Four reasons to choose laser cutting for your next job

CNC laser cutting has been used within large manufacturing companies for many years now, but as technology advances it is becoming increasing adopted by smaller businesses. Even colleges and schools are starting to adopt the technique as it becomes more affordable for them. Laser cutting involves using a computer controlled laser beam to burn away material instead of cutting through the metal or plastic using a more traditional saw or blade. There are many reasons for the continuing growth in the popularity of laser cutting. Here are four of the most significant.

Lower production times

CNC laser cutting involves much less human input than traditional cutting. In the past a machine shop may have needed several machines to achieve what can now be done on a single laser cutting machine. Instead of painstakingly setting up two or more machines by hand, a single cutting machine can now be programmed. This is not only quicker, but also reduces costs by occupying less floorspace in the workshop. If a job does need to be changed after being set up it is far quicker to make a few changes to a program than to reset the machine manually.

Improved cutting precision

CNC laser cutting offers a precision that would be impossible to reproduce manually. A computer controlled laser beam can produce intricate designs for complex components or jewellery designs that would defeat even the most highly skilled craftsman. Not only can a laser beam produce intricate designs, it can be perfectly accurate every time. The cutting is programmed in the computer and is reproduced perfectly every time the program is run. Human error is now entirely avoided, and perfect results are produced every time.

Avoids manufacturing damage

Using a laser beam to cut material avoids the risk of warping, or otherwise damaging the material during manufacturing. Cutting metal with a blade or a punch can often lead to jagged or rounded edges as the material is forced apart. Warping often occurs where the material heats up due to the energy being used to cut the material. Laser cutting avoids these problems and produces a perfect cut every time.

Lower contamination risk

Some materials that need to be cut are prone to contamination. With traditional cutting techniques these materials would need to be brought into contact with a blade or a punch to produce the desired cut. Cutting the material with a laser avoids any physical contact between a cutting blade and the material and reduces the risk of contamination during the manufacturing process.

These are four of the most important reasons for considering laser cutting for your next job.

 

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