Analysis of the advantages of plate laser cutting machines

In the grand landscape of modern manufacturing, plate laser cutting machines are like a shining star, standing out among numerous processing equipment with their unique and outstanding advantages, and becoming a key force driving the development of the industry. The following will delve into the significant advantages of plate laser cutting machines from multiple dimensions.

1. In terms of cutting accuracy

（1） High focusing power density achieves precise positioning

The core of a plate laser cutting machine lies in its high-energy density laser beam. When the laser beam is focused by a precise optical system, it can form extremely high power density in a very small area. This focal point is like an incredibly sharp 'light knife', with a diameter that can be precisely controlled within a very small range, typically between 0.1mm-0.3mm. Such precise focusing points enable the plate laser cutting machine to accurately locate the position that needs to be cut, just like a skilled surgeon who can perform surgical operations accurately and without error. In the field of electronic component manufacturing, for some small-sized and structurally complex circuit boards, plate laser cutting machines, with their high-precision positioning ability, can accurately cut various shapes of circuits and holes according to design requirements, ensuring the performance and quality of electronic components.

（2） Good repeatability ensures consistency in batch production

In industrial production, batch production of components requires a high degree of consistency, which is the key to ensuring stable product quality. Laser cutting machines have excellent repeatability, which means that they can always maintain the same cutting accuracy and size when cutting the same specification of sheet metal multiple times. This repeatability is due to the advanced numerical control system and precise mechanical transmission device of the plate laser cutting machine. The numerical control system is like an intelligent brain that can accurately control the motion trajectory and cutting parameters of the laser beam; And the mechanical transmission device is like a precise limb, ensuring that the laser head moves accurately along the predetermined path. Taking the automobile manufacturing industry as an example, in the production of automobile body parts, a large number of steel plates of the same shape and size need to be cut. The repeatability of the plate laser cutting machine can ensure that every component meets the design requirements, thereby ensuring the consistency of the overall quality and performance of the car.

2. In terms of cutting speed

（1） Far exceeding traditional cutting methods to improve production efficiency
Compared with traditional cutting methods, plate laser cutting machines have an absolute advantage in cutting speed. Traditional mechanical cutting methods, such as sawing and punching, have relatively slow cutting speeds due to limitations imposed by cutting tools or molds. Laser cutting machines use high-energy laser beams to instantly melt or vaporize materials, without the need for mechanical force like traditional methods, thus enabling them to complete cutting tasks at extremely fast speeds. In metal sheet processing, for stainless steel plates with moderate thickness, the cutting speed of plate laser cutting machines can reach several meters per minute or even higher, while traditional mechanical cutting methods may only be able to cut tens of centimeters per minute. The significant difference in speed enables plate laser cutting machines to significantly improve production efficiency, shorten production cycles, and reduce production costs in large-scale production.
（2） Quick response to meet diverse production needs

Modern manufacturing industry is facing the challenge of diversified and personalized market demand, and enterprises need to be able to quickly adjust production plans to meet the customized needs of different customers. Laser cutting machines have the ability to respond quickly. They can quickly change the cutting pattern and size through simple numerical control programming, achieving cutting of different shapes and specifications of sheets. This flexibility enables enterprises to quickly produce various customized products without replacing equipment or molds. For example, in the advertising production industry, customers have different requirements for the shape and size of billboards. Laser cutting machines can complete the cutting and processing of the metal frame of billboards in a short period of time according to customers' design requirements, greatly improving the market competitiveness of enterprises.

3. In terms of adaptability to cutting patterns

（1） Numerical Control Programming for Cutting Arbitrary Planar Shapes
Laser cutting machines can achieve cutting of any planar shape through computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies, combined with advanced numerical control systems. Designers only need to draw the required graphics on the computer, and then convert the graphic information into control instructions for the plate laser cutting machine through numerical control programming. The plate laser cutting machine can accurately cut the corresponding shape according to the instructions. This ability gives plate laser cutting machines a unique advantage in processing complex shaped components. In the aerospace field, for some components with complex surfaces and irregular structures, such as the skin of aircraft wings, engine blades, etc., plate laser cutting machines can accurately cut according to design requirements to ensure the accuracy and quality of the components.
（2） No need for molds to reduce production costs and cycles

Traditional cutting methods, such as stamping, die-cutting, etc., usually require the production of specialized molds. The production of molds not only requires a lot of time and capital, but also increases production costs and cycles for small batches and multiple varieties of production needs through mold replacement and adjustment. Laser cutting machines do not require the production of molds and can directly cut according to computer programs, greatly reducing production costs and cycles. For some emerging startups or small-scale production enterprises, the advantage of plate laser cutting machines is particularly important. They can quickly launch new products, meet market demand, and enhance the competitiveness of the enterprise without investing a large amount of funds in mold production.

