Types of laser cutting tools?

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“Laser cutting tool” is a broad term that covers a variety of cutting tools. While there are only a few basic types of lasers, the adaptations and uses of these tools present a range of possibilities. From high-speed steel-cutting lasers used in industrial applications to laser engraving machines used by artists to create beautiful works of art to micro-jet lasers that are capable of producing clean cuts as they cool the cut materials, the Laser cutting tools are becoming a popular choice in manufacturing and various industries.

The type of laser used to power a cutting tool gives it specific characteristics and properties. These cutting tools fall into three basic categories: carbon dioxide (CO2), neodymium (ND), and neodymium yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd-YAG). These three types of lasers are used in laser tools that perform six laser cutting functions.

The microjet laser is a unique laser cutting tool because the laser is contained within a water jet which guides it to cut. This laser cutting method is much faster than traditional dry laser cutting and offers many advantages. The most notable benefit is the water jet, which cools the material being cut and removes debris as it drives the laser.

Vapor cutting, also called keyhole cutting, focuses the beam of the tool into a specific area to initiate the cutting process. As the area heats up to boiling point, it forms a small indentation called a keyhole, which rapidly expands, creating an even larger hole. Cutting tools that employ vapor cutting are usually used on materials that don’t melt, such as carbon, wood, or thermosetting plastics.

Cast and blow molding laser cutting tools are mainly used for cutting metals and metal alloys. This process is similar to steam cutting, with one subtle difference. Instead of using the additional heat of the laser to create a larger hole, melt and blow laser cutting tools use a blast of compressed gas to push the molten material out of the cut after the material has reached its boiling point.

Heat stress breaking laser cutting tools are commonly used by artists to cut glass or acrylic. The thermal stress cracking process takes advantage of the natural property of brittle materials to crack when exposed to thermal expansion. By shifting the focus of the laser, the artist can control the movement and depth of the crack.
Reactive cutting, or flame cutting, is used for cutting very thick metal. The cutting tools used for this process produce an effect similar to the cutting torch used in welding, but the laser beam provides the heat source rather than the cutting torch’s oxyfuel flame. These cutting tools are very powerful and can cut flat sheet materials or thick carbon steel with a relatively conservative amount of power.

Surface finishing tools are another variation of laser cutting tools. Laser machining is used to produce ultra-fine finishes on manufactured products. Customized products are made using laser engraving machines. These tools often sport low-power lasers that simply cut or scratch the surface of the material.

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