Applications: Metal

Laser cutting with CO2 is one of the most efficient and effective methods of cutting flat metal sheets.
The molecular structure and the thermal conductivity characteristics of metal would require higher laser power for a given material thickness than that for plastics. Metal cutting also requires external gas assist to facilitate the cutting process. Impact machines are equipped with gas / air assist nozzle. Oxygen is used in most cases to facilitate the cutting process.
Although 100 watts laser cut shim stock steel, it will not be efficient for any other metal cutting. 200 watts lasers would cut 0.0625” mild steel at a material cutting speed of 1”/sec – 1.5”/sec with oxygen assist. 400 watts laser would produce double the speeds.

Impact uses 200 and 400 watts lasers with all application requiring metal cutting.

Steel – Is an ideal metal for laser cutting.
Stainless steel – Will cut slower than mild steel and would require other inner gases to assist.
Aluminum, Brass, Copper – All are very reflective to the CO2 laser wavelength. They require much greater laser power and are usually avoided with CO2 lasers.

• Laser Cutting Benefits.
• Cutting Comparisons: Laser VS. Router

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