Width Of Laser Beam Used To Cut Sheet Metal

Precise clean cutting and often does not require further processing.

Width of laser beam used to cut sheet metal.

Lasers were first used for cutting in the 1970s. Given its dominance in the sheet metal cutting industry this article focuses on laser fusion cutting. Sheet metal cutting requires a power density of 10 6 watts in 2 source. The two most common types of laser cutting machines are fiber laser and co 2.

A series of mirrors and lenses direct and focus a high energy beam of light onto the surface of the sheet where it is to be cut. 1in 2 645mm 2 a 100 watt laser can achieve a power density of 1550 watts mm 2 in a spot size that is 0 6452mm 2 a spot size that is 0 6452mm 2 has a diameter of of 28mm or 280 micron using area pi d 2 2 280 micron. If you d like to learn more about ablative laser cutting check out this article on micron scale manufacturing. When the beam strikes the surface the energy of the beam melts and vaporizes the metal underneath.

Fiber lasers vs co 2. In the next few years the application of laser cutting in precision machining and micro machining will also gain substantial growth. A fast repeatable and highly accurate process which is ideal for high production runs. Focal spot size vs divergence for a laser with 4 5mm mread beam quality delivered through a ø100µm fibre.

Mike klos laser mechanisms converting to millimeters that s 1550 watts mm 2. Co 2 lasers use an electromagnetically stimulated gas typically a mixture. On the other hand reactive gas cutting using oxygen assist gas is used for mild steel cutting and requires a large focal spot with high divergence. Not recommended for conductive materials like copper.

Ideal for carbon and stainless steel sheet metal and intricate patterns.