What’s a cutting tool?

Cutting tools are handheld devices that can be used for cutting and grinding various materials. They come in different sizes and configurations, with some requiring one hand to operate and others requiring two. These tools can be used for light to heavy grinding applications and are available in straight and angled versions. Smaller cutting tools […]

What’s 3D laser cutting?

3D laser cutting recognizes all sides of a substrate, allowing for complex shapes and cuts in materials like wood, glass, crystal, and metal. It can cut below the surface without leaving scratches, making it ideal for etching 3D images in crystal and glass. Three-dimensional (3D) laser cutting is like regular laser cutting, except that the […]

What’s Oxygen Cutting?

Oxygen cutting involves adding oxygen to a cutting gas to increase the heat and fine-tune the flame for desired effects. It is a popular method for cutting and welding metal structures where electrical power is not available. Oxygen also saves gas and makes the flame burn hotter. The oxygen cutting torch is adjusted by regulating […]

Types of laser cutting systems?

Industrial laser cutting systems use different types of lasers for various materials. CO2 lasers are most commonly used for cutting dense materials, while Nd lasers are used for drilling, engraving, and welding. There are three basic machine configurations: moving material, flying optics, and hybrid systems. In industrial laser processing there are many different types of […]

Types of laser cutting machines?

There are three types of laser cutting machines: moving material, flying optics, and hybrid. Different types of lasers can be used. Moving material is slow but keeps the laser aperture and material surface at a constant distance. Flying optics is the fastest but has a constantly changing beam length. Hybrid combines both and has a […]

What’s a Cutting Plan?

Shear stress occurs on a plane where force is measured. Normal stress occurs when a component is under tension or compression. Shear stress is parallel to the stress plane and can cause mechanical failure if it exceeds the material’s limit. A shear plane is the plane where shear stress occurs. Like normal stress, shear stress […]

Types of cutting tools?

Metalworking cutting tools include bandsaws, broaches, drills, fly cutters, and reamers. They can be operated manually or by computer control, and perform contouring, drilling, and deburring cuts. Bandsaws can make straight, angled, or curved cuts, while broaches use serrated tips for roughing, semi-finishing, and finishing cuts. Pillar drills and radial arm drills are common, and […]

Laser Cutting Aluminum: What’s Involved?

Laser cutting aluminum is challenging due to its high thermal conductivity and reflectivity. Neodymium or CO2 lasers can be used with gas assist technology to remove waste material. Thicker aluminum requires more powerful CO2 lasers, and flying optics systems are used for large sheets. Energy consumption and costs are higher, and heat treatment may be […]

What’s cutting fluid?

Cutting fluid lubricates and cools metal during cutting, reducing heat and friction. It allows for tighter tolerances and safer working conditions, but can be toxic and must be disposed of properly. Cutting fluid is a compound available for use in metalworking to lubricate and cool metal while a worker cuts and shapes it. With few […]

What’s roll cutting?

Roll slitting is an industrial process that cuts a coiled roll of material into smaller rolls using a crosscut blade. It is cost-effective and customizable for different projects. The equipment can handle soft and hard materials and achieve high accuracy with minimal waste. Outsourcing and renting options are available for small businesses. Consider the size […]

What’s cutting?

Cutting is a serious form of self-harm, often not suicidal, but can be accidentally. It is more common among women and those with emotional trauma, psychiatric illnesses, and eating disorders. Cutting becomes an addictive behavior that requires professional help to quit. Children can start cutting as early as their pre-teens, and it’s important to take […]

Best tips for laser cutting plastic?

To avoid discolored edges and improper cuts when laser cutting plastic for signs and awards, adjust the laser speed based on quality or quantity priorities. Different types of plastic react differently to laser cutting, and the table should be cleaned regularly and not reflect light. Engraving is common but requires proper alignment and mirroring for […]

What’s a cutting board?

Breadboards are hand-built circuit boards used for prototyping without soldering, allowing for easy component repositioning and cost-effective research. Once complete, it serves as a blueprint for a soldered printed circuit board. Basic models have two areas called streaks with terminals and a notch for safety. Jump wires can be manually made or mass-produced. Breadboards are […]

Self-healing cutting board?

Self-healing cutting boards made of wood or cork have a malleable surface that allows it to snap back together after being cut, preventing gouges and dulling knives less. The natural materials used may also have antibacterial and odor-resistant properties. The healing effect is an illusion created by the material’s natural properties. Cork cutting boards are […]

What’s a Cutting Machine?

Cutting machines are used in industry to cut tough materials such as metal and leather. They employ various technologies including thermal, plasma, gas, water jet, and ultrasound. CNC training is required to operate these machines, and robotic systems are becoming more common. Laser cutting is a popular choice for cutting metals. A cutting machine is […]

Cutting stocks: what’s the deal?

The shear stock problem involves cutting paper rolls into salable sheets in the most efficient way possible to minimize waste and costs. This problem also applies to other products like fabric and glass. Mathematical formulas and industry approaches are used to solve this problem. The shear stock problem is an optimization puzzle that has important […]

Rotary die cutting: what is it?

Rotary die cutting is a fast and efficient manufacturing process used to cut flat materials into precise shapes. There are two types of rotary die cutting: metal-to-metal cutting and kiss cutting. The process involves a rolling cylinder die and a conveyor belt to feed the material. It is commonly used for mass production of cardboard […]

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