Compared to other thermal cutting methods, laser cutting is generally characterized by high cutting speeds and superior quality. These characteristics can be summarized as follows:
High cutting quality
Due to the small laser spot size, high energy density, and rapid cutting speed, laser cutting yields high-quality cuts.
High cutting efficiency
Leveraging the transmission properties of laser beams, laser cutting machines are typically equipped with multiple CNC worktables, allowing for fully automated CNC control of the entire cutting process. Operations can be adapted to cut parts of various shapes simply by changing the CNC program, supporting both 2D and 3D cutting capabilities.
High cutting speed
Using a 1200W laser, the cutting speed for a 2mm-thick low-carbon steel plate can reach 600 cm/min, while the speed for a 5mm-thick polypropylene resin sheet can reach 1200 cm/min. Materials do not require clamping during the process, which saves on tooling costs and reduces the auxiliary time spent on loading and unloading.
Non-contact cutting
There is no physical contact between the cutting head and the workpiece, eliminating tool wear. Processing parts of different shapes does not require changing "tools"; instead, only the laser output parameters need to be adjusted. The laser cutting process is characterized by low noise, minimal vibration, and no pollution.
Wide range of materials
Compared to oxy-acetylene and plasma cutting, laser cutting accommodates a broader range of materials, including metals, non-metals, metal-matrix and non-metal-matrix composites, leather, wood, and fibers.