How Does CO2 Laser Cutter Work?

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How Does CO2 Laser Cutter Work?
Laser cutting is used everyday by the
manufacturing industry for cutting metals. CO2
laser cutters changed the game. These lasers are
not only useful for the manufacturing industry
but also for the medical field and artists. The
manufacturing industry uses it for cutting and
engraving. The medical industry uses it for
skincare, whereas the artist uses it for making
art. All these industries have different machines
but a common laser, i.e., a CO2 laser. Here we
will learn why industries prefer CO2 laser
cutters and how it works.
Advantages of CO2 Laser Here are some benefits of
a CO2 laser cutter. 1. Lower Power
Consumption These machines have a low
maintenance cost. Also, the replacement required
is inexpensive. Fanuc CO2 lasers are popular, and
you can easily find the Fanuc replacement parts
online. 2. Contactless Process The laser beam
does not physically touch the material. Instead,
it causes the material to melt through the
intense heat produced by the beam. 3.
Safe Laser cutting is safer than other forms of
cutting as the whole process is bladeless. The
beam is sealed in a tight lightbox, which makes
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it safer. 4. Precise Cuts The cuts
produced by the lasers are highly accurate,
precise, clean, and smooth. It is unlikely to see
this in other cuts. 5. Applications Laser
cutters have many applications from the
manufacturing industry to the medical sector.
Artists also use it for engraving purposes.
How does a CO2 Laser Work? The electricity runs
via a gas-filled tube to produce light for CO2
laser cutters. The light produced by the CO2
laser is powerful compared to the usual
light. This light passes through the tube that
has mirrors at both ends. One of the mirrors in
the tube is highly reflective, while the other
mirror allows some light to pass through it.
These mirrors usually reflect most of the light
when traveling through the tube. Thus, it causes
the light wave to build intensity. So when the
light becomes bright enough it then passes
through the partially reflective mirror. These
mirrors emit the light or laser beam to the
material that is to be cut. When the intense heat
travels to the material, the light vaporizes the
material that is to be cut. Hence, it leaves an
accurate and smooth cut. The gas produced during
formation of laser and cutting process is a
combination of carbon dioxide, hydrogen,
nitrogen, and helium.
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Also, the light produced from the laser is
infrared and thus, it is visible to the human
eye. The wavelength of these beams is long so it
can cut cloth, wood, glass, metal, and
paper. While forming the cut, the laser somewhat
damages the machine as well. And that is why some
parts like the focus lens, battery, mirrors, etc
need replacement. You can find Fanuc replacement
parts online.
Verify the Settings There are three important
settings that need attention when it comes to
laser cutting. 1. Focus There is a focus lens
inside the laser head that is responsible
for clean and smooth cuts. The lens needs to be
changed at regular intervals. You can buy Fanuc
parts online. They are easy to find and are of
premium quality. 2. Speed The speed
determines how fast the laser head will move.
Ensure to maximize the speed while engraving or
cutting the thinner material. 3. Power High
power is used for thicker materials, and low
power is suitable for engraving or thin
materials. Adjust it according to the material.
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Conclusion Now that you know how the CO2 laser
beam works, consider some important points
discussed above. The speed, focus, and power of
the laser depend on the material. These factors
will further decide how smooth and clean the cut
will turn out. Also, make sure to replace the
parts that need replacement. Choose brand
products such as Fanuc. Search "Fanuc parts
online, and you can easily find it from
authorized dealers.
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