Unearthing the facts behind laser cutting myths

Laser cutting technology is undoubtedly one of the most practical technological advances made for companies offering fabrication services.

Laser cutting in Toronto utilises this high-powered laser to manipulate different kinds of material into designs that are pre-programmed into a computer. In addition, with the use of the right equipment, lasers can be handled to cut various metals into intricate and unique shapes that may be essential for completing a wide variety of projects.

Regardless, there still exist some common myths or misconceptions surrounding laser cutting, in Toronto or otherwise. With this context in mind, read on as we set in plain sights the truth behind these prevailing untruths. 

#1: Laser cutting isn’t suitable for cutting highly-reflective materials

The root of this one is simple to trace and is founded on the belief that the beam of light can bounce off a highly-reflective metal which, subsequently, damages the laser. While this may hold true for certain CO2 lasers, there are certainly ways of mitigating these problems that allow fabricators to cut materials like aluminium without hindrance. Fibre optic, for instance, can be used accomplish this cutting task as it significantly reduces the metal’s reflectivity.

#2: The more wattage the better

One of the more persistent falsities surrounding laser cutting is the notion that higher wattage can expedite cutting processes. While higher wattage can certainly make for easier work cutting through thick metals, it doesn’t in fact correlate with the productivity of the laser cutting process – an important distinction to make. Quite the contrary in fact - for fabricators performing laser cutting in Toronto or elsewhere in the world, lower wattage can often be the necessary choice for improved beam quality.

#3: Laser cutters are troublesome to use

This misconception is due to the fact that laser cutters are quite complex technology, naturally leading to the presupposition that they are hard to deal with. Complexity, however, is not convolution.

Advanced laser cutting machines have been designed to streamline certain activities, especially compared to mechanical counterparts such as press brakes. It is not typical for laser cutters to be reliant on special tooling to cut materials, and they are programmable for each job, making them more convenient to use.