A Short Introduction To Small Laser Cutting Machines
Small laser cutting machines work in a manner much different from traditional saws and engravers. Instead of having to come in contact with the material being cut via a medium such as blades and drill bits, they use lasers that are powerful enough to burn right through. This way there is no need to constantly replace the engraving tips which is a nuisance that plagues other machines. These devices are typically used for industrial and manufacturing applications because they are so powerful, expensive, and often fully automatic. This article will provide you with a short introduction to these machines and how they work.
There are essentially three different types of small laser cutting machines to choose from. First there is the CO2 which is a great choice for cutting, engraving, and boring holes. Next there is the Nd which uses high energy pulses and a low repetition speed to bore holes. Finally there is Nd-YAG which operates in a very similar fashion but it uses even higher energy pulses so it is suitable for engraving and trimming as well as boring. There is also what many consider to be a fourth type, the CNC plasma cutter which uses inert gases and an electrical arc to create a high powered cutting beam.
Because small laser cutting machines are so powerful, they can also be dangerous. For this reason it is important that you take the necessary safety precautions. For example, you need to be wearing the proper safety gear while operating these machines at all times. This includes safety glasses, gauntlet gloves, flame retardant clothing, and cuffless pants. Also be sure to adhere to safety standards when setting up the system and always follow the instructions laid out in the owner’s manual when using them. Often times these machines emit high levels of noise as well so hearing protecting should also be worn.
Another benefit of small laser cutting machines is that some models may be programmed to travel across a particular path without the need for human direction. Special laser engraving patterns may be programmed to create intricate designs. However, there are certain rules that must be followed. If the laser travels across the same path too often it could take off too much material. For this reason crisscrossed patterns are avoided to make sure that the laser only goes over a certain line once. Designs may be altered by changing the intensity and the speed by which the beam travels. This is also known as the duty cycle.
One final note concerning small laser cutting machines is the different machine configurations that are possible. First there are moving material lasers that use a stationary cutting head. Next there are hybrid lasers which use a table that moves along an axis. And lastly there is flying optics which takes into account the changing beam length.
