{"id":299,"date":"2025-08-12T06:13:59","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T06:13:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanta.com\/precision-manufacturing\/?p=299"},"modified":"2026-06-26T14:42:20","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T14:42:20","slug":"what-is-laser-cutting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanta.com\/precision-manufacturing\/articles\/what-is-laser-cutting\/","title":{"rendered":"What is laser cutting? How it works, types & advantages"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Laser cutting is one of the most common material processing techniques. It uses high-powered lasers<\/a> to cut through materials including wood, metals and plastics. In this article, we\u2019ll explain how laser cutting<\/a> works, look at the different types of laser cutting, and explore its many advantages.        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  1. What is laser cutting?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. How does laser cutting work?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Components of a laser cutting machine<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Types of laser cutting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Which materials are suitable for laser cutting?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. What is laser cutting used for?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. What are the advantages of laser cutting?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Are there any disadvantages of laser cutting?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Laser cutting safety considerations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Laser cutting FAQs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. Precision laser cutting solutions by Novanta Photonics<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    What is laser cutting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Laser cutting is a precision manufacturing process<\/a> that uses a focused, high-power laser beam to accurately cut through industrial materials. The heat generated by laser beams can melt, burn or vaporize even the toughest materials, including metals and acrylics. Laser cutting can create clean-cut or rounded edges, tapered cuts, and intricate, complex designs. It\u2019s used by industries including the aerospace, automotive and electronics sectors for rapid prototyping and manufacturing. Novanta Photonics\u2019 laser cutting solutions enable seamless customization via advanced laser control software, making the technique incredibly versatile and adaptable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How does laser cutting work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Regardless of the type of laser used, the laser cutting process will comprise the following steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Laser beam generation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Laser light is generated within the laser, with the light generation depending on the type of laser medium used e.g. CO2 or solid state. The resulting beam exhibits a high power density and possesses a wavelength specific to the type of laser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Laser beam direction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Mirrors or fiber optics are used to direct the laser beam to a lens that focusses the beam to a small spot on the surface of the material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Material processing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    When the focused laser beam comes into contact with the material, its power generates heat that melts, burns or vaporizes the material that is no longer required. A jet of gas can be used to assist the cutting process, blowing away residuals, resulting in a high-quality edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Post-processing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Laser cutting produces a cleaner, more precise finish than other cutting methods, but manufacturers may complete the process by cleaning or deburring the newly cut area during post-processing to ensure the highest quality finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Components of a laser cutting machine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    An industrial laser cutting machine will have the following components:<\/p>\n\n\n\n