CNC Laser Cutting Machine Definition and Types

How cool would it be if we finally harnessed the power of laser to punch or cut through thick metal like hot knife through butter? Incidentally, a CNC laser cutting machine does all of that, albeit in a much closer range. What exactly is a CNC laser cutting machine, and what are its uses and applications in today's world?

The Definition

Laser cutting pertains to the technology that utilizes laser power to cut various materials, and it works by aiming or directing the output of dangerously high-powered laser through optics. CNC, or Computer Numerical Control, and the said laser optics direct where the beam goes, and it may also direct the material to be cut with laser. A commercial  laser cutting machine has a built-in motion control system that follows a G-code or CNC of the pattern to be cut. The focused laser is, as you may have predicted, powerful enough that it vaporizes, burns, melts and blows the material away with gas, leaving the edges with an unmatched surface finish. Laser cutting in this manner is normally used for industrial applications, but it is now also being used by small businesses, hobbyists and schools.

Three Types of Laser Cutters

CO2, Or Carbon Dioxide Laser

This type of laser is the most common and can easily be found in online stores and websites. Should you want one, you can start out with a China laser cutting machine and begin from there. CO2 laser is best used for engraving, boring and cutting. Furthermore, CO2 variants include the transverse flow, the slab, the slow and the fast axial flow. CO2 lasers operate by being "pumped" through a current of gas-mix, or DC-excited, or by utilizing the energy of radio frequency, which is RF-excited. A possible note to consider is that the RF method is the more popular of the two variants. The reason for this is because DC designs need electrodes within the cavity, and that can lead to electrode erosion, plus plating of electrode elements in optics and glassware. In comparison, the RF resonators' electrodes are placed externally, and do not experience those problems at all.

CO2 lasers are harnessed for industrial purposes such as cutting aluminum, titanium, plastics, wood, fabrics, mild steel and stainless steel.


Nd, or Neodymium Laser

This type of laser is in close relations with the third type of laser cutter, and they are very much identical in style, but have very different roles and applications. Neodymium is used for boring through materials but only where low repetition and high energy is required. An Nd laser cutting machine can also be utilized for welding.


Nd-YAG, or Neodymium Yttrium, Aluminum and Garnet Laser

As mentioned above, both the Nd and Nd-YAG CNC laser cutting machine have the same style, but that similarity ends when the applications begin. Nd-YAG laser is used in high-power circumstances for engraving and boring purposes. It can also be used for welding. YAG lasers have less functions but shines where they are truly needed- in high powered applications such as scribing and cutting delicate ceramics and tough metals.