The Future of Laser Cutting in the Metalworking Industry In Mexico
Laser cutting is revolutionizing the metalworking industry in Mexico, offering unprecedented precision and efficiency in component manufacturing. The advances and applications of this technology must be carefully analyzed to select the machine that fits the projects and applications of each case.
Laser-cutting technology is the fastest-growing among Mexican metalworking entrepreneurs. Using high-intensity laser beams to cut sheet metal and plates has made achieving a higher cut quality possible than conventional methods. Laser cutting categories are differentiated by quality, size, type, and technological characteristics, including CO2, fiber, and solid-state lasers (such as Nd:YAG). Practically, there is some laser cutting technology and machine for any specific application, and in each case, it offers unique advantages.
The size of laser cutting machines varies according to their characteristics, which are related to factors such as laser power, system complexity, and the ability to handle different types and thicknesses of material. Critical components, such as the laser source, beam delivery system, workbench, and CNC system, are essential to optimizing the cutting process, enabling accurate pattern programming, and significantly reducing material waste and production time.
And it is precisely in the field of accuracy and quality that cutting wins the preference of metalworking manufacturers. The accuracy of this cutting equipment varies according to the type of laser used and the characteristics of the material to be cut. They can currently have very tight dimensional tolerances of approximately ±0.1 mm, although this can vary depending on the equipment and material. In addition, the cuts' edge quality and surface roughness are remarkable, with a minimum roughness that can range from 1.6 μm to Ra 25 μm, depending on the configuration. More importantly, it ensures high consistency in repetitive cuts, which is indispensable for high-volume projects.