers are now using laser technology to optimise applications and processes, as well as to redefine numerous manufacturing tasks. This guide explains the 5 ways suggested by GCI Group, an Australian company that provides laser cutting services in Gold Coast on how laser cutting is used in manufacturing sectors.
What is Laser Cutting?
Laser cutting is defined as the process of engraving or cutting items of varying materials using a laser. The laser technology applied allows users to make precise cuttings on flat sheets of materials, such as wood, plastic, steel, and metals. Primarily, laser cutting is thermal-based. This means that a laser beam is focused on a material’s highly-targeted area where a precise cut is made. Pressure and heat are then directed on the cut area using a nozzle to complete cutting.
Benefits of Laser Cutting
Manufacturing processes have been evolving spontaneously across the world. As these manufacturing innovations grow, so should the processes used to advance the innovations. This is where a laser cutter comes in handy. Here is an outline of some of the benefits of laser cutters in the manufacturing sectors.
• High Precision
This is one of the most significant advantages of using a laser cutter. Industrial users get highly accurate cuts with smooth finishes when using the laser cutter.
• Non-contact and Stress-free Process
The laser can penetrate the material being cut without physically touching the material. There is also minimal structural force exerted on the material as the heat produced by the laser cutter is focused on a targeted area. Check out thunder laser to get more information about it.
• Flexibility in Engineering
A laser cutter can be used on diverse material types, including glass, wood, plastic, diamond, and any other material. The laser cutter is also engineered for use beyond the manufacturing sectors. For example, laser cutting is applied in the medical industry to cut through human tissue.
• Minimised Power Consumption
This is another great benefit to the manufacturing sector. Not only does a laser cutter enhance high production, but it also minimises the cost of production in relation to energy expenses. For example, while other cutting processes consume as much as 50kW, laser cutting will consume up to 10kW.
• Increased Freedom of Design
The precision and high level of accuracy that come with laser cutters have allowed for the creation of incredibly sophisticated designs. The touch-free procedure of laser cutting has enabled manufacturing engineers to craft new material shapes that would be impossible to make with other conventional methods.
Uses of Laser Cutting in Manufacturing Sectors
Laser cutting has a wide range of applications in the manufacturing sectors. Here is a brief overview of how laser cutting is used in these industries.
1. Metal Laser Cutting
This is one of the most common uses of a laser cutter in the manufacturing sectors. Laser cutting service can be applied to multiple types of metals, including aluminium, brass, tungsten, nickel, steel, and other metals. When it comes to metal laser cutting, a laser can make perfect cuts with smooth finishes regardless of the type of metal being cut. This application of laser cutting is popular in designing structural and component shapes for items, such as mobile phone casings and car bodies.
Another common use of metal laser cutting is the making of hydroformed metal parts that are popular in providing support to instrument panel beams and engine frames. Unlike the traditional cutting processes, metal laser cutting does not require extra finishing, as the cuts made are perfectly polished.
2. Silicon Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is also popular in the making of precise cuts on silicon. Silicon is one of the most fundamental materials in the manufacturing sectors. For example, silicon is used to make semiconductors, microelectronics, solar, and other items that run most of the technological gadgets. This is why precise cutting of silicon is of great importance to most industries.
Silicon laser cutting has made it possible for engineers and technicians to create components and products that are significantly small. As a result, it has become quite easy to enhance the continuity of major innovations, hardware technology, and developments across the world.
3. Laser Marking and Engraving
The laser cutting technology has also become common in adding marks to an object for purposes of increasing its aesthetic value, a process known as laser marking or engraving. Laser engraving is also used to add a unique function to a product, such as adding barcodes. Laser marking is applicable on surfaces of varying materials, including pewter, wood, and metal. This use of laser cutting is particularly popular in sectors, such as the jewellery industry, commercial entities, hobbyists, and schools.
4. Laser Cut Packaging
The technology’s high speed, accuracy, and flexibility are what makes laser cutting an ideal process for packaging designs. The laser allows manufacturers to be flexible when making shapes and handling a given material. Whether it is for packaging bags or boxes, laser cutting is suitable for the creation of all sophisticated designs to the needs of the manufacturer. Laser cut packaging accommodates a wide range of packaging materials, including plastics, packaging films, paper, or even cardboards.
5. Ceramics Laser Cutting
Ceramics are known for their electrical insulation and thermal conductivity properties, making them a suitable choice for dynamic applications. For example, ceramics are used to make cement, tiles, pottery, and glass. They can also be used in automotive, gas turbine engines, synthetic bones, and dental implants. Ceramics are, therefore, an essential component for multiple industries, which is why precise cutting of the material is a primary concern. Laser cutting is applied to cut and even engrave ceramics to the users’ preferred appeal.
In Summary
Laser cutting is an essential component in the running of today’s manufacturing processes. Laser cutting technology promises flexibility, precision, and accuracy in the management of various manufacturing tasks. Today, industries use laser cutting to redefine critical processes. Some of the benefits of using laser cutting include minimised power consumption, increased freedom in design, engineering flexibility, and high precision. The applications of laser cutting in the manufacturing sectors include metal cutting, ceramic cutting, laser marking, laser engraving, and silicon cutting.
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