Laser cutting is one of the most versatile tools in manufacturing, creating high-quality precision designs in materials from paper to steel and everything in between. If you can design it on a computer, you can create it with a laser cutter, even if you are not a skilled craftsperson when it comes to making things by hand. Adopting laser cutting technology can improve nearly any product. Here are some quick and easy instructions to follow to make laser cutting projects as efficient as possible.
Overcome the Disadvantages of Laser Cutting
While laser cutting is an incredibly versatile tool, it does have its fair share of disadvantages. The first thing you need to do to optimize your laser cutting projects is to overcome these disadvantages, including:
- Slow processing speeds
- Low material use
- High processing costs
Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways you can overcome these challenges and make the most of your laser cutting systems.
Choose the Right Laser
Laser cutting technology has come a long way in the last decade or so, and there are more options to choose from than ever before. It is essential to choose the right laser for your task. For working with metal, two of the most popular options are CO2 lasers and fiber lasers. CO2 lasers create a superior edge, especially on softer metals like aluminum. Fiber lasers, on the other hand, are growing in popularity because their beam is non-reflective, making them more effective on chromed and other highly reflective surfaces.
Choosing the correct laser for the job can increase efficiency and reduce the chance for errors that might slow down the entire production process.
Improve Sheet Metal Use
Laser cutting is ideal for creating unique and sometimes irregular shapes, but it almost always leaves waste material behind. Ideally, you want to produce as little waste as possible unless you have the means on hand to smelt and re-form the leftover metal.
Take the time to create a digital version of your cutting design that uses as much of the available surface area as possible without compromising the finished product. Then, try the design on paper or cardboard before you start creating the final product. These steps will ensure your digital design works the way you’re hoping without wasting too much material.
Lower Cutting Head Lift
Traditionally, once a laser cutter completes a pass, it will lift away from the material surface and move to its next location. While this might prevent the cutting head from scratching the surface if it comes into contact with it, it also lowers processing efficiency and slows the entire cutting process down.
The solution to this is to recalibrate the equipment to remove that lift entirely. Once you complete that step, the cutting head will move directly from one cutting location to the next, increasing efficiency and improving overall optimization.
Recalibration might not be an option for soft materials like aluminum that scratch easily, but for tougher materials like steel, lowering the cutting head can speed up the process and reduce the time spent on each cut.
Moving Forward
Laser cutting is, by far, the best tool for creating unique custom designs in steel, aluminum and other similar materials. With the current state of technology, however, it isn’t the most efficient option. These tips can help any business owner optimize their laser cutting systems, improving efficiency and reducing waste without compromising quality.
Laser cutting will continue to be an essential part of the metal manufacturing market for many years to come. These steps can help make your system as efficient as possible, making production easier and faster than ever.
Megan Ray Nichols
Freelance Science Writer
nicholsrmegan@gmail.com
www.schooledbyscience.com/about
