LIA Guide to High Power Laser Cutting

Laser Institute of America (LIA), the professional society for laser applications and safety, announces its release of the LIA Guide to High Power Laser Cutting. In the guide, students, engineers and scientists alike will gain a more in-depth understanding of the science behind laser cutting. Written by a team of specialists led by industry experts Dr. John Powell and Dr. Dirk Petring, this 136-page guide is a comprehensive resource that touches on all features of laser cutting machines and materials.

"LIA is happy to announce the release of the new guide,” said Dr. Powell, who is also the technical director of Laser Expertise Ltd. "The guide covers all aspects of CO₂ and fiber laser cutting, including basic principles, cutting speeds and cut quality.”

Some specific highlights are as follows:

• Physics of Laser Cutting
• Design and Mechanics of a Laser Cutting Machine
• When to Use Fiber vs. CO₂ Laser Cutting Machines
• Information on How Different Materials Interact with Laser Cutting Machines
• Practical Advice for Purchasing a Laser Cutting Machine
• Tables of Laser Cutting Speeds for Different Materials

With 42 color and 31 black-and-white illustrations, this is a working reference tool for laser users in any industry. The authors additionally delve into the complex physical and chemical interactions that occur during laser-oxygen cutting and walk through the ways that the efficiency of laser cutting changes with the laser or material type, the power of the laser, and the thickness of the material, leaving no subject untouched.

"This new guide is aimed at a wide readership—from job-shop employees to researchers,” said Dr. Powell.