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Laser Cutting Metals: Things to Know

Introduction:

In the realm of metal fabrication, laser cutting has emerged as a popular and highly efficient method for precision cutting. This advanced technique utilizes a concentrated beam of light to effortlessly slice through various types of metals, offering numerous advantages over traditional cutting methods. If you’re curious about laser cutting and its application in metalworking, read on to discover the essentials of this cutting-edge technology.

steel plasma cutting NY

What is Laser Cutting?

Laser cutting is a non-contact process that employs a high-powered laser beam to melt, burn, or vaporize material, resulting in precise and accurate cuts. The laser beam is generated by amplifying light through stimulated emission of radiation (LASER). This intense beam is directed through a series of mirrors and focused onto the workpiece, creating a narrow, concentrated heat-affected zone. The focused laser energy rapidly heats the metal, causing it to melt or vaporize, enabling precise cutting along the predetermined path.

What Metals Can Be Laser Cut?

Laser cutting is versatile and can be used on a wide range of metals, including but not limited to:

  1. Stainless Steel: Laser cutting is highly effective for stainless steel due to its excellent reflectivity properties and high melting point.
  2. Aluminum: The reflective properties of aluminum require specific laser parameters for optimal cutting results.
  3. Carbon Steel: Laser cutting offers fast and accurate cutting of carbon steel sheets, making it a popular choice in various industries.
  4. Copper and Brass: Copper and brass can be laser cut, but they require higher laser power due to their high thermal conductivity.
  5. Titanium: Laser cutting is an effective method for intricate cutting of titanium alloys due to their strength and high melting point.

steel plasma cutting NY

Advantages of Laser Cutting:

Laser cutting provides several advantages over traditional cutting methods, making it a preferred choice for many industries:

  1. Precision and Accuracy: Laser cutting offers exceptional precision, allowing for intricate designs and complex shapes with tight tolerances.
  2. Speed and Efficiency: Laser cutting is faster than many conventional cutting methods, enabling high productivity and reduced lead times.
  3. Versatility: Laser cutting is capable of cutting a wide range of metals with varying thicknesses, providing flexibility for diverse applications.
  4. Minimal Material Distortion: The concentrated heat-affected zone in laser cutting minimizes distortion, resulting in cleaner and more accurate cuts.
  5. No Tooling Costs: Unlike traditional cutting methods, laser cutting eliminates the need for complex tooling, reducing production costs.
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Disadvantages of Laser Cutting:

While laser cutting offers numerous advantages, it’s important to consider some limitations as well:

  1. High Initial Investment: Setting up a laser cutting system can require a significant investment in equipment and training.
  2. Limited Material Thickness: Laser cutting may be less efficient for extremely thick metals, as the laser energy becomes less effective beyond certain thicknesses.
  3. Heat-Affected Zone: Laser cutting produces a heat-affected zone, which can affect the material’s properties, especially in heat-sensitive metals.
  4. Safety Considerations: Laser cutting involves high-power lasers, requiring adherence to strict safety protocols and precautions.

Types of Laser Cutting:

There are several types of laser cutting methods commonly used in the industry:

  1. CO2 Laser Cutting: CO2 lasers are versatile and widely used for cutting non-ferrous metals and some plastics.
  2. Fiber Laser Cutting: Fiber lasers are highly efficient at cutting reflective metals like stainless steel and aluminum.
  3. Nd:YAG Laser Cutting:Nd:YAG lasers are ideal for precision cutting of thin metals and are commonly used in jewelry making and electronics industries.

What is the Best Laser for Cutting Metal?

The choice of the best laser for metal cutting depends on various factors, including the type of metal, thickness, desired cutting speed, and budget. Fiber lasers have gained popularity.

Steel Plasma Cutting Process

Plasma is an ionized gas, which when passed in a controlled stream can cut metal of any thickness and
density. The pressurized gas can either be nitrogen, oxygen or argon or can be any other, the idea is
gas has to pass via a spark, and should give out a controlled stream of plasma. A plasma torch can
instantly touch 40,000 F, and gives the convenience of penetrating through almost all types of heavy and
thick materials. For this reason, it is preferred over several other cutting processes but we must mention
here, cutting process entirely depends on the type of work. In some projects, laser cutting or drilling
or grinding or water jet could be much more effective. It is recommended before opting for the metal cutting
process, it is best to consult an expert.
Why Plasma Cutting for metals? Let us divide this section into three parts for a better understanding of the process, first plasma
components, then the form of plasma cutting, and finally the reason for using the process.


1. Plasma Components: The said system has three basic components for cutting, it is these which
help in controlling the release of pressurized gas and control the cutting work. Power Supply,
the temperature control ensures plasma arc is functioning properly. Then, there’s Arc Starting
Console, that is helpful in streaming the spark that passes from the plasma torch. The third
component is the Plasma Torch, which does the work of cutting with precision and also cooling of
the metals.

2. Forms of Plasma Cutting: Broadly, plasma cutting can be segregated into two sections—
Precision and Conventional. The names are self-explanatory, a precision methodology is
instrumental when the aim is to achieve precise work and the arc design is determined by the
nature of the work. Whereas, the conventional method is effective when precision work is not a
necessity and tolerance point of the metal is low. Choice of plasma cutting forms solely
depends upon the type of the metal and requirement of a project.

3. Reason for using Plasma Methodology: The main reasons which play a big role in our decision
is cost and the time. Plasma, as such gives efficient work in lesser time and also brings down
the cost. The other factor, important to consider is the thickness of the metal. With
advancements in plasma steel cutting technology, a lot of projects can be completed in less
time, and goal is reached within the budget. It is overall regarded as more practical and result-oriented cutting technology over others.

Omni Steel Supply deals in the plasma steel cutting process and we have used this for the completion of
several of our projects. If you seek more information on it or require further clarity on the process, we
are only a call away. You can ask as many questions as you want for your next steel projects and create
beautiful steel products. We deal in all kinds of metal cutting works and can handle both big and small
projects for commercial and residential sectors.

Fill up the form below, to get a call from us!

https://www.omnisteelsupply.com/contact-us/