What Are the Advantages of Using a CO2 Laser Cutting Machine?

It’s the year 2020, and that means we’re officially living in the future. 

And if there’s one thing that’s synonymous with the future, it’s got to be lasers. Fortunately, lasers these days are widely available and have a number of everyday applications, including precision laser cutting. 

If you’re looking for an instrument capable of making extremely precise metal cuts, a CO2 laser cutting machine is perfect for almost any project. It’s not the only type of laser cutter on the market—but it’s got the benefit of a lengthy and proven track record.  

So read on to learn some of the many advantages of using a carbon dioxide metal laser cutter. 

The Advantages of a CO2 Laser

The typical CO2 laser cutter is a pretty remarkable machine. 

The acronym LASER actually stands for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation,” and a CO2 laser emits a very small (10μm) infrared cutting beam. After bouncing around a series of mirrors, and passing through focusing lenses, the laser cutter concentrates several kilowatts of energy onto a single point. 

And you can imagine how hot that single point can get. The laser cut essentially melts its way through the metal, and even completely or partially vaporizes some of the material. 

Because of its extremely focused energy, a metal-cutting laser can achieve precision cuts like nothing else. And when coupled with computer programs, the machine can cut out virtually any design you can imagine. 

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of CO2 laser cutting: 

1. Safety

This is an important consideration. The infrared wavelengths of a CO2 laser are more completely absorbed by the machine’s framework, which greatly reduces the risk of permanent retinal damage through light leakage. 

This contrasts with a fiber laser, whose smaller wavelength (1μm) allows the light to spill through small openings, with a greater risk of eye damage. 

2. Versatility

The CO2 laser is endlessly versatile when it comes to the different types of materials it will cut. 

Obviously, it is commonly used for precision metal cuts. But it’s also true that these laser cutters can be used on many other non-metallic materials—including plastics and paper. 

A CO2 laser cutting machine is also perfect for varying material thicknesses, producing consistent quality throughout. 

3. High Speed

Carbon dioxide laser cutters are fast at what they do. Their operation is simple, and very easy to control and automate thanks to precision laser cutting software. 

4. Less Thermal Deformation

Because of the speed and accuracy of the CO2 laser, and the extreme concentration of heat and energy, there is less danger of thermal deformation to the surrounding material. 

In other words, this type of laser doesn’t compromise the overall structural integrity of the material to be cut. 

5. Cost Savings

Operating a CO2 laser is comparatively inexpensive, and greatly reduces production costs. Its speed and versatility streamlines operations and increases efficiency. And its ability to create quality cuts on thick plate metals, such as stainless steel and aluminum, is a further cost advantage. 

Consider a CO2 Laser for Your Metal-Cutting Projects

If you’re looking for speed, precision, and cost savings in metal cutting, a CO2 laser pretty much has it all covered. A laser cutting machine is a big investment, and we hope this brief guide helps make your decision a little easier. 

While you’re here, please be sure to check out some of our other great articles on technology and gadgets.