What Is Laser Cutting?
[Explained]
What Is Laser Cutting and How Does It Work?
Laser cutting is a highly advanced process that uses a focused laser beam to melt, burn, or vaporise materials with extreme precision. The process is computer-controlled, typically using CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technology to follow a pre-set pattern from a G-code file.
The laser beam is generated by stimulating lasing materials (like CO2, neodymium, or fibre) with electrical discharges or lamps inside a closed container. The energy is amplified by reflecting the light internally through mirrors until it reaches a sufficient intensity to escape as a coherent monochromatic beam or laser beam for short.
What is G-Code?
A G-code file is a programming language that gives instructions to machines like CNC laser cutters or 3D printers, dictating how the machine should move and what actions to perform. G-code stands for geometric code (also known as RS-274) and is vital for guiding the laser to cut or engrave materials according to exact designs.
Coherent:
The light waves in the beam are in step with each other, meaning they move together in a regular, predictable way.
Monochromatic:
It has just one colour or wavelength, meaning all the light waves in the beam have the same frequency.
This beam is then directed through optics and focused using mirrors or fibre optics, concentrating the energy to a fine point—typically under 0.0125 inches (0.32 mm) in diameter. In fact, kerf widths as small as 0.004 inches (0.10 mm) are possible, depending on the material thickness.
Where the cut needs to start away from the edge of the material, a piercing process is employed, using high-power pulsed lasers to create an initial hole. For example, it can take 5-15 seconds to pierce a 0.5-inch-thick (13 mm) stainless steel sheet.
What Is Laser Cutting Used For?
Laser cutting’s versatility is why it’s essential across industries. It’s used to craft everything from small electronic components to large industrial parts. In aerospace and automotive, where precision and durability are critical, laser cutting is of the up most importance. It also plays a vital role in shipbuilding, creating strong, reliable components for hull sections and fittings.
In scenarios where nuclear decommissioning takes place, laser cutting provides a safe method for dismantling hazardous materials. Even schools and hobbyists are making use of this technology to cut wood, plastic, and fabric with impressive accuracy.
Its speed, cleanliness, and ability to handle complex designs make laser cutting the ideal tool for any project. Whether you're a manufacturer looking for efficiency or a hobbyist looking to bring your ideas to life, laser cutting offers endless possibilities.
How Does the Laser Cutting Process Work?
The laser cutting process relies on precision and high-tech equipment. It begins by stimulating a lasing material to generate a high-powered beam, which is then directed to the material using mirrors and lenses. The focused beam produces extreme heat at the focal point, melting or vaporising the material to create the cut.
This non-contact process reduces wear on tools and prevents damage to the material. CNC technology, using G-code, controls the beam’s movement with millimetre accuracy, following geometric instructions that tell the laser exactly where to cut.
In addition, assist gases such as oxygen or nitrogen are often used to blow away molten material, ensuring a clean cut. Different materials require varying focal lengths and cutting speeds for optimal results.
CO2 lasers are commonly used for cutting, engraving, and boring materials like wood, plastic, and non-metals. Meanwhile, fibre lasers offer higher precision, making them perfect for cutting reflective metals like aluminium and copper.
What Are The Different Types of Laser Cutting?
There are three main types of laser cutting techniques:
- CO2 Lasers – Ideal for cutting, boring, and engraving non-metals. These lasers pass a current through a gas mixture, often using the newer RF-excited method, which avoids issues like electrode erosion found in older DC-excited systems. CO2 lasers can be further classified by their gas flow types:
- Fast Axial Flow: Uses a gas mixture circulated by a turbine at high speed.
- Slow Axial Flow: Uses a blower for slower gas circulation.
- Slab or Diffusion: Utilises a static gas field, requiring no pressurisation.
- Neodymium (Nd) Lasers – Suitable for high-energy, low-repetition boring.
- Neodymium Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet (Nd) Lasers – Used for very high-power boring and engraving tasks.
Cooling systems play a critical role in ensuring the equipment operates efficiently. Many systems use water as a coolant, circulated through heat exchangers or chiller systems to maintain proper laser performance. For example, laser microjet systems combine a pulsed laser beam with a low-pressure water jet, guiding the beam while cooling the material and removing debris.
CNC Laser Cutting: Precision Redefined
CNC laser cutting takes precision to the next level by integrating Computer Numerical Control with laser technology. This process allows for highly accurate cuts by controlling the laser’s movement using software. The process starts with a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) file that is loaded into the CNC machine.
Once the material is placed on the machine, the laser follows the design with incredible accuracy. For example, fibre lasers—which use a solid gain medium rather than gas as this produces a far smaller spot size, making them ideal for cutting reflective metals like aluminium and copper.
The CNC system ensures that every part is cut to exact specifications, reducing errors and speeding up production.
Colstan Profiles Laser Cutting Capabilities
At Colstan Profiles, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, precision laser cutting services using state-of-the-art fibre laser cutting machines. Whether you need steel profiles for large-scale industrial projects or small-batch orders, we have the expertise and equipment to meet your requirements swiftly and accurately.
Our fibre laser technology offers several advantages over traditional CO2 laser cutting, including greater precision, faster cutting speeds, and enhanced efficiency. This means we can reduce both costs and lead times for our customers, ensuring you receive high-standard parts on time, every time.
Our 3m x 1.5m cutting bed can handle material thicknesses ranging from 0.5mm to 25mm, with exceptional accuracy and tight tolerances. This allows us to meet even the most demanding specifications with ease. We also maintain a robust inventory of over 1000 tonnes of steel in various grades and thicknesses, which enables us to respond to production requests quickly and keep turnaround times to a minimum.
Our reputation for fast delivery and high-quality service is built on the combination of our skilled team, in-house CNC machinery, and cutting-edge automation technology. These resources allow us to provide a fast and efficient service for all your profiling needs, without sacrificing quality.
Conclusion
Laser cutting is a versatile, precise technology that has reshaped modern manufacturing. From CO2 to fibre lasers, each technique offers unique benefits, making laser cutting suitable for a wide range of materials and applications. Whether you're in aerospace, automotive, or a hobbyist workshop, laser cutting is the tool of choice for achieving precision and efficiency.
By combining CNC technology with advanced laser systems, you can bring complex designs to life with ease.
