What are the Different Types of Laser Cutting Techniques?
As manufacturing processes become more advanced, laser cutting has emerged as a popular and versatile technique for creating precise and intricate cuts in a wide range of materials. However, with different types of laser cutting techniques available, it can be challenging to determine which one is best suited for your specific needs.
That’s why in this blog post, we’ll be exploring the different types of laser cutting techniques, including CO2, fiber, and Nd:YAG, to help you gain a better understanding of their unique features and applications.
So, let’s delve into the world of laser cutting and explore these techniques in more detail!
Type 1: CO2 Laser Cutting
CO2 laser cutting works by using a gas mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and helium as the lasing medium. An electrical discharge excites the gas molecules, causing them to emit photons of light. These photons are then amplified as they bounce back and forth between two mirrors at each end of the laser cavity, creating a coherent beam of laser light.
The laser beam is focused by a lens and directed onto the workpiece, where it heats and melts the material. The gas jet blows away the molten material, creating a cut in the workpiece. The process is highly precise and can cut through a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and wood.
The cutting parameters, such as the laser power, speed, and focus, can be adjusted to achieve different levels of precision and quality. However, the process generates heat and can cause thermal distortion and discoloration of the material, especially if the laser power is too high or the focus is not properly set.
CO2 laser cutting equipment and process parameters
CO2 laser cutting equipment typically consists of a laser resonator, beam delivery system, cutting head, and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) system. The laser resonator generates a high-power CO2 laser beam, which is then transmitted through the beam delivery system to the cutting head. The cutting head focuses the laser beam onto the material, and the CNC system controls the cutting process by following a pre-programmed pattern.
Advantage:
Efficiency: CO2 laser cutting has a fast cutting speed and can complete large-scale production tasks in a short period of time. Additionally, since the laser beam is non-contact, it can avoid wear and damage caused by physical contact with the material, thereby prolonging the service life of the tools.
Flexibility: CO2 laser cutting can process materials of various shapes and sizes and can be adjusted and customized for different processes and applications. Furthermore, CO2 laser cutting can also be combined with other processes (such as drilling, engraving, etc.) to provide customers with more complete solutions.
High precision: CO2 laser cutting can achieve high precision cutting, especially for small parts and complex-shaped materials, where its precision advantage is particularly evident. This precision can reduce waste and loss and ensure that the final product’s size and shape meet requirements.
Disadvantage:
In addition, CO2 laser cutting also has some limitations, such as the inability to cut reflective materials, and relatively high equipment costs.
Type 2:Fiber Laser Cutting
Fiber laser cutting is a process of cutting materials using a high-energy laser beam generated by a fiber laser. The fiber laser converts electrical energy into laser energy, which is then transmitted through a fiber. During cutting, the high-energy laser beam is focused on the material surface, causing it to melt and vaporize, forming a cutting edge. At the same time, the mechanical system controls the movement of the laser beam along the desired cutting path to achieve material cutting. By adjusting process parameters such as laser power, scanning speed, and beam diameter, high-quality cutting of materials with different thicknesses and shapes can be achieved.
Advantage:
High speed: Due to the use of fiber optic transmission, the laser beam of fiber laser cutting can quickly and accurately locate and cut materials, making it faster than other cutting technologies, thereby improving production efficiency.
Wide application range: Fiber laser cutting can cut various metal materials, including steel, aluminum, copper, brass, titanium, nickel, and alloys, and has a wide range of applications.
High precision: Fiber laser cutting can achieve cutting precision at the micron level, making it suitable for processing high-precision parts and thin sheet materials, effectively reducing waste and processing costs.
Disadvantage：
Difficult to cut highly reflective materials and high equipment costs
Type 3: Nd:YAG Laser Cutting
Nd:YAG laser cutting is to use a high-energy laser beam generated by an Nd:YAG laser to cut materials. The Nd:YAG laser is a four-level solid-state laser composed of an Nd:YAG crystal and a laser cavity. When current is applied to the laser cavity, the Nd:YAG crystal is excited and emits laser light, which is converted by a frequency-doubling crystal to finally produce a 1064-nanometer laser beam.
During cutting, the optical system focuses on the high-energy laser beam, converging into a tiny focal point on the material surface, causing the material to instantaneously melt and vaporize, forming a cut. At the same time, the mechanical system controls the movement of the laser beam along the desired cutting path, thus achieving cutting of the material.
Advantage
Suitable for various metal materials: Nd:YAG laser can cut various metal materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, copper, titanium, brass, nickel, and alloys, among others.
Small heat affected zone: Nd:YAG laser cutting has a smaller heat affected zone than other cutting technologies, reducing the risk of material deformation. Also, it does not require coolant, which can lower production costs.
Capable of partial cutting: Nd:YAG laser cutting can achieve partial cutting, saving materials and processing time without the need to cut the entire material.
Disadvantage：
YAG laser cutting may include high equipment costs, high maintenance requirements, and the need for frequent replacement of laser pump components.
Differences Between Laser Cutting Techniques
| Laser Cutting Technique | Wavelength | Suitable Materials | Cutting Speed | Operating Cost | Maintenance | Wavelength |
| CO2 | 10.6 μm | Metals, Plastics, Wood, Leather, Paper, Fabric | High | Medium | High | Rough, burr |
| Fiber | 1.06 μm | Metals, Plastics | Very High | Low | Low | Smooth, precise |
| Nd:YAG | 1.06 μm | Metals | Medium | High | High | Smooth, precise |
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the differences between CO2, fiber, and Nd:YAG laser cutting techniques is important for manufacturers to determine the best option for their specific needs. While each technique has its advantages and disadvantages, they all offer precise and efficient cutting capabilities. By considering factors such as material type, thickness, and desired finish, manufacturers can make an informed decision and achieve optimal results in their cutting processes.
Ready to explore the possibilities of laser cutting for your project? Contact us today to discuss your needs and learn how our expert team can help bring your ideas to life with precision and efficiency.