Metal laser cutting machines have revolutionized the way industries, education, and craft customers approach cutting and shaping metal. Their advent meant a faster, more precise and more efficient method of cutting common materials used across these sectors, changing how these industries approached their craft.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll share our expertise on metal laser cutting machines and explore how they’re used in different sectors.
What are metal laser cutting machines?
There are two main types of laser cutting machines: CO2 and fibre lasers.
The CO2 laser cutter uses a CO2 filled tube and fully reflective mirrors to create a laser beam powerful enough to cut through a wide range of materials, such as acrylic, wood, and paper. The machine’s software allows the programming of precise shapes and patterns, producing the parts or engravings necessary to suit your needs. If you’re looking to cut non-metal materials, this is the machine you’re looking for.
Fibre laser cutters use stimulated radiation and fibre-optic technology to produce a laser beam that is used to cut various materials. Fibre laser cutters are designed for cutting metallic materials, including stainless steel, aluminium, and brass, and are thus often used for larger manufacturing jobs. If you’re looking for a laser cutting machine capable of cutting metal, you’ll want a fibre laser cutter!
CO2 lasers have been used in laser cutting for over 30 years and are ideal for cutting materials like wood and acrylic. However, fibre lasers are more efficient at cutting metals. They also require less maintenance, making them more cost-effective in the long term.
Fibre laser cutters have a range of other benefits over CO2 laser cutters too, aside from being the best type of machine to cut metal. They also offer precise cuts with high accuracy of a wider range of materials, including steel, aluminium, and brass. They can cut materials at high speeds, making them ideal for mass production, and they prove to be more efficient thanks to their speed, and precise cuts helping lower production costs and reduce waste.
Applications in different sectors
Metal laser cutting machines are widely used in the manufacturing industry to create precise, high-quality components. They can cut a range of materials, including steel, aluminium, and brass, with great accuracy and speed. The aerospace and automotive industries, in particular, rely heavily on laser cutting machines to create complex parts and components. Boxford’s range of metal laser cutting machines are designed with industry in mind, providing reliable and efficient cutting solutions. Some examples of industry uses of fibre laser cutters include automotive components, aircraft parts, electronic components, signage and lettering, architectural features, and artistic and decorative pieces.
Metal laser cutting machines are ideal for use in education as they can provide a hands-on approach to learning about design and manufacturing. They can be used to teach students about prototyping, CNC programming, and engineering, providing practical skills that can be applied in a range of industries. With Boxford’s range of metal laser cutting machines, educators can provide their students with the latest technology to enhance their learning experience.
Metal laser cutting machines can also be used in the design industry to create unique and intricate pieces. They can be used to create jewellery, signs, and other decorative pieces with great precision and speed. Designers can use laser cutting machines to bring their ideas to life and create one-of-a-kind pieces that are not possible with traditional manufacturing methods.
At Boxford, we specialise in producing high-quality fibre laser cutters that are trusted by businesses and education establishments across the UK. Our machines are designed to be versatile, reliable, and easy to use, making them the perfect choice for businesses of all sizes as well as educational settings. These machines offer a high level of precision and accuracy, allowing users to easily create highly detailed parts and components.
History
The first laser was invented in 1960 by Theodore Maiman, and it was a major breakthrough in the field of optics. Lasers emit a beam of light that is highly focused and intense, which makes it ideal for cutting through various materials, including metal.
In the 1970s and 1980s, researchers began to explore the use of lasers in cutting and engraving. It was during this time that the first laser cutting machines were developed. Initially, these machines were used mainly in industrial applications, but as the technology evolved, they became more accessible and cost-effective for smaller businesses and hobbyists.
As laser technology continued to evolve, laser cutting machines became faster and more precise. New types of lasers, such as fibre lasers, were developed, which made cutting and engraving on metal more efficient and effective. In addition, software and computer controls made it possible to create intricate designs and patterns with ease.
Want to know more?
Laser cutting machines have a number of advantages over traditional cutting methods. They are extremely precise, which means that they can be used to create intricate designs and patterns. They are also very fast, which makes them ideal for large-scale production.
If you’re interested in learning more about metal laser cutting machines or want to explore our range of models, contact Boxford today. Our team of experts can help you find the perfect machine to suit your needs and budget.