The Laser Cutting Process: Your Questions Answered

Laser light has unique properties allowing it to be used as a tool. All light waves have equal wavelength, which means that it is monochromatic. All light waves in the laser beam move in line with each other, while the light waves are almost aligned to one another so that the beam only widens slightly. The beam is much brighter than more conventional sources of light.

Lasers are the perfect production tool when guided, formed and focused. One laser beam uses a non-contact, wear-free method that can produce incredibly accurate contours and structures. This means that the infliction of thermal stress on the workpiece is very minimal. Using laser light gives the manufacturer the ease and flexibility to create a variety of forms and contours by just using one machine.

When the laser beam makes contact with the workpiece, the material is heated by the beam to such a high temperature that the material melts or evaporates. When the workpiece has been fully penetrated by the beam, the laser cutting can begin. The laser beam glides along the part, melting the material. It is also very common for a gas flow to blow the melt down and out of the kerf, which is barely wider than the laser beam.

For more information about Hygrade’s laser cutting services, get in touch for a quote.