What are laser cutting machines?

Laser cutting machines are a tool used in a wide range of industries for precision cutting and designing projects.

The laser cutting machine emits a high powered laser beam to either cleanly cut or etch a specific design on materials such as steel, plastic or wood. It is generally used more for industrial manufacturing applications and the beam will either burn, vaporise or melt away the excess product, leaving a superior finished design or edge.

A laser cutting machine has settings known as the computer numerical control (CNC), as well as laser optics, which control and direct the laser beam’s intensity for the desired design effect, or the specific cuts required in a manufacturing or design project. The laser beam is generated by a process whereby electrical discharges or a lamp trigger a lasing material within a confined container causing a chemical reaction, resulting in a high powered beam being released. The beam is then reflected using a mirror in a stream of monochromatic light. From the mirror, the light is then directed by fibre optics or mirrors to the work area, with the narrowest point of the beam cutting or making the design etch on the material.

A laser cutting machine is often used in engineering for the precision cutting of components of machines. For industrial applications, a laser cutting machine is often used to cut structural and piping materials and flat sheet material such as metal. The CNC setting can also be changed to etch or engrave all types of designs on metal, wood and plastic. Speciality CAD (computer aided design) software is used to program the CNC and direct it to perform either the cutting, engraving or etching specifications required for the laser cutting project. The size and capacity of the laser cutting machine determines whether it can be used for smaller or larger-scale manufacturing projects.

At ShapeCUT in Queensland, we have 10 modern cutting machines and in excess of 5,000 tonnes of in-house steel plate in stock, as well as market leading systems enabling us to undertake your entire laser cutting needs. Contact us today for a quote. ShapeCUT recognises the need to be flexible in lead. That’s why we offer a Same Day Service too.