You will be able to understand what a laser-cutting machine is and what sets it apart from other cutting machines, especially when working with stainless steel. The article also explains the different types of laser-cutting machines and the benefits of owning one. There are also some crucial factors to remember when choosing a laser-cutting machine and the article lists them.
A laser-cutting machine uses a high-powered laser beam to cut various materials used in various applications. The precision cutting ability of laser beams makes it one of the most sought-after cutting technologies within industrial manufacturing applications.
Laser-cutting machines are popular across several industries because of their flexibility and ability to work with numerous materials. It can cut, etch, or even mark small designs for huge installations, from small wearables like bracelets and dog tags to huge equipment like elevators. The automotive and even aerospace industries also use laser-cutting machines for several parts in their production.
One of the reasons why several people still choose to look the other way when it comes to laser-cutting machines is the perceived complexity of the process. The introduction of laser beams, optical guides, and a seemingly complicated contraption makes people hold back from incorporating laser cutting machines in their operations.
But you must remember that technology is ever-evolving in many directions, and several industries are taking advantage of that to come up with operational efficiency and faster production time. Cutting technology is part of that progress. And there is no better example than laser cutters.
The three main types of laser-cutting machines – are CO2 lasers, fiber lasers, and crystal laser cutting machines, which use neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet and neodymium-doped yttrium ortho-vanadate.
These three laser-cutting machines make use of different laser delivery methods. The CO2 laser uses a tube filled with gas mixtures that produce light beams. With mirrors on both ends of the tube, the laser can travel through the tube. The gas mixture consists mostly of helium, nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. One unique characteristic of CO2 laser-cutting machines is that it produces invisible laser light.
Fiber lasers incorporate glass fibers in their operation. This makes this one of the most versatile and useful types of laser-cutting machines out there. On the other hand, crystal laser-cutting machines are some of the most powerful machines at present. They are also quite flexible in cutting, marking, and engraving various materials and metal and non-metal materials.
There are also 5 types of laser-cutting machines when you start to look at their movement.
Using laser-cutting machines on stainless steel provides you the precision, consistency, and speed in your cutting needs But these are just some of the advantages of laser cutting your stainless steel materials. Let’s take a deeper dive and understand why a lot of people are using laser-cutting machines, especially for stainless steel.
The work area size, the laser cutter’s power, and even the machine’s price are some of the numerous factors to consider when choosing the best laser cutting machine for stainless steel use. Let’s take a closer look at these considerations and other aspects.
The size of the area you are working on plays a big part in the type of laser cutting machine you can use for stainless steel cutting. In the simplest sense, the bigger area you have, the bigger and more machines you can accommodate. You must also remember that it is not only about the machine. You need ample space for your stainless steel inventory before and after cutting.
One thing you need to remember when it comes to the power and speed of a laser-cutting machine is that these two are directly proportional to each other. This means the higher the laser power of the machine that you have, the faster it can effectively cut stainless steel.
Factor in the number of stainless steel cutting jobs to purchase the most appropriate machine. If you accept many stainless steel cutting jobs, it is better to look for a machine with a high power rating.
Laser-cutting machines might come off as complicated pieces of equipment for some people. This is also why some prefer to look the other way when it comes to laser technology in cutting stainless steel material.
However, the ease of use of the laser cutting machine depends on the machine itself and the person using it. This means that if the person is not interested in the machine, it will be difficult to use even if they are operating the simplest types of machines. But if you like what you are doing, even the more complicated machines will be quite easy to understand.
Laser-cutting machines are some of the most precise equipment for cutting stainless steel. That and the small kerfing after the cut make the quality a cut above the rest. It now boils down to ease of use of the machine and the power rating of the equipment you are using.
You always need to make sure that the power of the machine is exactly what you need, especially the thickness of the stainless steel you are working on. The thicker it is, the more powerful the machine you need to achieve a quality cut.
In choosing a laser-cutting machine for stainless steel cutting, the price of the machine is a major factor you need to consider. There are entry-level units that would be less expensive than higher-wattage machines. It can be anywhere from $4,000-$15,000. Some fiber laser cutters can even top up to about $45,000.
Entry-level machines are the best for light-cutting work, and thin materials are for cutting, marking, and engraving. You could ruin the surface if you insist on using entry-level cutting machines for thicker and more complicated materials.
Warranty from the manufacturer is a big consideration when buying any type of machine, including laser-cutting machines. For one thing, a warranty tells you that the manufacturer stands by the quality of their machines. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your investment in the machine is covered for a certain period.
The type of warranty is something you need to be very clear about as well. The length of time the warranty is in effect, as well as the coverage, are two important factors to consider. How many months will the warranty cover, and is it only for specific parts or the machine? These are questions you need to be answered when it comes to warranty.
In conclusion, selecting the right laser cutting machine for stainless steel depends on your specific needs and project requirements. By understanding the unique features and capabilities of various machines, you can make an informed decision that enhances efficiency, precision, and quality in your work. Remember, the best machine is the one that aligns with your production goals and delivers consistent, high-quality results.
Choosing the best laser machine to laser cut stainless steel does not have to be rocket science. And this is where Baison can come in to help.
Baison is one of the leading companies that can help you choose the best laser-cutting machine for your needs. A free application evaluation is provided by industry experts to help you understand your laser system investment before you even make a purchase. A sample proofing of the laser system you choose is also given so you get a feel of the actual output. Contact us for a quote now!