More about Laser Machining

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Laser machining, also known as Laser Beam Machining (LBM), is a process used to weld, cut, drill, craze, solder and heat treat different materials, such as metals, ceramics, silicon and plastics. By using pulses or a continuous beam of light, a laser machining system can cut metal sheets up to .5 inches thick (sometimes more), and non-metals of even larger thicknesses, sometimes approaching speeds of 100 ft. per minute. Although still a costly option, CNC machines continue to make the process more affordable, more precise and more adaptable.



Laser welding uses a highly focused beam of light to join materials through heat and deformation. For this process, there are two different varieties of lasers, one that utilizes a solid piece of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet as its lasing medium, and another that requires carbon dioxide gas. Respectively, they are known as solid state and gas lasers.



Laser cutting, on the other hand, separates materials by melting and/or vaporizing a small section of the work piece. Both carbon dioxide and yttrium aluminum garnet lasers are effective at cutting as well as welding, and can be used with continuous or pulsed beam. The yttrium lasers can even be sent through fiber-optic cable to the proper device, allowing for more versatility in equipment design and capability. Both laser cutting and welding can achieve incredible accuracy (within .001 inches) and extremely rapid performance. Typically, in both processes, the material and shape of the work piece determine the laser wavelengths necessary.



Laser machining is used in a wide range of industries, from aerospace to printing. Many ready-for-purchase systems are now available, making the process much more accessible and less expensive to manufacturers. Care should be taken even with these systems, however, as laser light can reflect or scatter off work pieces. In addition to the CO2 and YAG lasers, there are also argon, ruby and neodymium glass lasers, which are all pulse lasers. However, ruby and neodymium glass lasers are not yet cost-efficient for most typical applications, and argon lasers are only suitable for certain low power operations.