A desktop laser cutter is an ultra-modern machine used in the fabrication process. It utilizes a thin and focused laser beam in cutting and etching materials into custom shapes. Desktop laser cutter has become a basic tool for artists and designers plus engineers alike. They use a laser machine for cutting plus the etching of flat materials. This they do in the manufacturing process and prototyping.
Step-By-Step Procedure
Desktop laser cutter uses a high-powered laser beam. Such a beam is channeled towards the precise focal length of the material meant for either cutting or etching. This depends on the setting of the laser machine.
Laser machine cuts materials just like other tools controlled by a computer. The only difference is that laser cutter uses a light beam rather than a blade.
Types Of Laser Machine
There are three major types of desktop laser cutter. Those three major types are discussed beneath:
- CO2 Laser Machines – this comprises CO2 gas and a mixture of other kinds of gases. For example, helium plus nitrogen.
- Crystal Laser machines
- Fiber Laser machines
Functions Of Laser Machine
Desktop Laser Cutter is capable of performing various functions. Such functions are discussed as follows:
Perforating, cutting and seaming. This is inclusive of etching, engraving and welding. Other functions it can perform are marking and drilling.
Advantages Of Laser Machine
Use of desktop laser cutter has many advantages that, include:
- Easily cutting non-ferrous material
- It is reliable. It works with speed. It helps rapid turnaround
- It operates with low energy consumption – utilizing nitrogen, oxygen plus air
- It can penetrate the thickest of metals, inclusive of mild steel
- It is capable of cutting shapes that are complex. This it does with precise detail
The Disadvantages
Having mentioned the good sides of using desktop laser cutter, let’s try to balance this writeup by discussing the disadvantages.
- It has limitations in cutting some thick materials
- It emits fumes and gases considered to be harmful
- High upfront costs
Types Of Materials That Laser Machine Can Cut
Desktop laser cutter can cut so many materials, which include: wood and certain kinds of plastics. Inclusive also are paper and cork. Etching can be done on many materials like wood, glass and cardboard. Inclusive of aluminum, tile, and stainless-steel. Others are stone and marble.
Which Are the Materials Laser Machine Cannot Cut?
There are many materials you cannot process by using laser cutter. These are:
Leather; including artificial leather that has chromium (VI). This is inclusive of carbon fibers, beryllium oxide and polyvinyl chloride. The rest are polyvinyl butyrate and polytetrafluoroethylenes.
Can Laser Machine Cut Human Being?
Are you thinking of purchasing a desktop laser cutter to upgrade your equipment and other production processes? Are you worried that laser cutter may cause harm to employees? This kind of query has become common. And the answer is capital “NO.” With proper use, no such harm will ever occur.
Final Thoughts
A desktop laser cutter is an ultra-modern machine used in the fabrication process. It utilizes a thin and focused laser beam in cutting and etching material into custom shapes. Laser cutter is used to perform various functions in the manufacturing process. It also helps in prototype works.
Laser cutter has lots of benefits. It is capable of cutting shapes that are complex. It does this with precise detail. The major concern is that it emits fumes and gases considered to be harmful. It can cut and etch on so many materials. However, there are other materials that a laser machine cannot handle. Finally, with proper use, laser cutter is harmless to humans.
