The technology of laser cutting
In laser cutting Toronto, a high-powered beam is used to cut materials according to computer controlled parameters. As the laser guides its beam into the material, everything that is directly in its path is vaporized, burned or melted to ensure a high quality surface finish. Laser technology used in cutting is available in two forms: gantry and galvanometer systems. In the gantry system, the laser is positioned perpendicular to the material and the machine physically directs the beam over its surface. The galvanometer system makes use of mirrored angles to reposition the laser beam so that it can cut as fast as 100 feet per minute. In the two systems, the gantry is slower but it is frequently used by fabricators in creating prototypes. The galvanometer system is used for high production volumes because of its speed and it capability to produce a high quality surface finish.
Advantages of using laser cutting in metal fabrication
Laser cutting plays a very important role in metal fabrication because its accuracy and efficiency allows successive processes to be performed properly. Laser cutting machines used in the fabrication of metal are equipped with computer numerical control (CNC) technology that determines how and where the interface will be integrated into the material. Because a laser beam is used in material, risks of contamination are avoided. In conventional cutting processes, heat is produced during cutting which can deform the material but when laser beam is used, the area of heat is very small which ensures that no deformation will occur. Laser cutting is extremely versatile because it can be used on other materials like ceramics, wood, plastic and rubber aside from metals. Metal fabrication shops with inadequate space can install a laser cutting machine because it can perform the work of several conventional cutting machines. Since laser cutting does not involve human intervention, accidents are reduced in the workplace.
CO2 laser cutting
CO2 lasers are the most common high powered continuous lasers available for cutting, engraving and boring. Compared to other types of lasers, CO2 lasers are more efficient making them the effective choice for fabrication shops. Compared to fiber lasers, CO2 lasers have higher cutting speed when it comes to cutting thicker metals that are typically more than 5mm. CO2 lasers are also faster when it comes to straight line cutting with faster piercing at the start of the cut. There is also the advantage of smoother surface finish when using CO2 lasers for cutting thicker materials. For fabrication shops, the versatility of CO2 laser cutting machines is more attractive because the next job might be a thicker material that cannot be cut effectively through fiber technology.