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How Laser Cutting Machines are Made

By Rain Noe - April 6, 2012

in Digital Fabrication

If only there was a way to combine my love of metalworking with my laser proficiency

If only there was a way to combine my love of metalworking with my laser proficiency

Here's something we don't see often: A "How it's made" video showing how they make something that makes other things. Specifically, a laser cutting machine.

The coolest thing we didn't know before seeing the video is that a laser beam must be the appropriate shape in order to cut optimally, just like a router bit or a kitchen knife designed for a specific task. But the laser used here is invisible, and you can't shape what you can't see. So check out 2:10 in the video where they use clear blocks of sacrificial plastic that actually reveal the laser's shape.

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ID-AL

12 years ago

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I think lasers are the present and ALM is the future.
Check out this http://www.airbus.com/newsevents/news-events-single/detail/bringing-new-dimensions-to-airbus-production-through-additive-layer-manufacturing/
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Spirulina

12 years ago

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Very cool. Lasers are amazing and surely the future of manufacturing. Apparently one major drwa back is the energy needed for the laser but with the advent of new energy sources and cheaper energy I think we can see a lot more laser usuage. Cool video.
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