Innovations in laser cutting
The industry for laser cutting Toronto is rapidly changing for the better. It is estimated that about 20% of laser cutters that have been sold in 2013 were of the solid state variety which is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. The reason why fiber and disk laser technology has become effective is due to its power density. A focused 4-KW CO2 laser beam can produce from 65 million to 75 million watts per square inch while a focused 2-KW fiber laser beam that generally produces a kerf width that is about half of CO2 can produce 100 million watts per square inch. Due to extreme power density, material is vaporized more quickly and cutting is achieved at a much higher rate. CO2 lasers have also become more cost effective for fabricators due to lower energy consumption and lower laser gas usage. The cut part very rarely requires finishing work because laser cutting Toronto ensures a high quality surface finish.
The formats of laser cutting technology
Laser cutting technology comes in two formats; the gantry and the galvanometer. In the gantry system, the laser is positioned perpendicular to the material while the machine physically directs the laser beam over its surface. In contrast, the galvanometer system uses mirrored angles to reposition the laser beam so that it can cut as fast as 100 feet per minute. Since the gantry system is slower than the galvanometer system, it is typically used in the production of prototypes. The galvanometer is frequently used by fabricators for full production work mainly due to its speed.
The basic mechanics of laser cutting technology
A laser machine uses stimulation and amplification techniques to convert electrical energy into a high density beam of light. Stimulation occurs when electrons are excited through an external source like a flash lamp or an electrical arc. On the other hand, amplification occurs within the optical resonator in a cavity that is set between two mirrors wherein one is reflective while the other is partially transmissive. This will allow the beam’s energy to return back to the lasing medium where it will stimulate more emissions. If the photon is not aligned with the resonator, mirrors do not redirect it. This ensures that only the photons that properly oriented are amplified to create a coherent beam.
One of the benefits of laser cutting technology is the favorable learning curve in working the equipment. Through the use of a computerized touch screen interface, most of the processes can easily be managed which minimizes the work of the operator.