How Does Non-metal laser engraving and cutting machine Work?

Laser cutting is a type of thermal separation process. The laser beam hits the surface of the material and heats it so strongly that it melts or completely vaporizes. Once the laser beam has completely penetrated the material at one point, the actual cutting process begins. The laser system follows the selected geometry and separates the material in the process. Depending on the application, the use of process gases can positively influence the results.

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Other details about the technical procedure in laser cutting can be seen in our video.

Plasma cutting is a thermal fusion cutting process that is frequently used to cut steel, stainless steel and aluminum. Compared to a laser, the lower cut quality, higher energy consumption, increased dust creation and noise emissions are frequently cited as disadvantages. But when cutting any electrically conductive material, plasma cutting is often the technology of choice because of its flexibility.

Compared to mechanical chip removal cutting processes, however, a laser also often has its advantages. The non-contact processing, reduced setup costs, lower contamination and flexibility for processing are just a few of those. Depending on the material and application, every processing method naturally has its advantages, for instance, when cutting multiple samples in a stack at the same time.

Laser cutting and laser engraving are comparable processes that require very similar machines but have recognizable characteristics and outcomes. Both processes use high-intensity beams of light to either cut or engrave a material.

This article discusses what laser cutting and engraving are, their differences, and how to choose between them. 

What Is Laser Cutting?

Laser cutting is a process that uses a high-powered beam of light to cut a target material into two or more parts. It supplements or replaces more conventional methods that use mechanical saws or shearing blades. The laser will vaporize/melt the material to create the cuts. Laser cutting is used in industrial manufacturing processes.

For more information, see our guide on How Laser Cutters Work.

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How Does Laser Cutting Work?

Laser cutting works by focusing a high-powered laser beam on a small area in order to melt and vaporize part of the material. The vaporized material is then blown away from the cutting site by an inert gas, such as nitrogen. The laser is connected to and controlled by a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine which moves the laser along the part to create a cut. The CNC machine follows a path or series of paths written in G-code, which is created in computer-aided design (CAD) software and loaded onto the laser cutter.

What Is the Primary Purpose of Laser Cutting?

As the name implies, the primary purpose of laser cutting is to cut away portions of a part or material with more accuracy and precision than most other techniques. It is usually performed on metal or plastic items. Designers choose laser cutting for its precision and versatility, as well as its ability to create high-quality finished edges.

What Are the Advantages of Laser Cutting?

People choose laser cutting over conventional cutting methods because it:

1. Can cut non-ferrous metals with ease.
2. Is faster and more reliable than most methods.
3. Can cut complex geometry with precision. 
4. Creates a high-quality edge that does not require post-processing such as deburring.
5. Adapts to cutting different geometry. 

What Are the Disadvantages of Laser Cutting?

There are disadvantages to using a laser cutter such as those listed below:

1. High upfront cost.
2. High energy demand.
3. Effective only on limited metal thicknesses.
4. Some plastics generate dangerous fumes. 

What Is Laser Engraving?

Laser engraving is a process that uses a high-powered laser to melt and vaporize enough material to leave a deep marking. Laser engraving does not, however, penetrate all the way through the material. 

To read more, check out our guide on How to Do Laser Engraving.

How Does Laser Engraving Work?

Laser engraving works by focusing a high-powered laser on a small area of the material being engraved to melt and vaporize the surface layer. The laser is connected to and controlled by a CNC machine which follows a path set up by preprogrammed G-code software. The pattern in the G-code is created in a CAD model prior to engraving. 

What Is the Primary Purpose of Laser Engraving?

The purpose of laser engraving is to create permanent markings. Paint and ink may fade or weather away, but laser-engraved markings are more resilient.

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