You may not see it at first glance, but in your own house or flat there are many different metals that were cut precisely by professionals. The so-called laser cutting process is often used for this. It allows complex parts to be cut to exact dimensions and then used, for example, in construction.
To non-experts, this process may seem almost like magic - but it is not; it is a combination of modern technology and precise cutting methods. Laser cutting is a fascinating technique that we at ESC Burg also use to obtain made-to-measure, high-quality components.
In this article we want to answer several questions: what exactly is laser cutting, how does it work and which methods of this process exist? Finally, we look at laser cutting costs and show how you can order made-to-measure components from us.
What is laser cutting?
As already mentioned, laser cutting - also called laser beam cutting - is a process with which metal components can be cut precisely to specific dimensions and shapes. Many different materials can be cut with this method, including non-ferrous metals, various steel types (such as high-alloy steels and tool steel) and alloys, but also non-metals such as plastics, rubber, wool, paper and many more.
Thanks to pinpoint-accurate lasers, we can cut stainless steel plates in 3 mm, 5 mm and even 10 mm.
Laser cutting is thus mainly used for metals but can also cut other materials precisely. One advantage of this cutting process is that it is completely contact-free and can therefore also cut materials that are somewhat more delicate. The cutting itself is made possible by the enormous heat the laser applies at a tiny point: the workpiece cannot cool down fast enough and is then penetrated at that point - slowly but surely. This enables very clean, precise cutting.
How does laser cutting work?
So let us come to the core question: how exactly does laser cutting work? There are various processes within this method, which differ slightly. We will look at these processes and the exact details later - first, a rough general overview.
As the name suggests, a laser is used when metal is to be severed by laser cutting. This laser beam is generally focused and then directed at one point of the material. As this laser is extremely hot, the material melts at that point and the laser can penetrate it without difficulty. It should be mentioned that the laser measures only about half a millimetre in diameter - which enables pinpoint, precise cutting.
Once the material has been pierced at one point, the laser is guided slowly across the metal or material, in exactly the shape the metal is to have at the end. After only a short time, the material is cut - with no residue and an extremely clean cutting edge.
The different laser cutting processes
With our powerful XXL laser, many different metals can be cut - but there is by no means only one process that can be used in laser cutting. So which processes exist? Here is a brief overview of the different cutting processes in use:
Laser flame cutting
In this process, pure oxygen is used for cutting. It serves as the cutting gas to penetrate the material with the laser, especially at high material thicknesses. When cutting with this process, the edges are partially oxidised.
Laser fusion cutting
Another process is so-called fusion cutting. Here, inert gases such as nitrogen are used as the cutting gas, which is why the cut edges remain oxide-free. Here too, a high temperature is generated for pinpoint laser cutting. This very modern variant enables very accurate cutting and shaping of the workpiece.
Laser sublimation cutting
This process is used above all when cutting non-metallic materials, for example rubber or plastic. These can be vaporised directly by the laser and thus cut more easily. Nitrogen is usually used as the cutting gas here, which prevents the materials being cut from burning.
Laser cutting and the machine
Now you know the processes - and you know that at ESC Burg, of course, only the most modern and precise laser cutting methods are used. When you buy stainless steel sheets from us, they are cut exactly according to the most modern laser cutting processes.
So that you know exactly how the methods work and how a smooth, beautiful workpiece results at the end, let us take a closer look at the cutting workflow.
For the cutting process itself, we use powerful cutting machines such as the XXL fibre laser from Bystronic. With it, we can cut metals into any desired shape. Once we have received an order, we select the desired sheet and start the process immediately.
The machine itself is a marvel of technology, consisting of many different parts that make such fine cutting possible in the first place. These include the beam source and the cutting nozzle, but also the focusing of the laser itself. Inside the machine, tremendous heat is generated during the process, enabling the laser to cut easily and cleanly through the material.
A closer look at the technology
Laser cutting machines, which we also use at ESC Burg, are operated by an experienced employee who monitors the machine's exact metrics and settings from a safety cabin. The middle part of the machine consists of a guide track on which the workpiece is guided, plus one or more lasers that cut the workpiece to the desired size and shape according to the parameters.
The machine also has a filter system, because cutting generates a great deal of dust and additional gases. These are extracted from the machine's immediate area by the filter system. Depending on the laser technology, machine and process, different gases are also used for cutting - some of these gases cause more contamination than others.
At ESC Burg we cut materials with this machine very efficiently - we usually process and dispatch orders within just 48 hours. Convinced? Then get in touch with us, send us your requirements and receive a perfectly cut metal piece, cut by professionals to your specifications.
+49 3921 72-0