Laser cutting machines use powerful, focused laser beams to cut through sheets of steel, wood, and certain other materials and create two-dimensional parts. While most of them are designed for expert use, some are suitable for hobbyists as well. The machine allows individuals to bring their artistic ideas to reality. That said, buying a laser cutting machine can be pretty expensive, so one must learn more about them before purchasing.

Types
Three types of lasers are typically in use today, each with distinct applications.

• CNC CO2 lasers
  This type consists of a tube with CO2, helium, and nitrogen gas enclosed within. It is commonly used because of its high power output of up to 15 kW and better efficiency of up to 30%. CO2 lasers are ideal for cutting fine features and acute angles, specifically in sheet metals with a thickness of less than 10 mm. Powerful ones may even easily cut thicker metal surfaces.
• CNC fiber laser cutter
  More modern machines, like fiber laser cutters, use a bank of diodes to create a powerful laser beam that is focused through a fiber-optic cable. They cut sheets faster and cleaner than CO2 lasers, especially if the material is less than 5 mm thick. While CNC fiber laser cutters can work on several materials, one may find it difficult to cut silver. This is because silver retains heat from the laser and starts to warp during the project. If that happens, one should use a bracket as a heat sink to take heat away from the silver workpiece while cutting.
• CNC crystal laser cutter
  This one can cut various materials, including glass, wood, plastics, and metals. It also has a higher intensity than CO2 laser cutters, which means one can cut thicker metals. The CNC crystal laser uses beams made from crystals like neodymium-doped yttrium ortho-vanadate (Nd:YVO) and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG).

Benefits
Anyone, be it an expert or a hobbyist, can use a laser cutting machine and enjoy its features.

• Lasers produce more intricate designs and holes as small as 2 mm with higher accuracy and precision.
• The process offers cleaner cuts, which reduces the need for additional post-processing (finishing) operations.
• A CNC laser reduces the need for multiple cutting tools or custom tools, including traditional CNC routers and milling machines.
• The machine is non-contact, which reduces the risk of material distortion and contamination. This makes the rendered components suitable for use in the healthcare industry.

Common uses
A laser cutting machine has a range of applications in different industries.

• Cutting sheet metal
  A laser cutter can cut both sheets and plates made from various materials, including plastics, wood, and metals.
• Engraving
  A laser cutting machine can engrave almost anything, from adding serial numbers to manufactured parts to artistic applications like wood markings.
• Welding
  This method helps precisely weld two metals or thermoplastics together with a laser beam instead of an electrical arc.
• Cutting tube
  CNC laser cutters with a rotational axis can cut complex profiles on hollow sections.