What is Laser Cutting? (appx. 15 Minutes)

Laser Cutting is a fabrication process that uses a thin, focused laser beam to cut and etch materials into custom designs, patterns, and shapes as specified by a designer. In our space we use a machine called the Glowforge.

 

Generally, a laser cutting machine should be able to engrave and cut material. In fact, the only difference between cutting and engraving is how deep the laser goes and how it changes the overall appearance of the material.  When engraving, the laser moves back and forth to burn the top layer of the material off to create the image.

Laser cutters have become handy tools for prototyping and manufacturing. They are being used:

• in rapid prototyping, because they allow designers to quickly and cheaply iterate on their designs before producing in large scale.
• in machine shops as well as in industrial manufacturing to cut large pieces of materials.
• in hardware companies to create prototypes.
• in education for prototyping/small projects.
• by artists and makers who want to bring to life their digital designs

There are a few different types of laser cutters, but they all essentially use the same process of using a laser to cut material. The laser sends out a beam of intense light reflected through a system of mirrors to an extremely thin, concentrated beam.