Lasers are a type of light that can be used to cut and engrave materials. They offer many advantages over other types of cutting tools, such as the ability to create intricate designs, but they also have disadvantages. This article will explore some of those benefits and drawbacks.
Advantages of Laser Cutting
1. Laser Cutter Can Cut Any Material
One of the biggest advantages of laser cutters is that they are capable of cutting any material. It doesn’t matter if it is metallic or non-metallic; you can make a clean cut without too much difficulty. For example, some plastics are cut with ease, while others require high power levels to ensure smooth edges.
2. Precision Cutting
Since laser cutters are very precise when it comes to cutting, they are ideal for small parts that require clean cuts. Not only that, but you can also work on larger pieces of material with relative ease by using a technique called double-cutting, where the laser is used twice in order to ensure perfect results. This technique is highly effective, and you can work on much larger pieces than before.
3. Lower Labor Costs
On average, laser cutting offers much lower labor costs when compared to other types of technology such as water jet cutting. The reason behind this is because the process is automated, which means it requires minimal input from employees in order to deliver superior results. Machines usually do all the hard work, and people just need to operate them.
4. Flexibility and Speed
One of the key advantages of laser cutters is that they offer a high level of flexibility and speed. It doesn’t matter if you need cutting on one side, both sides, or anywhere in between; the process can be adapted to perfectly suit your needs. In addition, since the process is automated, you can expect it to be very fast and highly efficient. As a result of this, laser cutters have become very popular in recent years, especially for mass production.
5. Strong Economic Benefits
When compared to other types of technology such as plasma cutting, laser cutters offer much better economic benefits for manufacturers. Since the process is automated, it requires little input from employees, which means you can deliver more items without having to increase the size of your workforce.
Disadvantages of Laser Cutting
1. Potential for Damage
One of the main disadvantages of laser cutters is that they are capable of causing damage to the material. This mainly occurs when there is too much power being used, which means that the quality of cutting will vary depending on how skilled you are at operating the machine. You have to be careful because there’s a chance that materials could become warped or melted which affects the integrity. This problem can be easily overcome by using thin materials or working on lower power levels.
2. Machine Maintenance Costs
Since laser cutters are highly automated, they require a lot of maintenance over time which results in higher costs. If you want to keep your machine running at its optimal level, you will have to spend money by hiring professionals who are trained in maintaining this type of technology. If you don’t, the machine could become damaged over time which will have a negative impact on your workflow.
3. Noise
Laser cutters are quite loud when working, so there’s a chance that they might disturb other people around them. This is especially true for people who are working in close proximity to the machine because it can get very loud. This is just a small disadvantage, but it’s worth mentioning because you need to know what type of noise levels you can expect when operating one of these machines.
4. Dangerous to humans
One of the potential disadvantages when using a laser cutter is that it produces harmful fumes, which could affect people in your workspace. This mainly occurs when you’re using certain types of material, such as acrylic, because it releases toxic gasses into the air when cut. You need to be aware of this and ensure that there are enough laser fume filters installed in order to reduce the number of harmful emissions being released.
You may also like to read about: How to Choose a Laser Fume Extractor
5. Difficult to Use
Another potential disadvantage of laser cutters is that they are difficult to use. This type of technology has a steep learning curve, and it can take a long time before you feel confident enough to operate one on your own. In general, manufacturing companies should only invest in this type of equipment if they already have employees who are skilled in using it.
Laser cutting is a very versatile manufacturing process that can be used to create many different products. However, it’s not the best choice for every situation and has some disadvantages as well. You’ll need to weigh your options carefully before deciding whether or not laser cutting is right for you. We’re happy to help!a
