Precision Laser Cutting

Laser cutting has significant advantages over traditional cutting methods, especially in environments where change is a constant.  Digitally controlled laser cutting machines enable repeatable, crisp, clean-cut edges for extreme precision, accuracy and repeatability. Use laser systems to create intricate-cut details and engineer on-the-fly changes to stay adaptable amid design or regulation changes. 

Discover our trusted, industry-leading laser cutting solutions, engineered for a variety of applications, with zero contact with the material.

✔ Precision laser cutting
✔ High repeatability
✔ Market-leading lasers
✔ Versatile applications

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What is laser cutting?

Laser cutting is a high-precision manufacturing process that uses a focused, high-powered laser beam to cut materials including metals, plastics, wood, and textiles. Lasers can melt, burn or vaporize sections or layers of material to create crisp edges or intricate designs. Clean-cut, perpendicular edges, tapered cuts, and rounded edges are all possible with precision laser cutting solutions.

What are the different types of laser cutting?

There are several different types of lasers used in laser cutting, with each producing unique results. The most common types used in precision laser cutting are:

• CO2 lasers: these lasers are highly effective at laser drilling, cutting and engraving a variety of materials, including metals, acrylics, wood, glass, and ceramics
• Fiber lasers: derived from solid state laser technology, fiber lasers are especially effective at cutting metals, including stainless steel and aluminum. Discover our FIBER RHINO and FIBER TIGER lasers 
• Ultrafast lasers: used with applications that may be difficult to process with other laser cutting techniques, such as precision engineering and microelectronics

What are the key components of a laser cutting machine?

A laser cutting machine requires:

• A laser source
• Laser beam delivery
• Laser cutting software

Generally, higher power lasers allow faster cutting throughout – the wavelength should be matched to the intended materials to provide optimal quality and speed. The fastest beam delivery is provided by galvo-based scan heads, while XY-gantries or robotic arms are used for laser cutting thicker materials or those with contoured shapes.

The combination of a laser and scan head provides optimal high-speed cutting flexibility and control. Increased laser power offers faster throughput speeds and the ability to cut thicker materials. Multi-axis scan heads increase the cutting area, while offering a small spot size to support detailed laser cutting.

Advantages of precision laser cutting

The benefits of laser cutting over traditional cutting techniques include:

• Extreme precision: laser cutting enables high precision and accuracy, executing intricate designs and complex patterns with minimal error. Novanta Photonics’ laser cutting solutions produce minimal kerf, supporting extreme precision
• Versatility: lasers can cut through a wide range of materials, including plastics, metals, wood, textiles, leather, rubber, and more. There’s no need for tool changes, making laser cutting highly adaptable
• Speed: with short set-up times and an ability to operate at high speeds, precision laser cutting is fast and highly efficient
• Improved productivity: the speed of a digitally controlled laser cutting machine can help to reduce production time, enabling higher levels of output
• Cost savings: as laser cutting is a non-contact process, there is less wear and tear on tools, resulting in lower maintenance costs and longer equipment life, leading to reduced spend. There are also fewer post-processing needs with precision laser cutting, helping to cut costs further down the production line
• Minimal waste: with minimal kerf and no consumable parts, laser cutting produces minimal waste, making it more sustainable and efficient than traditional cutting methods
• Greater flexibility: laser cutting machines’ fast adaptability and versatility significantly expand an organization’s process flexibility. Quickly adapt to design changes and evolving regulations with agile laser cutting software
• Minimal downtime: lasers have long operating lifetimes, with minimal downtime, supporting increased productivity, as well as cost savings

Which materials can be laser cut?

Materials that can be processed using a laser cutting machine include:

• Metals
• Plastics, including acrylics
• Glass
• Ceramics
• Wood
• Leather
• Rubber
• Thin film
• Textiles
• Paper
• Cardboard and paperboard

How accurate is laser cutting?

Laser cutting is a highly accurate process, with the ability to reach tolerances of ±0.1 mm, enabling the creation of perfectly crisp edges or detailed, intricate designs. However, the accuracy of laser cutting can be determined by factors such as the type and thickness of material being cut, as well as how well-maintained the laser cutting equipment is. 

Are there any limitations to laser cutting?

Laser cutting is a highly efficient process, but depending on the application, it can have some limitations. These may include:

• Material thickness: the efficiency of laser cutting technology may start to decline as material thickness increases
• Material limitations: lasers can be used to process thin film, but some reflective or transparent materials may not be compatible with some laser beams
• Thermal damage: laser cutting requires high temperatures, and extreme levels of heat may warp or discolor some more delicate materials

If you’re concerned about any of these potential limitations, contact us to learn how our high-precision laser cutting solutions can help solve your problems.