Laser cutting system
LASER:
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of
Radiation
Introduction
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There are two types of lasers used for cutting:
the gaseous CO2 laser
the solid-state Nd : YAG laser.
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Wood
Paper
Leather
Glass
Ceramic
Metal
Applications
Steel, Titanium, Paper, Wax, Plastic, Fabric
Drawbacks
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Material limitations (including crystalline and
reflective materials)
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Producing a piercing hole that can make the pattern
design more difficult.
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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
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Mirrors direct the beam from the source down to the lens
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the lens then focuses the beam into the desired geometry
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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
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The Beam
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Many factors are material and thickness dependent
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.0875-.5 inches from the source
~.001 inch at the work piece
focal length, beam intensity, reed rate, cut with (kerf), cut
time, machine configuration
Types of cut
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Vaporization cutting, Melt and Blow, Thermal stress
cracking, Burning Stabilized
Bio Implant
Laser Surface Texturing
Pace Makers
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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
Processes and Practices
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Current Uses of Laser Cutting Systems
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Primarily 2D Systems
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Either melts, burns, or vaporizes away material
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Used to cut flat-sheet metal and piping/structural
materials
Conclusion
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There are many useful applications and uses for
Laser Cutting in the current manufacturing market
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Many new innovations are on their way and new
uses for this versatile cutting process are
cropping up each year