What is a Laser Cutting Machine?
A laser cutting machine uses a high-power laser beam to cut or engrave products made from wood, metal, plastic, and other materials. It can be used to make signs, furniture components, prototypes for model making as well artwork. In short, it can be used to create many items where accurate straight cuts are required.
It takes the same amount of time to cut a piece of wood or metal by hand with a saw or other traditional methods or using a laser cutting machine.
However, unlike traditional machines which can be somewhat inaccurate and wasteful when it comes to cutting accuracy, materials used in producing products by laser are very precise.
How does Laser Cutting Machine Work?
A laser cutting machine works basically in three steps.
Gathering Information
The first step is to collect the information needed for making the design. Engraving Machines come with software that helps get desired results more accurately by putting in data on design specifications of the product you wish to make, the material used, etc.
You can also use various open-source designs and create your own image on a computer or use software such as Adobe Illustrator. However, some manufacturers might not be able to work with the file types used in these programs.
Preparing Files
Once you have collected information and made a custom design for your product, you need to open it into the Engraving Machines software program and prepare the file.
You should then convert the image into a format that can be understood by Engraving Machines software, if not already in this format.
In other cases, you may need to add additional codes and modify existing codes to make sure it will work with your machine.
Sending Files to Engraving Machines
This is the last step before starting actual work on your product’s design. Once you’ve prepared the files, you simply transfer them into Engraving Machines using the transfer key.
Once the file has been received by Engraving Machines, you can begin cutting or engraving your design to create the final product.
Depending on how detailed your design is, expect it to take anywhere from 2 to 24 hours for an experienced laser cutter operator. You may also need to consider travel time for the machine head, which might take up to 30 minutes, depending on how large your design size is.
Types of Laser Cutting Machine
There are mainly three types of laser cutting machines: fiber laser cutter, CO2 laser cutter, and CO2 CNC laser engraving machine. CO2 Laser Cutter (Carbon Dioxide) – It uses a concentrated beam of high-energy infrared radiation to generate heat.
The heat is then used to cut or engrave materials such as wood, metal, leather, rubber, and plastic. Fiber Laser Cutter (Fiber) – It works using optical fibers that create energy when they are illuminated by the electron beam inside the machine head. Fibers are used because they can be made to produce laser light at the same wavelength.
CO2 CNC Laser Engraving Machine (Constant Power) – It is believed that it employs a fixed beam, which means that power does not vary according to material thickness. This type of machine is capable of engraving materials up to 2″ thick.
Benefits of Laser Cutting Machine
With the benefits of laser cutters, it is easy to understand why so many people are now looking for ways on how they can buy a laser cutting machine.
Here’s a quick look at some of them:
- They produce accurate cuts and engravings as compared to the manual way.
- Materials are not wasted because only the necessary amount is cut away to produce the desired shape. It also results in more accurate cuts.
- They save time, which can now be used for other productive activities at work or school.
- Engraving Machine is now more affordable today with prices ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.
- You can use it for both heavy-duty and precise cutting jobs.
Industry Applications of Laser Cutting Machine
With the benefits of laser cutters, it’s no wonder that there are more and more applications for this technology in various industries. Here are some of them:
- Architectural Industry
- Jewelry Industry
- Sports Industry
- Medical Field
- Dental Industry
- Defense Industry
- Other Applications
Laser Cutting Machine Global Market Overview
The global market for laser cutting machines is expected to grow significantly as the technology continues to make its mark in various industrial sectors.
As of 2016, fiber laser cutters and CO2 lasers machines were dominant in the market with a combined market share of over 80%. Technologies such as automation and robotics are continuously improving production workflows and operations, making them more effective and efficient.
This is contributing to the growth of the global laser cutting machine market. The study was conducted using an objective combination of primary and secondary information including inputs from key participants in the industry.
The report contains a comprehensive market and vendor landscape in addition to a SWOT analysis of the key vendors.
Top Laser Cutting Machine Manufacturers
We have listed major vendors on the laser cutting machine market. Market players vary widely in terms of their geographic presence and product portfolios. Some major players that lead this market include:
Coherent
Coherent cutting machines may be used for a wide range of purposes, including stent and sheet metal for white goods.
They all employ the same object-based software as the Laser Framework, which makes even the most complex process simple to execute.
Coherent’s laser cutting machines cut a wide range of materials, plastics, wood, paper, and ceramic.
Coherent Laser Cutting and Drilling Family of Products
- ExactCut 430
- StarCut Tube Laser
- PowerLine AVIA NX
- PowerLine C
- Meta Series
- and more
Homepage: https://www.coherent.com/
Laser Cutting and Drilling Machine: https://www.coherent.com/machines-systems/laser-cutting-drilling
TRUMPF
TRUMPF laser cutting machines are used for the production of sheet metal components in automotive, aerospace, white goods, construction machinery, packaging, etc.
TRUMPF also supplies laser welding systems for the production of structural and cast parts in the automotive, mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, and construction industries.