4. In terms of material utilization rate

（1） Automatic typesetting maximizes the utilization of board materials
The plate laser cutting machine is equipped with advanced computer-aided typesetting software, which can automatically optimize typesetting based on the size and shape of the board, as well as the specifications and quantity of the parts that need to be cut. Through reasonable arrangement and combination, the software can maximize the utilization of the board area and reduce material waste. For example, when cutting irregularly shaped components, automatic typesetting software can cleverly arrange multiple components on a single sheet, maximizing the utilization of the sheet. Compared with traditional manual typesetting, automatic typesetting can improve material utilization by 10% -30%, which can significantly reduce production costs for some expensive metal materials.
（2） Reduce scraps and lower resource consumption

Due to the plate laser cutting machine's ability to accurately cut according to design requirements, it reduces the production of scraps during the cutting process. The reduction of scraps not only means a decrease in material waste, but also reduces the consumption of resources. Against the backdrop of increasingly scarce global resources, this advantage holds significant importance. At the same time, reducing scraps can also lower the cost of waste disposal for enterprises and achieve green production. For example, in some metal processing enterprises, by using plate laser cutting machines, a large amount of metal scraps can be reduced every year, saving considerable funds for the enterprise and also meeting the policy requirements of national sustainable development.

5. In terms of cutting quality

（1） Smooth incision without further processing
The quality of the cut made by the plate laser cutting machine is very good, with a smooth surface, no burrs, slag or other defects. This is because the laser beam can quickly melt or vaporize the material during the cutting process, and blow away the melted or vaporized material through high-pressure gas, making the cutting edge neat and smooth. Compared with traditional cutting methods, products cut by plate laser cutting machines generally do not require subsequent polishing, deburring, or other processing, and can be directly used for assembly. This not only improves production efficiency, but also ensures product quality. In the medical device manufacturing industry, for some precision metal components such as surgical knives, needles, etc., the smooth incision made by plate laser cutting machines can reduce damage to patient tissues, improve the safety and success rate of surgery.
（2） Small heat affected zone ensures material performance

The cutting process of a plate laser cutting machine is a fast and localized heating and cooling process, with a very small heat affected zone. The heat affected zone refers to the area where a material undergoes performance changes due to the influence of heat during the cutting process. In traditional thermal cutting methods such as flame cutting and plasma cutting, the heat affected zone is relatively large, which can cause changes in the hardness, strength, and other properties of the material, affecting the quality of the product. The heat affected zone of plate laser cutting machines is usually only tens to hundreds of microns, which has minimal impact on the performance of materials. In industries that require high material performance, such as aerospace and nuclear industries, the advantage of plate laser cutting machines can ensure the quality and reliability of components.

6. In terms of processing costs

（1） Long term comprehensive cost is relatively low
Although the initial investment in laser cutting equipment is relatively large, in the long run, its overall processing cost is relatively low. On the one hand, the high cutting speed and material utilization of plate laser cutting machines can reduce the production cost per unit product. On the other hand, plate laser cutting machines have a high degree of automation, reducing manual operations and lowering labor costs. In addition, the maintenance cost of plate laser cutting machines is relatively low, and their optical systems and mechanical transmission devices have a long lifespan. As long as regular maintenance and upkeep are carried out, the equipment can be maintained in normal operation. Compared with traditional cutting equipment, plate laser cutting machines can save a lot of money for enterprises during long-term use.
（2） Reduce mold costs and replacement time

As mentioned earlier, plate laser cutting machines do not require the production of molds, which saves enterprises the cost of mold production. At the same time, for some production needs that require frequent changes in product specifications and shapes, plate laser cutting machines do not need to replace molds, and can quickly adjust cutting parameters through CNC programming, greatly reducing production preparation time and downtime. This advantage enables enterprises to respond more flexibly to market changes, improve production efficiency and economic benefits.

Laser cutting machines have significant advantages in cutting accuracy, cutting speed, cutting pattern adaptability, material utilization, cutting quality, and processing cost. With the continuous advancement of technology and the continuous development of manufacturing, plate laser cutting machines will be widely used in more fields, playing a more important role in promoting the transformation and upgrading of the industry and sustainable development.