Definition
A laser cutter is a device that uses a focused beam of light to melt or burn through a target material. Laser cutters are computer-controlled to maintain precision.
Types of Lasers
The type of gas used to power the laser depends on the application. CO2 lasers have lower peak output but can stay on constantly, making them well suited for cutting and engraving. Nd-YAG lasers have high peak power and are pulsed quickly to bore holes through a given material.
Materials
Laser cutters work best with metal sheeting, but glass, plastic and wood can all be cut. Nonmelting materials such as wood will have scorched edges that can be aesthetically undesirable. Mechanical cutting might be a better option in this case.
Precision and Speed
Laser cutters generally have a margin of error of .001 inches and can cut 10s of times faster than traditional methods.
Cooling
Because of the high heat output of laser cutting devices, the material is usually cooled in a circulating bath of water.
Efficiency
While laser cutting consumes a comparatively large amount of energy, the precision of the instruments also means there is less resulting material waste. Depending on the value of the material being worked, this might make production more or less expensive.
