3D Laser Cutting
3D or Five Axis Laser Cutting
3D or 5 axis laser cutting, is a relatively new process which is widely used in the Automotive and Aerospace industries. This form of trimming is mainly used to cut pressed components, spinnings and tubes. The workpiece remains stationary by means of clamping usually to a fixture or jig, the laser head then moves around the workpiece making the necessary cutting in 3D on 5 axis.
Take a look at a pressed panel being cut by a 5 axis laser machine:
The 3D laser beam is generated using the same process as flat laser profiling. The only difference is that the machine head is capable of moving in a Z or horizontal direction as shown in the video above.
What are the advantages of 3d laser cutting?
There are many advantages of 3d laser profiling when compared to traditional milling or cutting methods:
• It is more cost effective for low volume production when compared to traditional cutting tools.
• It has up to 70% faster cutting speeds compared to milling or drilling.
• There is the ability to incorporate design changes without expensive and slow tooling changes.
• There is increased design flexibilty as holes and apertures can be cut post forming without the risk of distortion.
• It allows prototype components to be produced at a lower cost.
• It is ideal for cutting spinnings or explosion formed pressings.