Laser cutting
- desta microcut GmbH
What exactly is laser cutting?
Laser cutting is a precise process for separating materials using high-intensity laser radiation. The non-contact processing melts or vaporizes the material, resulting in clean cut edges. The advantages of laser cutting also lie in its high precision and repeatability. The choice of the right laser cutter and experience in cutting different materials are crucial to achieving optimum results.
Laser cutting - how does the cutting process work?
Laser cutting is a high-precision process in which a focused laser beam cuts through various materials. The light beam consists of photons that have a high energy and are focused in a thin, bundled beam. The beam is directed at the material and generates heat. This heat energy increases the temperature of the material until it melts or vaporizes.
In summary, laser cutting is an innovative cutting process that offers high precision and efficiency. Thanks to the optimized choice of system and parameters, various materials can be cut with high quality and at high speed. Laser cutting produces precise and virtually burr-free edges.
Laser cutting machines - Are there different types?
Laser cutters, as laser cutting machines are also known, are the right cutting technology for a wide range of applications.
The solid-state and gas lasers are particularly noteworthy. In solid-state lasers, a crystalline or glass-like solid provides the amplification of the laser beam. A fiber laser is also a solid-state laser that uses a long light-conducting fiber doped with laser-active atoms as the active medium. The fiber replaces the crystalline or glass-like solid. Laser cutting using CO2 lasers, a gas laser, is also frequently used. The laser light is generated, for example, by exciting carbon dioxide in a resonator through electrical discharge, which causes the CO2 molecules to reach high-energy states and emit infrared light when they return to their ground state. This light is amplified by mirrors and finally emitted as a strong, focused laser beam. This makes acrylic laser cutting possible, among other things.
In addition to the various laser types, there are also so-called pulsed and continuous wave lasers. This refers to the operating mode. With pulsed laser radiation, the light is not emitted continuously, but in time-limited portions, the pulses. The power of the laser determines the intensity of the light and therefore influences the cutting performance.
Choosing the right gas for laser cutters for metal is very important. The use of oxygen, for example, creates an oxidation layer that makes cutting easier. Nitrogen, on the other hand, produces oxide-free kerfs and is used for steel laser cutting, aluminum laser cutting and for non-metallic materials.
Advantages of laser cutting compared to other cutting technologies
Laser cutting is an economical and innovative cutting technology. The high cutting speeds enable fast and precise production of workpieces. Metal laser cutting enables contours to be produced with high repeat accuracy and allows oxide-free kerfs. This is complemented by high precision, as exact cuts with tight tolerances are possible. Laser cutting has gained immense importance in various industries. Advantages such as cutting quality, speed and a variety of materials that can be cut are decisive.
For example, the process enables precise cuts of complex contours in the aerospace industry. In the jewelry and fashion sector, laser cutting of metal enables the implementation of creative designs and intricate patterns. In the medical industry, it is used for implants and instruments, among other things.
Why DeSta GmbH & Co KG ?
DeSta::Microcut stands for innovative ideas, creativity in problem solving, consistent quality and many years of experience in laser fineblanking and waterjet cutting. DeSta::Microcut’s modern machinery and highly qualified employees ensure that customers’ individual components are manufactured with the utmost care and precision.
From complex shapes to fine details, almost any requirement can be realized. The company also manufactures from a batch size of one to small and medium series.
High cutting speed, cutting quality and precision
Laser cutting technology has made enormous progress in recent decades and enables materials to be cut with high speed and precision. From laser cutting thin sheets to thick steel plates, the process ensures precise and efficient processing. The quality and grade of the cut also depend on factors such as the type of laser, the power and intensity of the laser, gases and pressures as well as the cutting speed. The wide range of materials that can be cut requires experience and expertise in correctly setting the parameters of the CNC laser cutter. The cutting speed is a decisive factor for the cutting quality. For example, CO2 laser cutting achieves a high speed of up to 250 m/min, but the cut edges are not as clean as with fine laser cutting.
An important aspect when evaluating the cutting quality is the surface finish. The laser hits the material to be processed from above and creates vertical lines, the so-called roughness. Another criterion for cutting quality is verticality, which describes how straight the cut runs through the material. The decisive factor here is that the focused laser beam hits the material perfectly. A laser beam that is not optimally focused leads to a truncated cone-shaped cut and forms a so-called taper. Optimizing the laser settings and machine parameters is essential to ensure consistent quality and high dimensional accuracy.
Material removal, material utilization, materials and dimensions
The high-energy laser beam removes material along the cutting edge by melting or vaporizing during the cutting process. Laser cutting at high power generally results in faster and more efficient material removal. A slower speed can lead to a deeper and more precise cut. Experience and expertise are essential for optimum nesting and for cutting edges that require little reworking. The result is impressive with minimal material loss and delicate contours.
Laser cutting of wood, plastic, metal, paper and other materials has established itself as a contactless cutting process. Depending on the material to be cut, the choice of the right service provider is crucial for high-quality cut edges. DeSta::Microcut has many years of expertise and a high level of know-how in the laser fine cutting of metallic, two-dimensional workpieces. The partner company BLS Lasertechnology has a high level of expertise in 3D laser cutting. There are also companies that specialize in laser cutting of paper, cardboard and/or wood as well as online laser cutting or Plexiglas laser cutting.
Depending on the material selected, material thicknesses of over 30 mm can be laser cut. The type of laser and the size of the table also play a decisive role here. DeSta::Microcut cuts sheets with dimensions of 1,250 mm x 1,250 mm into shape. The material thicknesses range from thin foils of 0.05 mm to thicker sheets, depending on the material hardness. You can find an overview of laser-cut materials here. DeSta::Microcut also offers precision cutting with a water jet.
What is the difference between laser cutting and laser fineblanking?
Both processes are thermal cutting processes for the non-contact processing of mostly metallic materials. Sheet metal laser cutting, for example, is suitable for a wide range of applications, particularly those with less stringent tolerance requirements. Laser fine cutting is used for filigree and complex contours, preferably with low tolerances. There are also differences in terms of material thicknesses. A laser cutter for metal can process materials with thicknesses of over 30 mm.
Laser fine cutting at DeSta::Microcut includes cutting thicknesses of up to 4 mm without affecting the dimensional accuracy of up to ±0.01 mm. Laser cutting is particularly suitable for coarser tolerance requirements and higher material thicknesses, while laser fine cutting is recommended for delicate and difficult contours. The decision for the right process depends on the individual requirements and the desired result.
When is DeSta::Microcut exactly the right service provider for you?
DeSta::Microcut is your service provider for precision cutting and specializes in the finest contours for your components. In addition, DeSta::Microcut offers a wide range of services after cutting your workpieces. These include CNC milling, CNC bending and laser marking as well as surface treatments, some of which are carried out by external service providers. The comprehensive options for post-processing and finishing your workpieces round off the complete solution for your requirements.
DeSta::Microcut stands for years of expertise in the production of precision parts, flexibility and courage in overcoming complex challenges. Are you looking for a (contract) service provider? The DeSta::Microcut team looks forward to your call or your inquiry by e-mail/contact form!
