Laser Cutting Machine: Evaluating Your Requirements before Selection
Posted on: 24 February 2017
There are significant advantages of choosing CNC laser cutting, especially in comparison with alternative methods. The amplified light can be utilised in handling different types of fabrication materials, depending on the need. The beam of light used is narrow, which promotes high accuracy during the pertinent project. In addition, laser cutting presents more refined edges compared to mechanical and plasma cutting. In general, you can obtain laser cutting services from your fabricator. However, if you are thinking about expanding your fabrication operation, you can invest in the machine. Here are the factors that you should consider with regard to the laser cutters and your requirements before making your purchase.
Type of Fabrication Materials
When shopping for your new laser cutting machine, you should first consider the type of materials that you will be handling. In general, laser beams can be used to cut almost every form of fabrication material in the market. However, the power of the amplified light is modified before fitting into the equipment, depending on the potential application. For example, a laser cutter designed and built for cardboard will be useless for cutting steel. Therefore, you should check the range of materials that your preferred machine can handle before purchase.
Material Size and Power
The size of your raw material is an important consideration for the selection of the laser cutting machine. In simple terms, it is useless to acquire the equipment if it can cut your preferred material but only in small sizes. Therefore, check the laser cutting bed and determine its ability to handle the raw materials that you will be using. Moreover, you should evaluate the power output of the machine with regard to your requirements. If the power rating of the laser is higher, then the laser used in cutting will be more powerful. This means that it will be able to cut thicker materials fast.
Cutting or Engraving
Finally, you should think about the fabrication applications of your laser cutting machine before making your purchase. Normally, there are products designed to handle simple and plain cutting operations during fabrication. If you are only interested in slicing up row materials such as sheets and plates, this is the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you would like to perform engraving tasks for raw materials or completed items, you should ensure that your machine has the capabilities for this. However, for the best performance and long-terms applications, consider selecting a laser cutter that can carry out both tasks efficiently.
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