Cutting

Laser cutting, waterjet cutting, or stamping—how do you choose the right method? This Lexicon section helps buyers understand the differences and translate technical needs into precise RFQs or specifications.

• Manufacturing process

  All processes for the production of geometrically determined bodies with predetermined technical properties and dimensions are referred to as manufacturing processes. In addition, material-changing methods such as hardening or soft annealing also belong to the manufacturing processes. Under the preamble of manufacturing methods, the individual methods are divided into six main groups according to their common features. These are described in more detail in DIN 8580 and categorized in subgroups and process variants. Manufacturing processes serve both for the production of semifinished products for further processing and for the production of final products.

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• Laser cutting

  The laser cutting is part of the group of separating and is based on the separation of solid bodies by laser radiation. The method allows the user to cut complex contours from almost all conceivable materials. The use of continuous or pulsed laser radiation for cutting or cutting workpieces has far-reaching advantages compared to other methods. In the metal processing industry, laser cutting is particularly popular due to the high precision, efficiency and productivity. The combination of laser technology with highly automated CNC technology also ensures a high cost-effectiveness even with small batch sizes.

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• Laser cutting metal

  Metal is one of the separating, thermal . By using the laser beam, solid bodies of metal are cut through. The separation is effected by the strong heating which the laser beam reaches by focusing on the corresponding point on the surface of the workpiece: the material completely melts or evaporates. After penetration of the material, the actual cutting process begins. Laser cutting of metal is one of the most flexible, precise and most economical separating . Typical applications can be found wherever a complex design needs to be processed quickly and as free of force as possible.

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• Plasma fusion cutting

  The plasma cutting is one of the thermal separation methods and allows the user to precisely cut sheets. The widespread method uses the thermal and kinetic energy of a plasma gas stream for liquefying and blowing out the material. The plasma cutting is used, in particular, when the material cannot be severed or only partially by conventional combustion cutting. The typical areas of application include cutting sheets of high-alloy steel, aluminium or copper. The method is distinguished by high cutting speeds, post-processing cuts, low heat input and low investment costs.

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• Water jet cutting

  The water jet cutting is a separate , where water is used under high pressure to cut through various materials. The water jet cutting is regarded as a particularly environmentally friendly, economical and material-friendly separation process. Depending on the material to be separated, pure water or water with an abrasive addition is optionally used in water jet cutting. While pure water is suitable for cutting soft materials such as plastics, foams, films and paper, an abrasive water jet is required for separating steel, ceramics or glass. The water jet cutting has proven itself primarily in the cutting of composites and is applied across the industry due to its extensive advantages.

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• Machining

  The preamble of machining includes a series of , which are characterized by the machining of workpieces for producing a desired shape.

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