Metal cutting by Laser Cutting Machines

Laser cutting is one of the fastest processes that allow metal fabricators to create high-quality parts. The pieces cut by laser cutting fabrication machines require very little, if any, finishing work as the high-powered laser burns, melts or vaporizes away the excess material left in the cutting process.

Two most popular types of laser cutting machines widely in use today are CO2 laser cutting machines and Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) laser cutting machines. CO2 were one of the first gas lasers and are the most common variety of laser cutting machines. These machines have an excellent input output power ratio ranging its efficiency up to 20 percent. Nd:YAG laser machines use a crystal as a lasing medium and are extensively used in manufacturing industry for cutting and welding steel profiles and various alloys.

Benefits of Laser Cutting Machines

1. Laser cutting machines cut metals with a very higher precision.
2. Since the machine never comes in contact with the metal, there is no wear and tear on the equipment and there are less chances of the metal to become contaminated.
3. Laser cutting is faster and more productive. Computer touch screens aid the laser equipment to plot out designs and the machine can cut multiple designs in one run by storing inventory on site.
4. In laser machine cutting, the heat affected zone is kept small, thus reducing the possibility of warped material.
5. Apart from being decently quite, laser profiling and cutting machines are safe too. Most of the laser machines are completely enclosed to prevent any kind of accident.

A few considerations

1. Laser machines do not function well on highly reflective metals like aluminum and copper.
2. Laser machines consume very high level of energy, making it more difficult for conventional metal fabricators to incorporate into its metal fabrication system.
3. Holes created by laser cutting machines are slightly tapered with the hole entry being slightly larger in diameter than the exit.
   
   

Applications, advantages and disadvantages of flame cutting method.

Flame cutting is an important industrial production process suitable especially for materials like carbon and low alloys steel. Using this cutting method, a carbon steel of up to 150mm can be cut with typical tolerances from +/- 1.5mm.

Various applications of flame cutting method.

1. It is used to cut many layers of thin sheets also known as stack cutting to reduce the cost and time of production effectively.
2. Flame cutting is used to groove weld joint metal designs and to prepare the edges of metal plates.
3. It can be used to cut risers, rivets and gates from castings.
4. Flame cutting is also used for salvage work and to pierce slots and holes of different sizes in steel plates.
5. Also used to cut work pieces of small sizes from large metal plates for further usage in production.

Advantages of Flame cutting method.

1. It can cut metals into small shapes and sizes that is otherwise difficult to be machined by other mechanical methods.
2. Equipments used in flame cutting process are portable and can be used effectively for field work
3. Flame cutting machines with multiple torches can cut number of steel profile pieces simultaneously.
4. This process of steel cutting is faster as compared to other mechanical cutting methods.
5. As compared to other mechanical cutting methods, the cost of using flame cutting method is rather low and cost effective.

Disadvantages of flame cutting method.

1. This method is limited to the cutting of steel and cast iron materials only.
2. The dimensional tolerances as compared to other mechanical cutting methods are poor.
3. The heat and red hot slag expelled during this metal cutting method present fire and burn hazards to plant and workers.
4. Proper fume control and adequate ventilation is must for the place of cutting.