Laser cutting is a technology that has been used in industry since the 1970's. The first common application was for sign-making, mainly cutting acrylic. Since then
the process has been adopted and adapted by virtually every industry group, and is now a significant process in every manufacturing economy.
the process has been adopted and adapted by virtually every industry group, and is now a significant process in every manufacturing economy.
The reasons for laser cutting sheet metal popularity include:
- The accuracy of the cut part achievable
- The repeatability and consistency of the process
- The level of detail achievable
- The range of materials which can be processed
- The speed of the process
- The cost of parts
- The ease of changing parts (particularly when compared to hard tooling etc)
- The lack of physical contact during the process
- The small heat affected zone