Precision CO2 Laser Cutting of Small Parts

Gerald T. Hertzel

doi:10.1117/12.966963

1 January 1987 Precision CO2 Laser Cutting of Small Parts

Gerald T. Hertzel

Proceedings Volume 0744, Lasers in Motion for Industrial Applications; (1987) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.966963
Event: OE LASE'87 and EO Imaging Symposium, 1987, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

With the expanding application of laser machining in the industrial environment, various laser types such as CO2, Nd:YAG and Nd:Glass have to a certain extent been identified for use in specific applications, both by laser manufacturers and the user community. The CO2 laser, and in particular the newer fast axial flow laser, is becoming linked with sheet metal cutti g systems and what might be ter ed "industrial" iaterials processing. These lasers are in many cases being looked at to replace or complement more conventional manufacturing techniques; such as, punch and die, shearing, blanking and milling for low volume part quantities. Quality and part tolerance obtained from the CO2 laser in these cases often meet or exceed that which is obtainable by the conventional technique. If one begins to consider the manufacture of precision parts such as the type obtainable through techniques; such as, photofabrication or fine blanking, the answer that is generally accepted by the laser community is that the parts must be manufactured by the solid state lasers, Nd:YAG or Nd:Glass. No argument can be made concerning the part quality obtainable with the solid state lasers; however, precision cutting approaching and often equaling the solid state lasers is obtainable with the CO2 laser. Precision CO2 laser cutting might by some standards be considered more of an art than a scientific application; however, by utilizing standard equipment and simple processing techniques, high quality precision CO2 laser cut parts are obtainable both in the laboratory and on the production floor for the industrial user.

Citation Download Citation

Gerald T. Hertzel "Precision CO2 Laser Cutting of Small Parts", Proc. SPIE 0744, Lasers in Motion for Industrial Applications, (1 January 1987); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.966963

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