Laser cutting is the go-to cutting method for manufacturers across numerous industries due to its excellent precision, speed, and various other benefits. At Birl’s Light Fab, we offer quality laser cutting services to meet the unique needs of our customers. We specialize in small, custom laser cutting projects, from customized metal signs to square, rectangular, or round tube frames.
Laser Cutting Explained
Laser cutting is an advanced technology that utilizes an intensely focused beam of light, or laser, to cut the material. This non-traditional subtractive process continuously removes material during cutting operations, which is achieved by vaporization, photoablation, or melting.
The laser cutting process involves directing the output of a high-powered laser, typically through the use of optical components. Laser optics and CNC (computer numerical control) systems guide the laser beam to the material. Using a motion control system, the laser follows a G-code or CNC pattern to cut the desired shapes into the workpiece.
Laser Cutting Advantages
Laser cutting offers a wide range of benefits that make it a popular choice over traditional cutting methods. These benefits include:
- Precision. Laser cutting is highly precise and can create complex shapes with a high-quality finish. The laser beam does not wear down during the process, resulting in enhanced precision.
- Speed. Compared to alternative cutting methods, laser cutting offers much faster processing times.
- Ability to cut complex shapes. Laser cutting is capable of cutting highly complex shapes without the need for fixtures or tooling.
- Flexibility. Laser cutting can be used to cut a wide variety of materials and thicknesses.
- Non-contact process. Because laser cutting is a non-contact process, it lowers the risk of mechanical distortion and damage to the workpiece.
- Reduced contamination. Because there is no cutting edge, laser cutting eliminates the potential for material contamination, which is a common concern in conventional cutting.
- Easier work holding. The non-contact nature of laser cutting makes work holding much easier.
- Reduced material waste. Due to the level of precision laser cutting provides, it significantly reduces the amount of wasted material.
Laser Cutting Applications
Due to its many advantages, laser cutting is ideal for various applications, including:
- Manufacturing. Laser cutting has become an indispensable tool in modern manufacturing, especially in the era of Industry 4.0. This process is used by manufacturers across various industries to produce parts with complex features and designs that require tight tolerances.
- Automotive. The automotive industry uses laser cutting to create a wide range of components. Tolerances for automotive parts must be extremely tight, and laser cutting offers a great way to achieve them.
- Medical device. Laser cutting is utilized to produce a variety of medical devices, including stents, catheters, pacemakers, and more.
- Electronics. Laser cutting is a highly suitable process for cutting small and intricate parts for electronic devices.
- Prototyping and mass production. Because of its speed and precision, laser cutting is a popular choice for high-volume production and creating prototypes.
Laser Cutting Services From Birl’s Light Fab
At Birl’s Light Fab, we offer customized laser cutting services to meet the needs of various applications and industries. We strive to deliver precise, high-quality results at competitive prices. To learn more about our capabilities, or to get started on your custom laser cutting project, contact the experts at Birl’s Light Fab today.