CNC Router

CNC Plasma Cutter

    CNC Milling Machine

      Edge Banding Machine

        Laser Cutting Machine

        Laser Marking Machine

        Laser Welding Machine

          Laser Cleaning Machine

            Laser Engraving Machine

              CNC Digital Knife Cutting Machine

                CNC Wood Turning Lathe Machine

                  CNC Spare Parts, Tools, Accessories

                  Industrial Applications

                  CNC Plasma Cutter Projects

                    CNC Router Machine Projects

                      Laser Cutting Machine Projects

                        Laser Marking Machine Projects

                          Laser Welding Machine Projects

                            Laser Cleaning Machine Projects

                              CNC Digital Knife Cutter Projects

                                Laser Engraving Machine Projects

                                  CNC Wood Lathe Machine Projects

                                    CNC FAQs

                                      CNC Videos

                                      User Manual

                                        CNC Software

                                          CNC Solutions

                                            Buyer's Reviews

                                            Customer Service

                                              Technical Support

                                                Business Profile

                                                  Company Culture

                                                    Corporate Team

                                                      Sales Network

                                                        News & Events

                                                        Honors Certificate

                                                          Incoming Quality Control

                                                            Find Us On Map

                                                              Contact Information

                                                                Get Your Free Quote

                                                                  WhatsApp Get Quote Send Email
                                                                  What should you consider before buying, operating, or building a laser cutting machine? Let's start to learn the working principle in this article.

                                                                   Sep 26, 2018    1586 (3 Min Read)

                                                                  A laser is a highly concentrated beam of light at a single wavelength. At each wavelength of light, various materials absorb, reflect, and transmit that light in varying amount.

                                                                  The laser beam is a column of very high intensity light, of a single wavelength, or color. In the case of a typical CO2 laser, that wavelength is in the Infra-Red part of the light spectrum, so it is invisible to the human eye. The beam is only about 3/4 of an inch in diameter as it travels from the laser resonator, which creates the beam, through the laser cutter's beam path. It may be bounced in different directions by a number of mirrors, or "beam benders", before it is finally focused onto the plate. The focused laser beam goes through the bore of a nozzle right before it hits the plate. Also flowing through that nozzle bore is a compressed gas, such as Oxygen or Nitrogen.

                                                                  The high power density results in rapid heating, melting and partial or complete vaporizing of the material. When cutting mild steel, the heat of the laser beam is enough to start a typical "oxy-fuel" burning process, and the laser cutting gas will be pure oxygen, just like an oxy-fuel torch. When cutting stainless steel or aluminum, the laser beam simply melts the material, and high pressure nitrogen is used to blow the molten metal out of the kerf.

                                                                  On a laser cutting machine, the laser cutting head is moved over the metal plate in the shape of the desired part, thus cutting the part out of the plate. A capacitive height control system maintains a very accurate distance between the end of the nozzle and the plate that is being cut. This distance is important, because it determines where the focal point is relative to the surface of the plate. The cut quality can be affected by raising or lowering the focal point from just above the surface of the plate, at the surface, or just below the surface.

                                                                  A laser cutting machine works by focussing a beam of laser light onto a piece of material. The laser light is so high powered, that when focused, it raises the temperature of the material to be cut high enough to melt or vaporize the material, in the small area the beam is focused. Often, an assist gas is used to help push the molten material from the cut area. This is especially true for cutting metals or thick sheets of material like plywood.

                                                                  To cut shapes, the laser head is moved, using some form of gantry to position the beam over new material, causing a line to be cut instead of a small pinhole. The types of motion systems include rack and pinions, ball screws, and linear motors. Linear motors are most expensive, but are fastest and most accurate. Rack and pinions provide nearly the same speed and accuracy, but for a lower price. Some small hobbyist lasers might also use timing belt and stepper motors to move their laser head. In all cases, a system with serves, and encoder feedback adds greatly to the accuracy of laser cutting system, as does a rigid frame, isolated from vibration.

                                                                  For a laser cutting operation, it’s important to choose a wavelength that is highly absorbing in the material you intend to cut.

                                                                  As the laser energy is directed at the material surface, the material absorbs so much energy that it rapidly heats past its melting temperature and up to its degradation temperature.

                                                                  At the degradation temperature, the material breaks down and disintegrates. Often, smoke or fumes are released when this happens.

                                                                  The edge of the cut may be heated to a lower level and actually melt and reform. This can actually be used as a sort of sealing mechanism that is useful for fibrous materials, for example, to prevent threading.

                                                                  When laser cutter working, it can be a good idea to angle the laser such that smoke from the cutting process does not collect as soot on the laser optics. Additionally, when cutting (or welding) highly reflective surfaces it’s important to prevent the laser beam from reflecting off of the surface and back into the laser optics, which can damage them.

                                                                  What Are You Waiting For?

                                                                  Once You MakeYour Choice, Don't Agonize Over It.

                                                                  Get Your Free Quote

                                                                  Further Reading

                                                                  May 19, 2022 | 6 Min Read

                                                                  A Guide to Buy an Affordable Laser Engraver or Laser Cutter

                                                                  When you have an idea to buy an affordable laser engraver cutting machine to start your business, you should know what is a laser cutter engraving machine? what is it used for? how does it work? how much does it cost? how to buy it within your budget?

                                                                  May 30, 2022 | 7 Min Read

                                                                  A Guide to Buy Your First CO2 Laser Machine

                                                                  Before you buy CO2 laser machine for engraving & cutting, you should know what is it? how does it work? how much does it cost? how to buy it within your budget.

                                                                  Oct 07, 2023 | 6 Min Read

                                                                  How to Buy Laser Engraver Cutter for Custom Jewelry Maker?

                                                                  Looking for an affordable CO2 or fiber laser engraver cutter for custom jewelry maker with hobbyists or business to make money? Need a CNC laser jewelry engraver cutting machine for beginners? Review this guide to buy 2022 best laser jewelry cutter engraving machine for personalized jewelry gift & jewelry box making with metal, silver, gold, stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminum, titanium, glass, stone, acrylic, wood, silicon, wafer, zircon, ceramic, film.

                                                                  May 27, 2022 | 6 Min Read

                                                                  A Guide To Laser Cutting Basics

                                                                  In this article, you will get the laser cutting basics, including definition, working principle, types, features, applications, and trends in future.

                                                                  Jul 28, 2022 | 3 Min Read

                                                                  How To Assemble & Setup CO2 Laser Engraving Cutting Machine?

                                                                  Are you troubled by how to set up a CO2 laser engraving cutting machine? We have summed up 12 easy-to-follow steps on how to assemble a CO2 laser machine with pictures & videos.

                                                                  Feb 25, 2022 | 4 Min Read

                                                                  Digital Cutting Machine VS Laser Cutting Machine

                                                                  Digital cutting machine and laser cutting machine are both flexible material cutting CNC machine tool with different features and advantages, so what are the differences between digital cutter and laser cutter?