Common Manufacturing Applications for Laser Cutters
Many of today’s manufacturing facilities have already invested in laser cutting machines. A combination of versatility, technological advancements that allow lasers to cut different materials, and more affordable machines has allowed the industry to thrive in recent years. Those who are still on the fence about jumping on board with this recent trend can read on to find out about some of the most popular applications for laser-cut parts and components that might just have them rethinking their decisions.
Automotive Parts
Laser cutters can reproduce parts accurately and with remarkable speed, and those are two factors that make the industrial process a great fit for automotive manufacturing. Modern vehicle manufacturers need exact replicas of many parts in a variety of shapes and sizes. Laser cutting can be used to manufacture metal and plastic parts used in crafting a car’s exterior, interior trim components, and even parts that support the car’s electronics.
Many automotive manufacturers also use lasers to engrave buttons, serial numbers, and parts numbers. Even the dies used to cut different pieces can be manufactured using lasers. Finally, laser cutters are fantastic tools for cutting hydro-formed parts used to support modern vehicles’ structures, including engine frames and instrument panels.
Dies and Molds
Many manufacturers use dies or molds to create replica pieces. Laser cutters are great for stamping metal pieces that are designed to withstand the repetitive processes associated with die-cutting. Not only can manufacturers that use laser cutters replicate dies quickly and accurately but the lasers can also be used to manufacture injection molds in less time-consuming and costly ways.
Hand Tools
Some experts believe that laser cutters are more efficient than die-cutting for manufacturing simple hand tools. They can be used on a variety of sturdy metals, and even rubberized handles. Manufacturers can also use laser engravers to set company logos and tool information with ease.
Jewelry and Watches
It’s the precision associated with laser cutting that makes it an excellent technique for jewelry making. Just think about how small the component parts are in watches and other forms of complex jewelry and how much time it takes to manufacture them using traditional methods. Lasers cut down on manufacturing time, create less waste, and can also be used to engrave parts. They can also cut metal to precise depths, making it easier to mass-produce bracelets, rings, and other types of jewellery to exact widths, depths, and diameters.
Medical Devices
When most people consider the use of lasers in medical facilities, they immediately think of laser surgeries. However, laser cutters also play an important role in manufacturing medical devices and components. Stents, vascular clips, bone reamers, valve framers, and all kinds of flexible shafts can be manufactured to exact specifications using laser-cut parts.
Silicone Parts
Silicone is an incredibly useful material. It’s heat-tolerant, age-resistant, and relatively easy to manipulate. These days, silicon can be found in everything from computers and electronics to textiles and household products. Laser cutting is one of the best ways to work silicone since it allows engineers to manufacture remarkably small parts with incredible precision.
The Bottom Line
Laser cutters are taking over the manufacturing world. Any industrial manufacturer who has yet to make the switch owes it to the company to check out this important information about Boss Laser, a reputable laser manufacturer that offers a wide selection of laser cutters, engravers, and other machines that are perfect for production facilities working at any scale.