The company aims to optimize laser cutting processes from start to finish. TRUMPF is your one-stop-shop for these items, with a range of equipment, laser, automation, software, and a worldwide service network.
2D Laser Cutting Machine
- Solid-State Lasers
- CO2 Laser
They also have 3D laser cutting machines for a variety of applications.
Homepage: https://www.trumpf.com/en_US/
3D Machines: https://www.trumpf.com/en_US/products/machines-systems/3d-laser-cutting-machines/
2D Machines: https://www.trumpf.com/en_US/products/machines-systems/2d-laser-cutting-machines/
Han’s Laser
Han’s Laser Technology Industry Group Co. Ltd., a public company that was formed in 1996, has grown to be the world’s major laser equipment producer and China’s national laser industry leader.
They manufacture CO2 laser systems for a wide range of applications in the plastics, electrical appliances, automobile, and medical equipment industries.
The company supplies laser cutting machines, processing lasers, marking lasers, welding lasers, and laser modules for applications in multiple industries.
Han’s Product Series
- Laser Cutting Machines
- Laser Marking Machines
- Laser Welding Machines
- Automation
- Plasma Cleaning Machine
- CNC & more
Applications
- Electronic and Semiconductor
- Mechanical Hardware
- New Energy
- Packaging Industry
- Automotive
- Sheet Metal & others
Homepage: https://www.hanslaser.net/
Han’s Laser Cutting Machines: https://www.hanslaser.net/product_list/id-7.html
IPG Photonics
IPG Photonics specializes in high-power laser sources and fiber lasers. They produce cutting-edge fiber lasers, amplifiers, and high-energy collimators used in the metal processing industry as well as multiple other industries such as healthcare and defense.
The company supplies a wide range of lasers for different applications such as sheet metal cutting, laser welding, and laser ablation.
Machine Applications
- Laser Cutting
- Laser Welding
- Laser Cleaning
- Laser Marking
- Laser Ablation and others
Homepage: https://lasersystems.ipgphotonics.com/
Advantages of Laser Cutting IPG: https://lasersystems.ipgphotonics.com/applications/Laser-Cutting
EPILOG
Epilog Laser was founded in 1988 with the aim of bringing CO2 laser technology to business owners and manufacturing firms.
EPILOG laser equipment can now be found in all sorts of locations, including sign shops, schools, industrial manufacturing plants, and much more.
Their machines are used to cut, engrave, mark, and score a wide range of products. The company’s lasers come in many different sizes depending on the application.
Machine Applications
- Laser Cutting
- Laser Marking
- Laser Engraving
- Industrial & more
Laser Machines
- Fusion Edge lasers
- Fusion Pro Lasers
- Preowned Machines
About the Company: https://www.epiloglaser.com/company/about-epilog.htm
Homepage: https://www.epiloglaser.com/
Product Line: https://www.epiloglaser.com/laser-machines/product-line.htm
Bystronic
Bystronic is a world leader in sheet metal processing technology, with operations around the world. Their high-quality services help you prepare for a more efficient and ecologically friendly future.
The goal is to automate the whole material and data flow cycle from start to finish. The linking of Bystronic laser cutting and press brakes with innovative automation, software, and service solutions is critical for the digitalization of the sheet metal sector.
Their machines and equipment are used to produce sheet metal components in automotive, construction machinery, white goods, power generation, and aerospace industries.
The company’s lasers come with different laser source options such as fiber lasers and CO2 lasers.
BystroiniLaser Cutting Systems
- Laser Cutting
- Fiber Glass
- CO2 Laser
Company Profile: https://www.bystronic.com/en/bystronic-group/profile-and-key-figures.php
Bystronic Laser Cutting Systems: https://www.bystronic.com/en/products/laser-cutting-systems/
Alpha Laser
All areas of manufacturing may benefit from our high-quality precision laser cutting services. Alpha Laser’s professional design staff analyzes projects from a cost-effective standpoint while maintaining product quality and accuracy. They are committed to delivering a quality product with short lead times and at competitive pricing. These all while providing exceptional customer service.
Alpha Laser Services
- CAD Design
- Flat Laser
- Tube Laser
- Water Jet
- Press Brake Forming
- and more
About the Company: https://alphalasercutting.com/about-us/
Homepage: https://alphalasercutting.com/
Jenoptik Laser
Jenoptik is one of the top laser equipment and laser system manufacturers in the world. They design and develop laser equipment for particular manufacturing demands, allowing customers to exploit new manufacturing possibilities. Jenoptik Laser’s goal is to satisfy process criteria, production environments, and end goals. Jenoptik configures and optimizes modular standard platforms in close cooperation with the customers to deliver a tailored solution — they believe that progress needs a base of excellence.
Laser Cutting Machines
- Metal Laser Cutting
- Plastic Laser Cutting
Homepage: https://www.jenoptik.us/
Laser Cutting: https://www.jenoptik.us/products/lasers/laser-cutting
Conclusie
As a consumer, it’s now easier to invest in a laser cutter as compared to the past, thanks to the advancements in technology including affordability and ease of use.
The market for Engraving machines is expected to continue growing with no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
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