Laser cutting is an advanced process that utilizes concentrated laser beams to precisely cut different materials such as wood, metal, some types of plastics, and steel. Using high-precision technology, laser cutting machines are able to work with these resilient materials to produce intricate and high-quality cuts. Traditionally used in industrial manufacturing processes, laser cutting machines are now gaining popularity with small businesses, architectural firms, and hobbyists due to their versatility and accuracy.

Overview
A typical laser cutter focuses a light beam on a plate or sheet of any material. The beam is usually narrow and powerful, so it can precisely cut through the material by moving along the X and Y lines to create a two-dimensional profile of the plate or sheet. A set of instructions from a computer typically controls this process.

When cutting certain types of material, pure gases are used at high pressure, blowing out the molten material from the bottom of the sheet or plate being cut. This process prevents any leftover waste material and removes any impurities that may potentially damage the cut edge. Most of the time, the laser beam is used to vaporize the material to prevent any residue from falling through.

Types of laser cutting machines
Laser cutting machines come in several types, each equipped with distinctive features that cater to different cutting requirements and processes.

CO2 laser cutting
These machines were among the first and most widely used options for laser cutting. In this type of machine, the strength of the laser beam is enhanced using CO2 gas discharge. The discharge contains a mixture of other gases, including hydrogen, nitrogen, helium, and xenon.

These machines may also use either oxygen gas or nitrogen gas. Oxygen gas is typically preferred for cutting thicker materials, but its use often carries the risk of creating an oxidized layer along the cut surface. To avoid this, pretreatment processes like blasting are often done on the material before the cutting takes place. On the other hand, nitrogen gas is used to cut or engrave thin materials.

Optical fiber laser cutting
The laser beam in these machines is amplified using optical fiber for cutting purposes. Laser diodes emit the light, which then passes through the optical fiber. Generally, fiber optics utilize different types of elements such as neodymium, ytterbium, dysprosium, and erbium. The resulting laser or light beam is strong enough to cut through materials like stainless steel, even if it is up to 1 cm thick. A powerful airflow system further accompanies the light beam. This airflow is required to push away the molten material that falls through, resulting in a cleaner cut without any waste sticking to it.

Nd:YAG laser cutting
In this type, crystals of Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) are utilized to amplify the laser beam that will cut a given material. The machines here produce pulsed or continuous laser beams for cutting purposes. Some of the applications of this technique include optical flow technology, tattoo removal, research, and military machinery.

Excimer laser cutting
Excimer (also known as excited dimer) lasers make use of ultraviolet beams. They are commonly utilized in small-scale precision cutting processes and have a wide range of applications, including healthcare procedures, electronics manufacturing, and more. For example, one might find excimer laser cutting machines used for eye surgery, the development and production of microelectronics, and the cutting of semiconductors.

Direct diode laser cutting
These machines are popular for their high efficiency. Direct diode laser cutting machines make use of laser beams produced directly from a set of diodes. Unlike other types of laser cutting machines, there is no amplification process involved using gas discharge or fiber. This is because the diodes are capable for producing a laser beam that has high enough intensity and strength.

Common applications of laser cutting machines
Metal fabrication
Laser cutting machines are often used to process various metals, such as copper, steel, and aluminum, for fabrication purposes.

Automotive industry
The laser cutting machines are widely used in this industry, as they cut through auto parts like chassis, windows, and doors.

Aerospace and defense
In these industries, laser cutting machines are utilized to cut and process high-performance materials like composite materials, titanium alloys, and nickel alloys. The processed materials are then used to produce various aerospace components, motors, and other essential parts.

Electronics and electrical engineering
Laser cutters are highly useful for these industries to carry out precision cutting of electronic components, circuit boards, and other parts that are small in size.