Laser beam machining uses CO2 and YAG lasers to perform functions of conventional milling machines. CO2 lasers are powerful and used for cutting and profiling, while YAG lasers are flexible and used for drilling and engraving. CNC instrumentation transmits tasks to the laser, and industries ranging from automakers to jewelers use laser beam processing on various materials.
Laser beam machining, or LBM, involves using laser beam technology to perform functions typically performed by conventional milling machines. Popular types of lasers include carbon dioxide (CO2) and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG). The adaptability of these tools allows them to perform more than one function, and the wide range of industries that often use laser beam machining technology include automakers and jewelers.
A CO2 laser is one of the most powerful types of lasers used in laser beam processing. These lasers can generate 400 to 1,500 watts of power, which can cut 1 inch (2.5 centimeter) thick carbon steel. The tool uses mirrors that direct the proton laser beam to the desired cutting location. The laser generally makes a tapered cut as it moves along the z axis as the work surface moves along the x and y axes. Industries generally use CO2 laser power for cutting and profiling.
The flexibility of the YAG laser beam allows manufacturers to use a machine that transmits the beam directly to the cutting surface or through something as small as a fiber optic cable. Lasers transmitted through optical fibers can be incorporated into robotic machines that can move in any axis around a fixed job site. While not as powerful as a CO2 laser, a YAG laser can drill a hole to a depth of six times the diameter of its beam. In addition to laser drilling, industries commonly use YAG lasers for engraving and engraving.
Depending on the function required, industries use CO2 or YAG tools for processing the laser beam and computer numerical control (CNC) instrumentation transmits the desired tasks to the laser. Manufacturers design each utensil in sizes ranging from tabletop models to room-sized freestanding machines. Both small business owners and large industrial establishments use laser beam processing on materials ranging from cardboard, cork and wood to steel, steel alloys and stone.
Industrial manufacturing applications include metal cutting or welding in aeronautical, automotive and marine plants. Jewelers also use laser welding on delicate pieces of jewelry and machinists use laser beam machining to resurface corroded parts by melting the material in the damaged areas. Laser beams make intricate cuts in plastic and metal sheeting for components installed in household appliances or machinery. Working similar to an inkjet printer, laser beam processing is also used to engrave glass, plastic and stone.
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