Laser Cutters for Schools

Laser cutters are often used in schools because these versatile, high-tech machines can be used for projects in many different academic areas. They can be tools in the creation of artwork, architectural models and product design. Students can also gain a greater understanding of how products are designed and formed in the commercial world.

Uses

With a laser cutter, students can cut a variety of materials such as wood, plastic and metal. It works by vaporizing material with a laser, enabling precise shapes to be cut out of sheets or blocks and crafted to create the final product.

How it works

Students use a Computer Aided Design programs such as AutoCAD to create the shape or form required. A laser then melts, burns or vaporize the material, depending on the type of machine, leaving an accurately formed object. The excess material is drawn out of the machine by an extraction device.

Types

There are different types of laser cutters that can be used in the classroom. Vaporization cutting, used to cut wood and plastic, uses a focused beam to heat the material to boiling point and so it evaporates. Thermal stress cracking, for cutting glass, uses a beam to heat and expand a point on a material, causing a crack. This crack can then be guided with the movement of the beam. Melt and blow uses high-pressure gas to blow molten material, heated by the laser from the cutting area.

Tips and Warnings

Test cuts should be done on a scrap piece of material before attempting to laser cut the final product. This ensures all locations of the cut are correct, all depths of cuts are correct and all scales are appropriate. Adhere to safety guidelines found on laser engraving machines.

References

• American Welding Society- Laser welding and cutting safety