History And Development Of Laser Cutting Technology

Laser cutting is considerably one of the most popular processes that have efficiently developed every industry in the world today. With the use of advanced machinery and lasers to cut objects, it may seem to be very modern technology. However, the History and development Of laser cutting technology date back to the middle ages.

Theodore Maiman invented the very first laser cutter. The first-ever laser cutter prototype's creation dates back to the 1960s. It was first used to dig diamond mines in the west. By shining a very powerful flash lamp on a silver-coated ruby rod the laser was produced at the Hughes Research Laboratory in California.

In recent years, lasers have been used in ways that have proven to bring advancements. The use of laser machines has also caused a stir in both the world of science and ordinary people. Let us look back at the history of what led to the invention of the laser beam which later took on the industries in the form of laser cutting.

History And Development Of Laser Cutting Technology

Laser machines are of two types, fiber and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide ones are cheaper but the ones with fiber lasers are more efficient with precision. Both were invented at separate timelines. Let us know how both of them came about in the early years.

Discovery of Gas laser cutting

The carbon dioxide laser cutting was first discovered by Theodore Maiman. It was first used to dig diamond dies out onto the surface. The scientists at the Services Electronics Research Laboratory in Harlow were running tests for military applications.

He utilized engineered ruby to create a profound red beam, in spite of the fact that numerous of his contemporaries couldn’t see a use for his ruby laser, it has now changed the world. These tests involved using a 300W carbon dioxide gas laser to cut steel and stainless steel up to 2.5mm thick.

Around the 1960s, people soon began to use lasers all over the industries to cut steel and metal.  Kumar Patel later invented the co2 laser in 1964. It is to this day one of the most powerful non-stop operating lasers of that time.  Around 1967, the laser became more popular and was used regularly in continuous operations. Kumar Patel realized that if you put oxygen with carbon dioxide, it could potentially improve the speed and precision of the laser machine.

They soon realized that they could use the laser to cut any rigid material, which could benefit the economy.

Discovery of Fibre laser cutting

After a series of development procedures. The world shifted to using fiber laser cutting machines. It is the most recently convenient form of laser cutting. It was first introduced to the market in 2009 after being first discussed in 2007.

Salvagnini, an Italian tech company came up with the idea of the appliance of fiber laser to cutting objects. Ever since the invention of fiber laser cutting, the world has advanced and continues to develop. Fiber lasers are capable of cutting 100mm thickness of stainless steel.

A History of Laser Cutting Uses 

In 1969, the Boeing Company became the primary company to utilize gas laser cutting machines commercially. Three of its representatives co-wrote a paper inspecting the concept of using a carbon dioxide laser to cut through titanium, and ceramic.

In 1979, the history of laser cutting took another leap. Until this point, laser cutting was two-dimensional. Prima Industries of Collegno, Italy, designed a 3D laser cutting procedure that essentially extended the potential applications of laser cutting innovation

This led to the advancement of multi-beam laser cutting, and Boeing began utilizing the laser as a proficient cutting handle in its manufacturing process. Later on, Western Electric started mass-producing cutting machines. The use of gas lasers to cut through materials became widely popular by the 1980s.

Which Was The First Group to Use a Laser Cutter?

The Western Engineering Research Center in Buffalo, New York, was the first group of scientists to use laser cutting machines. This dates back up to 1965. The group of scientists was looking to find more efficient ways in manufacturing wires. Around that time, diamond dies were being used to make metal wires. It was very hard to drill and expensive as well.

The Research center established the use of a focused laser in order to cut through objects more quickly instead of drilling. The group continued to work on finding more ways to make the laser beam safer to use and the potential effects it might have on the human body being exposed up-close.

Laser Cutting Technology Today

Laser Cutting Technology Today

Since the creation of the laser beam by Boeing Company Laser cutting has come a long way. Laser cutting is considerably one of the most popular processes that have efficiently developed every industry in the world today.

Both Carbon dioxide and Fiber laser cutting methods have allowed the manufacturing industries to cut hard materials more efficiently and faster. The use of laser beams to cut objects has made workload easier and cut down labor hours. It has enabled the advance in the scale of production.

Lasers are nowadays powered to use in various industries. It is used to cut more than hard materials and is also used in smaller appliances. Advances in laser cutting technology have meant that more and more objects can be precisely cut with smooth finishes and on thicker materials.

Industries use lasers now not only to cut objects but to engrave them as well with logos and texts. This technological advancement has helped marketers put their brands out to the market.

Conclusion

The carbon dioxide laser cutting was first discovered by Theodore Maiman used to dig diamond dies out onto the surface and later invented by Kumar Patel. Salvagnini, an Italian tech company came up with the idea of the appliance of fiber laser to cutting objects.

In 1969, the Boeing Company became the primary company to utilize gas laser cutting machines commercially.

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