Laser cutting is a material-cutting method that uses an intensely focused, coherent stream of light to cut through metals, paper, wood, and acrylics. It is a subtractive process that removes material during the cutting process using vaporization, melting, chemical ablation, or controlled crack propagation. Laser optics controlled by Computer Numerical Control (CNC) can drill holes as small as 5 microns (µ). The process does not produce residual stresses on materials, making it possible to cut fragile and brittle materials.
Laser drilling uses several methods, including single-shot, percussion, trepanning, and helical. Single-shot and percussion laser drilling produce holes at a higher rate than the other processes. Trepanning and helical drilling, produce more accurate, higher-quality holes.
Laser cutting is a non-contact process where cutting is completed without making contact with the cut material. It can shape high-strength, brittle materials such as diamond tools and refractory ceramics. The first production laser cutting was introduced in 1965 and was used to drill holes in diamond dies. It was later used for cutting high strength alloys and metals such as titanium for aerospace applications. Its range of applications covers the cutting of polymers, semiconductors, gems, and metallic alloys.