Laser cutting system

LASER: Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation

Introduction

   There are two types of lasers used for cutting: the gaseous CO2 laser the solid-state Nd : YAG laser.

      Wood Paper Leather Glass Ceramic Metal

Applications

Steel, Titanium, Paper, Wax, Plastic, Fabric

Drawbacks

 Material limitations (including crystalline and reflective materials)  Producing a piercing hole that can make the pattern design more difficult.  Reflected laser light can present a safety hazard

Economics of Laser Cutters

A 1000 – watt laser beam focused to a spot .005 inch in diameter is equal to 5,000,000 watts/square inch Beam Dia.; .005 - .009 inch

Optical Unit

 Mirrors direct the beam from the source down to the lens  the lens then focuses the beam into the desired geometry  finally the assist gas is added to remove the molten metal www.cncmachines.us

Laser Surface-Engineering Processes

An outline of laser surface-engineering processes.

Source

: After N. B. Dahotre.

Science

 The Beam  .0875-.5 inches from the source  ~.001 inch at the work piece  Many factors are material and thickness dependent  focal length, beam intensity, reed rate, cut with (kerf), cut time, machine configuration  Types of cut  Vaporization cutting, Melt and Blow, Thermal stress cracking, Burning Stabilized

Bio Implant

Laser Surface Texturing

Pace Makers

 Utilizes laser cutting, welding, marking.

Applications

Few References: George Chryssolouris, J.C Rozzi, Y.C.Shin, B.P.Bandyopadhyay,S.Jahanmir, S.Harimkar, A.Samant, N.Dahotre

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Processes and Practices

Current Uses of Laser Cutting Systems • Primarily 2D Systems • Either melts, burns, or vaporizes away material • Used to cut flat-sheet metal and piping/structural materials

Conclusion

 There are many useful applications and uses for Laser Cutting in the current manufacturing market  Many new innovations are on their way and new uses for this versatile cutting process are cropping up each year