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CNC laser cutting: precision and efficiency for your manufacturing solutions

Advantages of CNC laser cutting
What is CNC laser cutting?
CNC laser cutting in three variants
CNC fusion cutting
CNC laser flame cutting
CNC laser sublimation cutting
Which CNC laser cutting variant is suitable for which application?
Applications for CNC laser cutting systems
This is how a CNC laser cutting system works
Why choose a MicroStep CNC laser cutting system?
Maintenance and service for CNC laser cutting systems from MicroStep Europa

In modern production, companies are often faced with the decision of whether to purchase laser-cut parts externally or whether it is worth buying their own laser cutting machine. As an expert and manufacturer of highly efficient, high-quality machines, we inform you about all aspects of CNC laser cutting.

Advantages of CNC laser cutting

CNC laser cutting is suitable for processing a wide range of materials.
This modern technology enables extremely fine cuts with minimal tolerances to be made at high speeds.
Precision cutting systems produce parts with an accuracy in the single-digit µm range. Industrial laser systems can even achieve values in the 0.1 mm range and lower.
The high precision of the cuts means that the amount of finishing required can be minimized. Narrow kerfs allow for optimal material utilization, which means less waste and conservation of resources.
CNC laser cutting systems enable the automation of manufacturing processes as well as multifunctional processing, such as cutting, drilling, tapping, countersinking, marking or bevel cutting. This allows additional work steps – such as weld seam preparation – to be integrated into the manufacturing process.

Tip

With the experts from MicroStep Europa at your side, you save time and money on CNC laser cutting. This is because we not only advise you on the optimal application of our CNC laser cutting systems, but also on possible funding programs for the purchase of energy-saving CNC laser cutting machines. Get advice now!

What is CNC laser cutting?

CNC laser cutting combines the precision of laser technology with the efficiency of computer numerical control (CNC). The highly focused laser beam and the high processing speed ensure minimal heat input, which is limited to a very small area of the material. This means that the thermal stress on the components during CNC laser cutting is extremely low, so that no or only minimal deformation occurs. CNC-controlled laser technology enables the finest cuts in the millimeter range. The result is high-precision components with minimal material loss.

CNC laser cutting in three variants

CNC laser cutting can be divided into three main processes: laser fusion cutting, laser flame cutting and laser sublimation cutting.

Fusion and flame cutting are used in particular for metal and steel cutting, which is precisely tailored and produced at high speed. Sublimation cutting is particularly suitable for thin material thicknesses, right down to delicate materials such as paper. Thanks to the high cutting speed and low thermal load, a wide range of materials can be processed efficiently and precisely.

CNC fusion cutting

In laser fusion cutting, the material is heated to melting temperature by the focused laser beam. An inert gas (e.g. nitrogen or argon) blows the molten material out of the kerf.

Advantages of CNC laser fusion cutting

High precision and fine cut edges
No oxidation because an inert gas is used
Little material distortion due to low heat input
Ideal for thin to medium material thicknesses

CNC laser flame cutting

In laser flame cutting, oxygen is used as the cutting gas. The oxygen reacts with the heated metal, oxidizing it and generating additional heat. This heat promotes the cutting process, enabling thicker materials to be processed.

The advantages of CNC laser flame cutting

Very high cutting speed due to exothermic oxidation reaction
Cutting of large material thicknesses (30 – 50 mm)
More cost-effective than fusion cutting

CNC laser sublimation cutting

In laser sublimation cutting, the material is converted directly into a gaseous state by the laser (sublimation), without producing a melt. The resulting gas is blown out of the kerf with a cutting gas (e.g. nitrogen). Since the material vaporizes directly and does not leave any molten residue, laser sublimation cutting is also used in the textile and paper processing industries, for example.

The advantages of CNC laser sublimation cutting

Extremely fine cuts with high precision
No melting / no burr formation
Particularly suitable for thin and delicate materials

Which CNC laser cutting variant is suitable for which application?

Cutting process	Benefits	Areas of application
CNC fusion cutting	High precision No oxidation Clean cut edges	Stainless steel, aluminum, titanium and other non-rusting metals Production of high-precision components with smooth cut edges
CNC flame cutting	Fast Cost-effective Suitable for thick materials	Construction steel Mechanical engineering Heavy industry
CNC sublimation cutting	Extremely fine cuts No melting No burr formation	Sensitive material or thin material thicknesses

Applications for CNC laser cutting systems

CNC laser cutting systems are versatile and can be used to manufacture delicate components such as microchips as well as large components such as car body parts. Thanks to modern fiber laser technology, even oversized formats with a working area of up to 50 m in length and 6 m in width can be realized.

The industries in which CNC laser cutting is used are as diverse as the applications themselves. CNC laser cutting technology is used in all branches of industry that deal with metalworking or cutting technology in general, and especially in the area of contract manufacturing. There are virtually no limits to the range of materials that can be processed. They range from rubber to diamond stone to delicate materials such as paper.

In the metal industry, CNC laser technology is used primarily to process steel sheets of all types and grades, as well as stainless steel sheets, non-ferrous metals such as aluminum and brass. However, materials such as titanium, plexiglass or acrylic glass, wood or bronze are also suitable for 2D and 3D laser cutting.

This is how a CNC laser cutting system works

Faserlaserschneidkopf für 2D-Laserschneiden Fiber laser cutting head for 2D laser cutting

The CNC laser cutting system generates the cutting beam in the laser source. Depending on the application, different types of laser are used:

CO2 laser
fiber laser
solid-state laser

The generated laser beam is guided to the cutting head either by mirrors or optical fibers. There it is focused by an optical lens to a point, creating a high energy density. When the laser hits the workpiece, the material is melted, burned or vaporized depending on the cutting process.

A so-called process gas, such as oxygen, nitrogen or air, is directed into the kerf. This gas has various functions:

Blowing out molten residues or metal vapor
Influencing the cutting quality (oxide-free edges, higher speed)
Cooling the workpiece to avoid distortion

The CNC-controlled motion guide ensures highly precise guidance of the cutting head along the specified cutting contour. The CNC system coordinates the laser power, feed rate, gas supply and automatic height control to ensure consistent switching quality. The workpiece itself either remains stationary while the cutting head moves, or it is positioned above a movable cutting table.

Why choose a MicroStep CNC laser cutting system?

We are a manufacturer of CNC laser cutting systems and your expert in the field of CNC laser technology. We have more than a quarter of a century of experience in the field of cutting systems in standard and special machine construction. We are happy to advise you on the advantages and costs of CNC laser cutting based on your actual production needs. We can also inform you about possible funding programs.