Laser Cutter Machines - How its Made

Summary

This video explores the high-tech process of laser cutting, highlighting its advantages over traditional metal stamping. It explains how a laser cutter uses a precision-guided laser beam to cut complex shapes with smooth edges, reducing the need for additional labor. The video covers the assembly of the laser resonator, the precision alignment of its components, and the cutting mechanism, which ensures high accuracy. By eliminating the rough edges left by stamping presses, laser cutting enhances both speed and cost-efficiency, making it a superior choice for manufacturing intricate metal parts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Laser cutters are advanced machines that use a computer-guided laser beam to precisely cut metal, unlike traditional stamping presses.
• 😀 The laser resonator produces the laser beam by reflecting light inside two aluminum blocks, which are carefully assembled in a cleanroom.
• 😀 The laser beam's shape is invisible, so it is tested by shooting it into a plastic cube and adjusting the mirrors until the beam cuts a cone formation.
• 😀 The resonator is filled with a mixture of gases, including nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and helium, to produce the photons that form the laser beam.
• 😀 To ensure precision, mirrors inside the laser resonator direct photons back and forth, forming the focused laser beam.
• 😀 The motion unit, which controls the laser's movement, relies on a precisely aligned rack and pinion system to cut with accuracy.
• 😀 The laser cutter's cutting head includes mirrors and lenses that focus the laser beam onto the metal sheet for optimal cutting performance.
• 😀 Unlike stamping presses that leave rough edges, laser cutters create smooth edges, reducing the need for post-processing like grinding.
• 😀 Laser cutters offer significant advantages in speed and labor cost savings over traditional metal cutting methods.
• 😀 Safety covers made of sheet metal and plexiglass are used to enclose the cutting head during operation, ensuring safe use of the laser cutter.

Q & A

What is a laser cutter, and how does it differ from traditional metal cutting methods?

A laser cutter is a high-tech machine that uses a computer-guided laser beam to precisely cut parts out of metal. Unlike traditional metal cutting methods, such as stamping presses, which require separate tools for each type of cut, a laser cutter can cut virtually any shape with high precision.

What are the main components of a laser cutter?

The main components of a laser cutter are the laser resonator, which produces the laser beam, and the mechanical system, which moves the laser over the metal in a precise pattern controlled by a computer.

How is the laser resonator created?

The laser resonator is created by milling two blocks of aluminum, each with a mirror mounted on opposite ends. These mirrors reflect light back and forth inside the resonator, forming the laser beam. The blocks are then mounted on aluminum tubes and assembled in a cleanroom to avoid contamination.

Why is it important to clean all parts of the laser resonator?

Cleaning all parts of the laser resonator is crucial because any contaminants could shorten the laser's lifespan by affecting the quality of the beam and overall performance.

How does the laser resonator produce a laser beam?

The laser resonator produces a laser beam by pumping electrical energy into a mixture of gases under pressure. This generates photons, which are reflected back and forth between the mirrors inside the resonator, creating a coherent and powerful laser beam.

What gases are used in the laser resonator, and why are they important?

The laser resonator is filled with a pressurized mixture of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and helium. These gases are essential for creating the photons that form the laser beam and for maintaining the optimal conditions for the laser's operation.

Why is the laser beam tested by shooting it into a plastic cube?

The laser beam is tested by shooting it into a plastic cube to observe its shape, as the beam is invisible. This allows technicians to fine-tune the beam's shape by adjusting the mirrors on the resonator until it cuts the desired formation in the plastic.

What is the role of the motion unit in the laser cutter?

The motion unit in the laser cutter moves the laser beam over the metal in a precise, computer-controlled pattern. It ensures that the laser cuts accurately and efficiently by guiding the beam in three dimensions over the workpiece.

How does the laser cutter achieve precision in its cuts?

The laser cutter achieves precision through the use of a rack and pinion system that propels the motion unit. The racks must be perfectly aligned to ensure the laser moves accurately. Technicians use precision measuring equipment to check and adjust the alignment of the racks before the machine is used.

What are the advantages of laser cutting over traditional stamping machines?

Laser cutting offers several advantages over traditional stamping machines, including smoother edges that require no further grinding or finishing. This saves time and labor costs, making laser cutting a more efficient and cost-effective method for metalworking.