A laser cutter offers many benefits over traditional cutting methods, such as plasma cutting. Read on to learn how laser cutting can help make your manufacturing processes easier, cleaner, and more efficient.
Incredible precision
The primary benefit of laser cutters is that they are very accurate and precise. They can make very complex, intricate shapes that other machines can’t make, and are a big reason why modern components can be made on a much smaller scale than they have been historically. Since the laser beam does not wear during the process, the cuts will remain precise and clean as long as the machine is operational. Finally, laser cutters’ precision can vastly reduce the amount of material waste for each project.
No-contact cutting
A laser beam melts metal and other materials as it cuts; it never physically touches it. Since there is no cutting edge which can become contaminated by the material, or contaminate the material, damage is minimized, as are repair and replacement costs. There is also a reduced chance of warping the material that is being cut. The no-contact feature also helps with the machine’s safety; the beam is enclosed in a tight light box and cannot come into contact with anything it is not aimed at.
Versatility
A laser cutter can work with many different types of materials, including metal, diamonds, plastics, wood, and glass. A single laser beam can be adjusted for different heat outputs, intensities, and durations, allowing one machine to perform many different tasks for many different applications. Laser cutting can be used for heavy manufacturing work, like cutting, engraving, marking, and drilling; it can also be used for delicate procedures, such as eye surgery.
Energy consumption
Energy consumption is a toss-up when it comes to laser cutting. They do use far less energy when cutting thin or regular sheet metal. However, most industrial lasers cannot cut through the metal thickness that plasma can. Newer laser cutting machines have been developed which can cut the same thickness, as long as they are operating at higher power (6000 watts, vs. 1500 watts.) The capital cost of such machines is much higher than that of plasma cutting machines capable of cutting thick materials like steel plate. However, as long as you need to cut thinner materials like plastic, wood, thin metals, and vinyl, laser cutting is a much more cost-effective cutting machine.
Need a new or used laser cutter in Apex NC?
Laser technology helps you save on energy and other resources, reduces waste, and brings unparalleled precision and smooth edges into your metalwork. If you are looking for laser machines for sale in Apex, NC, be sure to give us a call, and our experienced associates can help you make the right selection.