What is laser cutting?

Many people wonder what laser cutting is and how it works. This is a modern material processing method, widely used in industry. It allows for precise cutting of metal and other materials, ensuring high edge quality and minimal material loss. This makes it one of the most efficient cutting methods available on the market. If you want to learn more about this technology and its applications, be sure to read the entire article!

What is laser cutting?

Laser cutting – what is it? The technology is based on focusing a beam of light with high energy density on the surface of the material. This causes intense heating, leading to melting, vaporizing or burning. The key elements of this process include:

  • a narrow cutting kerf – allows precise cutting of even complex shapes. This makes the laser an ideal solution for parts that require high accuracy;
  • technical gas – supports the process by removing molten material and protecting the edges from oxidation. Properly selected gas allows for clean and aesthetic edges;
  • computer control – ensures high repeatability and efficiency in serial production, enabling fast and precise execution of large orders.

Thanks to the combination of these elements, laser cutting of metal offers unparalleled precision and efficiency, making it one of the most popular industrial cutting methods.

Types of laser cutting

Depending on the type of material and the expected edge quality, different cutting techniques are used. The most common include:

  • reactive (oxygen) cutting – used for carbon steel, where oxygen increases the efficiency of the process. This method is often used in heavy industry, where speed and productivity are crucial;
  • fusion cutting – uses inert gases (e.g. nitrogen), which ensures smooth edges. Ideal where the highest finishing quality and minimal waste are required;
  • evaporation cutting – used for non-metal materials such as wood or plastics. This enables precise processing of delicate materials without the risk of damage.

Each of these metal cutting techniques is used in different branches of industry, providing optimal results depending on the requirements.

What materials can be cut with a laser?

When considering what laser cutting is, it is also worth thinking about which materials can be processed. The most common materials include:

  • metals – carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper and brass. The laser performs exceptionally well on both thin sheets and thicker elements, ensuring high cutting quality;
  • plastics – acrylic, PVC, and polycarbonate. Laser cutting is widely used in advertising and packaging production;
  • wood – plywood, MDF and solid wood. Popular in the furniture and advertising industry, where precision and visual quality matter.

Thanks to this versatility, laser cutting of metal is used in many industries such as automotive, advertising or furniture production. It enables fast and precise execution of even the most demanding projects.

Advantages of laser cutting

The benefits of this metal cutting method include high precision, fast processing, minimal waste and no tool wear. These features make the laser one of the most efficient cutting technologies. The high precision of metal cutting allows for perfect reproduction of complex patterns, which is essential in many sectors. The fast process reduces production time, increasing efficiency and lowering costs. Minimal waste ensures better material utilisation, contributing to savings and more eco-friendly production. With no tool wear, laser cutting of metal is contactless, eliminating the need for frequent tool replacement and reducing operating costs.

Applications of laser cutting

Laser cutting of metal is widely used in many industries due to its precision and versatility. The most common applications include:

  • metal industry – processing sheets, tubes and profiles, allowing precise fitting of components;
  • advertising industry – production of letters and signs, enabling complex patterns with high visual quality;
  • automotive – production of precise components meeting strict standards;
  • furniture industry – creation of decorative and structural elements, enabling detailed designs.

Thanks to its broad use, laser metal cutting is highly valued across industries, offering unmatched quality and precision.

Choose experienced specialists

Now that you know what laser cutting is and how it works, it’s worth choosing an experienced company that ensures the highest quality. As Metaloplastyka, we specialise in laser cutting of many materials, enabling us to serve a wide range of industries. We offer:

  • laser cutting of aluminium – precise processing of lightweight alloys essential in aviation, automotive and construction;
  • laser cutting of brass – used for decorative and technical components requiring high visual quality;
  • laser cutting of carbon steel – used in steel structures, automotive and heavy industry;
  • laser cutting of stainless steel – crucial in the food, medical and chemical industries where corrosion resistance is essential;
  • laser cutting of copper – used in electronics and electrical installations where precision is key;
  • laser cutting of corten steel – indispensable in architecture and construction thanks to its exceptional durability and aesthetics.

See for yourself how fast and precise laser metal cutting can be, regardless of the project scale.

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