Laser cutting and etching are both effective in producing a high-quality finished product, and both have their own advantages. Laser cutting Perth requires more power, while laser etching requires less. The two processes can also be performed on different materials.
It is non-contact
Laser cutting is a process that uses light waves to create intricate designs by cutting into the surface of a material. It uses light waves to make precise cuts in plastics, metal, wood, ceramics, glass, and more. Laser cutting uses the same basic principles as etching but uses different wavelengths and frequencies of light to accomplish the same task.
Laser cutting and etching use different gases as assist gases. The gas used depends on the type of material being cut and the desired effect. Reactive gases are more effective for certain materials, such as titanium and thick carbon steel.
It is versatile
Laser cutting is a versatile process used for a wide range of purposes. It can be used to cut metal sheets into various shapes and sizes. It is often used in the contract manufacturing industry and lends itself to rapid prototyping. It is also used to produce components for military applications, which require precision and accuracy to meet stringent government regulations.
It causes a lot of concentrated heat
Laser cutting and laser etching use a lot of concentrated heat, and keeping a couple of safety precautions in mind is important. First, ensure that the workpiece is protected from fire by covering it with a blanket. Second, avoid using a fire extinguisher on a working laser. This is because lasers produce very high voltage.
The concentrated heat produced by laser cutting and etching can harm the materials being processed. While the laser beam is highly focused, it is not as sharp on the other side. The laser beam is a little larger than the material it cuts, leaving a gap or kerf. This gap is common to all cutting machines. A saw blade has a kerf that is a rectangle-shaped area equal to the width of the blade, while a laser cutter’s kerf is slightly trapezoidal.
Its cost depends on the design complexity
When it comes to cost, the choice between laser cutting and laser etching depends on the design complexity. The more complicated the design, the more expensive the process will be. The price will also be impacted by the number of markings per piece and the production volume. This highlights the importance of researching before committing to one method over the other.
Get the best laser cut or laser-etched signage at Artcom Fabrication!
Artcom Fabrication is a company based in Western Australia that provides premium quality fabrication, design, or signage for different industrial markets. Visit their website at www.artcomfabrication.com.au to learn more about their brand and its services, such as laser etching aluminium.
