Laser cutting is a technique used to cut a variety of materials for industrial and manufacturing purposes. It can be applied to both flat and cylindrical components, including stainless steel sheets and nitinol tubing. The advantages to laser cutting is that it is highly accurate and produces a cleaner cut than traditional mechanical methods.

Contrary to mechanical cutting, no parts that can wear down come in contact with the material being sliced in laser cutting. This eliminates warped edges and is cost effective since new cutting parts do not have to be purchased again and again. One method of laser cutting works by melting away material with a high powered laser beam. As the material is melted away, an intense stream of gas is blown through the insertion, sweeping away the melted material, and leaving behind a relatively smooth cut surface. The laser beam can create a material incision of less than .001 inches. This allows for incredibly precise cuts in flat or tubular material.

Some materials, such as wood, do not melt and can be cut using vaporization. In this method, the laser beam concentrates on the surface of the material, bringing it to its boiling point. As the material boils, vapor is released, further eroding the material until the desired cut is produced.

Laser beams can cut material on up to four axes; however two axis systems are most common. The one drawback to a two axis system is that it produces tapered edges at some angles in cylindrical components. Adding an additional third and fourth axis eliminates the tapered edge effect. While the four axis laser cutting system can produce more complex results, it is more costly than the traditional two axis method, so it is not used unless a specifically called for.

Laser cutting is cost effective, especially for large volumes of custom parts or designs. Since the laser beam is controlled by a computer program, once the component design has been programmed, it can easily be replicated. This is great for producing a large quantity of industrial or medical equipment parts.

The versatility in laser cutting is ideal for producing custom parts. The accuracy that can be achieved with the tiny laser point is perfect for projects that require the utmost precision. Laser cutting is a quick process that can produce a large quantity of components for a specific use at relatively low cost. After medical and industrial instruments are laser cut to specification, they can then go on to the laser marking process for serialization, banded calibration, logo branding, or other types of marking.

John Franchi is a Partner at Northeast Laser & Electroploish, located in Monroe, Connecticut. The company provides contract laser welding services, laser marking services, laser cutting services, and laser engraving services to companies throughout North America. For more information, or to contact John, go to:

http://www.northeastlaser.com