1. Laser cutting system

2. Background Laser cutting has been used in industry since the 1970's.
The first common application was for sign- making, mainly cutting acrylic.
It is now a significant process in every manufacturing economy.

3. Introduction
Laser cutting is a technology that uses a laser to cut precise patterns in most all types of materials such as metal, ceramic ,paper and so on.

4. Introduction There are two types of lasers used for cutting:
the gaseous CO2 laser
the solid-state Nd:YAG laser.

5. Applications
Wood
Paper
Leather
Glass
Ceramic
Metal

6. Benefits
The flexibility and precision cutting of simple or complex parts;
A non contact cut which means no marks or contamination of the material;
A high quality cut with no extra finishing required;
The ability to cut almost any material.

7. Drawbacks
Material limitations (including crystalline and reflective materials)
Producing a piercing hole that can make the pattern design more difficult.
Reflected laser light can present a safety hazard
The cost of laser cutting machine is much higher than other cutting processes

8. Components of System Control Unit (CNC program)
Power supply (120 or 240 v)
Work piece positioning table
may be fixed or move in up to 2 directions
May contain fastening devices
scrap removal system
Optics Unit (focusing unit)
mirrors, focusing lens,
Fasteners
Gas/debris removal system

9. Optical Unit Mirrors direct the beam from the source down to the lens
the lens then focuses the beam into the desired geometry
finally the assist gas is added to remove the molten metal

10. Capabilities Materials Easily cuts .5 inch stainless steel Limitations
Steel, Titanium, Paper, Wood, Leather, Wax, Plastic, Fabric
Easily cuts .5 inch stainless steel
Limitations
Reflective materials, highly conductive
Many applications

11. Examples Use Hobby shop Small production runs
Used for prototyping and hobbies
Generally use a Moving Optics configuration
Connected to fume hood for ventilation
May be home made

12. Production Machine Medium to large production runs
Used for producing production components
Can be one of all 3 configurations
Connected to fume hood for ventilation
Contain production line facilitators

13. Processes and Practices
Laser Cutting Results
Majority of applications are in 2D
Extreme precision can be achieved
Capable of providing high tolerances and providing high quality surface finishes
Results on the Material
May affect hardness
Possible change in grain size
Narrow heat-affected zone

14. Laser Applications Laser Welding Laser Marking
More accurate, reliable and fast than traditional welding methods
Laser Marking
Similarly accurate, reliable and fast in comparison to traditional marking methods

15. Current Uses of Laser Cutting Systems
Primarily 2D Systems
Either melts, burns, or vaporizes away material
Used to cut flat-sheet metal and piping/structural materials

16. 3D Laser Cutting Applications
The future of laser cutting

17. About 3D Laser Cutters
6-axis rotary head to allow beveled and mitered cuts
Capable of cutting round, square, channel, angle and other structural shapes
Up to ¾” cut thickness
Industries Served
Automotive, industrial, electrical, constructions and aerospace

18. Economics of Laser Cutters
High Initial Costs, some machines $300,000 +
Protective glass, gas nozzles, dust and particle filters need replacement
High use of cutting gasses L of O2 or N2 (.36 $/L)

19. Efficient use of Laser Cutters is very material and application dependent
Initial startup costs are high, but the larger cost is the gas used to expel the material out of the cut
Creates very precise cuts with little to no finishing work required

20. Safety Hazards Contact with hot workpiece Hand/eye contact with beam
Inhalation of fumes
Smoke, Fumes, dust particles have environmental risks

21. 5 Words Laser cutting - Laserski razrez
Crystal Line materiales - Kristalni materiali
Fasteners Vijaki
Initial Costs Začetni stroški
Vaporize away material - uparjevanje materiala stran