What is laser cutting?

Laser cutting is an industrial process used to cut a variety of sheet materials. The most common use for laser cutting is the creation of parts using sheet steel, as of 2014.

Laser cutters are used to create highly precise parts with tolerances measured in thousandths of an inch. Laser cutting uses light to heat a material to its melting point. An assist gas such as air or nitrogen is used to keep the material immediately surrounding the cutting area cool. Industrial cutting lasers are capable of accurately cutting any non-reflective metal. Material can range from 22-gauge steel up to 2-inch thick steel plate.