The Laser Cutting Process: Your Questions Answered

Renowned as world leaders in industrial laser technology, TRUMPF are continually supporting fabricators across the world. More and more experts in the industry are choosing TRUMPF thanks to the flexibility and versatility of the laser machine. This month, we thought we’d answer a few common questions surrounding the topic of laser cutting, with a focus on the laser light.

Why use laser light?

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.

What makes lasers a good production tool?

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.

What happens during the laser cutting process?

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.