Laser cutting is a highly precise and efficient method for cutting and engraving various materials. It uses the power of lasers to create clean and accurate cuts. This precision and accuracy make it a popular choice in the manufacturing, jewelry-making, and signage production industries. 

In this article, we will talk about the common components of a laser cutting system and the two main types of lasers used in laser cutting: fiber lasers and CO2 lasers.

Understanding The Components of a Laser Cutting System

A laser cutting machine system consists of several essential components that work together to deliver precise and efficient cutting results. Knowing about these components will help you understand the cutting process better. These components include:

1. Machine Bed

The machine bed is the mechanical foundation of the laser-cutting machine. It enables the movement of the X, Y, and Z axes and provides a stable cutting work platform.

Powered by a servo motor, the machine bed accurately positions the workpiece for cutting according to the control program.

2. Laser Generator

The laser generator produces the laser light source used in the cutting process. Most laser-cutting applications use CO2 gas lasers or fiber lasers with high power output and conversion efficiency.

The laser generator must provide a high-quality beam suitable for cutting. Different laser types and modes are chosen based on power requirements and cutting precision.

3. Laser Cutting Head

The laser cutting head consists of the nozzle, focus lens, and focus tracking system. It is the output device that powers the laser beam for cutting.

While the cutting head follows the predetermined cutting track, it also regulates the height of the head to accommodate various materials, thicknesses, and cutting parameters.

4. Servo Motors

Servo motors are crucial for controlling the mechanical parts of the laser cutting system. They convert voltage signals into precise torque and speed, enabling accurate positioning and movement control.

High-quality servo motors ensure cutting precision, positioning speed, and repetition positioning accuracy.

5. Regulated Power Supply

The regulated power supply is connected to power supply systems, CNC machine tools, and lasers. Its primary function is to shield the system from external influences and provide stable power for reliable operation.

6. Water Chiller

A water chiller is responsible for keeping the laser generator cool. It removes excess heat generated during laser operation, ensuring optimal performance and preventing lens distortion or damage.

The chiller also cools the focusing mirror and external optical path reflector, maintaining consistent beam transmission quality.

7. Host

The host combines the machine bed, beam, table, and Z-axis system. It allows users to place the workpiece on the bed before using the servo motor to drive the beam and control the Z-axis movement. The settings can be adjusted according to specific requirements.

8. Control System

The control system manages the laser cutting machine, enabling precise movement control of the X, Y, and Z axes. It also regulates the laser’s output power to achieve desired cutting results.

9. Stabilizer

The stabilizer is connected to the power supply system, CNC machine tool, and laser. Its primary function is to prevent external grid influences, ensuring stable and reliable operation.

10. Exhaust Dust Collector

The exhaust dust collector removes and filters dust and smoke generated during the cutting process.

This ensures that the exhaust gas discharge complies with environmental protection regulations, maintaining a clean and safe working environment.

How Laser Cutting Works? 

Two popular types of lasers used in laser cutting are fiber lasers and CO2 lasers. Let’s talk about  how these lasers work:

Fiber Lasers Cutters

Fibre lasers are the newest kind of lasers on the market, offering several advantages over traditional CO2 lasers. One of the key applications of fiber technology is in the field of high-speed broadband internet. Fiber optic broadband offers faster speeds compared to DSL or cable connections.

The beam in a fiber laser is guided through a fiber cable, ensuring an exceptionally straight beam. Unlike CO2 lasers, fiber lasers do not require constant realignment of optics to steer the beam. This precise focus allows for laser cutting of intricate patterns and accurately reaching even the smallest locations.

Fiber engraving machines can mark uncoated metals with as little as 20W of power. At higher powers, they can cut through a wide variety of metals. Another advantage of fiber lasers is their quick response time. When you turn on a fiber laser, it is immediately ready to operate, thanks to the instantaneous responses inside the cable.

CO2 Lasers Cutters

CO2 lasers have been widely used for many years and are known for their versatility. These lasers use sealed glass tubes filled with gas, primarily carbon dioxide, to create the laser beam. 

A high voltage passing through the tube reacts with the gas particles, boosting their energy and producing light. However, the intense light also generates heat as a byproduct, which can evaporate materials with melting temperatures of hundreds of degrees Celsius.

CO2 lasers rely on mirrors and focusing techniques to direct and concentrate the laser beam onto the working material. The tube has a partially reflecting mirror at one end and a completely reflective mirror at the other. These control the strength of the laser and also help navigate the laser according to the CNC design. 

Inside the laser head, the last mirror redirects the beam vertically through a focus lens onto the working material. The focus lens fine-tunes the laser’s course, ensuring it is concentrated in an exact location. By focusing the laser beam from a diameter of around 7 mm to approximately 0.1 mm, the laser can evaporate a very confined region of material, resulting in highly accurate outcomes.

Conclusion

Laser cutting is the perfect fusion of precision mechanics and advanced laser technology. With its exceptional accuracy, it has the power to carve, etch, and cut materials with unmatched precision. Every component within a laser cutting machine works together seamlessly. 

Businesses can choose the best cutting solution for their needs by being aware of the components and workings of laser cutting systems.