Are there different types of laser cutting machines?
There are three main types of laser cutters within the manufacturing industry: moving material machines, flying optic machines, and hybrid configuration, but what is the difference?
The laser remains static in a moving material machine whilst the material moves on a mobile surface located under the laser. The advantage of this is that the laser and material are kept at a consistent distance apart.
The fastest laser is the flying optic laser, where the laser moves whilst the material stays static. The laser can move on an x and y-axis; however, this causes differences in the length of the beam during the cutting process.
A hybrid machine combines features of the moving material and optic laser designs but allowing the table to move along the x-axis and the laser to move along the y-axis. This type of cutter allows for a consistent cutting length.