Many industries are probably still familiar with laser cutting machines. Laser cutting, which is often the first step in the manufacturing process, involves using a focused laser beam to cut shapes and designs into various materials such as steel, aluminum, brass, and more. The powerful beam removes material by burning, melting or vaporizing it.
Until recently, most laser cutting machines only operated in three axes: left and right (X), in and out (Y), and up and down movement of the laser cutting head (Z). However, with technological advancements in machine tools, 5-axis motion is now available on most modern laser cutters. This includes the original X, Y, and Z axes, as well as two additional rotary axes – roll (A) and tilt (B) – allowing the laser beam to approach the part from all directions.
If you are thinking about machining your parts on a laser cutter, you should know about:
- Advanced Y-axis cutting on fiber laser cutters.
- Different combinations of gases and materials create laser cuts that vary in quality and speed.
- 5-axis laser cutting offers more advantages over 3-axis cutting.
Let's expand and go into more detail with the 3 things you should know about laser cutting machines.
1. Advanced Y-Axis Cutting on Fiber Laser Cutters
The advancement of laser cutting from 3 to 5 axes has resulted in major gains for the metal fabrication industry. In traditional two-dimensional cutting, most commonly used for desktop laser work, the Y axis is rarely involved. This is because the cutting is done in sheets, which makes the Y axis almost unnecessary.
However, with advanced movements in 5-axis laser cutting and the addition of two new axes, the Y axis has been reshaped to communicate with the other four axes. The advanced movements in 5-axis laser cutting also have several other benefits, such as greater precision and flexibility.
2. Different laser beam sources create different cuts
According to a study done by Laser Cutting Machine Market, sales of laser cutting machines have increased at a compound annual growth rate of 2.4% in volume. With the growing demand for these machines, both CO₂ and fiber laser cutters are options.
CO₂ laser cutters use a mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and helium to create the laser beam, which is guided by a series of mirrors and lenses. Although these machines are somewhat outdated, CO₂ lasers are known for their ability to cut thick materials with precision, making them a popular choice for most industrial applications.
On the other hand, modern fiber laser cutters use a solid-state laser source, which is essentially a long, thin strand of glass and other materials combined with rare earth elements that create a high-energy laser beam aimed at the material being cut. Fiber lasers are known for their precision and speed, making them an increasingly popular choice for a wide range of cutting applications.
In short, CO₂ and fiber laser cutters are types of machines used to cut materials such as metal, wood, plastic, and more. The main difference between them is in the way they produce and deliver the laser beam that makes the actual cut.
3. 5-axis laser cutting has specific advantages
The advancement of laser cutting from 3 to 5 axes has not only expanded the range of shapes and designs that can be cut, but has also led to other significant process improvements.
While 3-axis laser cutting is already a versatile process, 5-axis laser cutting adds some significant advantages:
- More cuts with one setup: Fewer setups mean greater efficiency, more consistency and less chance of errors.
- Adding holes at an angle: The 5-axis tilt and rotate capabilities make it possible to add holes at different angles without removing and repositioning the workpiece.
- Improved Metal Stamp House Cutting: Using a 5-axis laser cutter allows hole patterns to be cut into a finished part, a huge improvement over a stamp house. Meanwhile, cutting helps clean the edges of the metal part and relieves pressure on the material.
- Shaping the part before cutting: 5-axis laser cutting allows a part to be welded, shaped, and shaped before it is cut, resulting in greater precision, faster production speeds, and a stronger finished part.
- Cutting Complex Parts: Perhaps the most significant advantage of 5-axis laser cutting is its ability to machine high-quality, 100% repeatable complex parts.
Consider your options before choosing a laser cutting process
Effective laser cutting, whether on a 3-axis or 5-axis machine, typically begins with input from a qualified engineer who follows best practices. Here are some points that engineers and operators should remember:
- The type of material should determine the laser cutting process: It is up to designers and engineers to match the laser cutting process to the material. For example: Wood and certain polymers can be engraved but do not lend themselves to precision cutting, while almost any type of laser cutting is effective on most metals.
- Increasing laser power doesn't necessarily mean faster cutting: Laser cutters need time to speed up, making high-power lasers effective on large parts without complex features. On smaller, complex parts, the laser never reaches high cutting speeds as it is constantly repositioning.
