Laser Cutting

LASER CUTTING Laser cutting is a technology that uses a laser to cut materials, which is typically used for industrial manufacturing applications. Laser cutting works by directing the output of a high power laser, by computer, at the material to be cut. The material then either melts, burns, vaporizes away, or is blown away by a jet of gas, leaving an edge with a high quality surface finish. TYPES OF LASERS FOR LASER CUTTING:

Lasing Materials Work material CO2 properties

Physical

Applications Effects of laser beam Boring, cutting Cutting/Scribing MayEngraving affect hardness Narrow heat-affected zoneHigh energy pulses ,Low repetition speed Grain size may change (1kHz)

Chemical

No change Boring

Mechanical Nd

Nd-YAG

Very high energy pulses. Boring ,Engraving ,Trimming

EFFECTS ON WORK MATERIAL PROPERTIES:

LASER GENERATION PROCESS

Stimulating a lasing material by electrical discharge or lamps within a closed container. As the material is stimulated, it is reflected internally by means of a partial mirror, until it achieves sufficient energy. The coherent light then passes through a lens. In order to be able to start cutting from somewhere else than the edge, a pierce is done before every cut. TYPICAL WORK PIECE MATERIALS Mild Steel, Titanium, Paper, Wax, Plastics, Wood, Fabrics are typical work piece materials. SAFETY FACTORS PERSONAL 1. Contact with hot tools and work pieces. 2. Eye contact with beam radiation can cause damage to eye.

ENVIRONMENTAL 1. Smoke 2. Fumes and dust particles

COMPARISON WITH MECHANICAL CUTTING 1.Lack of physical contact 2. Precision 3. There is also a reduced chance of warping the material that is being cut, as laser systems have a small heataffected zone. NOTES & REFERENCES

[1]. Luxon, James T, “Lasers in Manufacturing: an introduction to technology”, 1978. [2]. Bertolotti, Mario (1999, trans. 2004). The History of the Laser, Institute of Physics. ISBN 0-750-30911-3

[3]. Siegman, Anthony E. (1986). Lasers, University Science Books. ISBN 0935702-11-3