shaping-manufacturing-processes > 3D Laser Cutting
This process involves the cutting of plate material using a concentrated Laser Beam that is CNC controlled. The process cuts on the 3D cutting path creating on complex forms such as pressed body panels, or fabrications and sections.
Unlike 2 Dimensional Laser Cutting, a third axis is introduced to allow shaping or "bevelling" of a cut edge. The further introduction of 4th and 5th Axes, as with robot mounted lasers can enable 3D Laser cutting to shape even more complex forms, such as pressed body panels.
This enables the cutting of both formed stock materials, such as body panels - or simple profiles with varying geometry along their edges, as would be necessary for weld preparation.
Plate profiles may be have their edges prepared either within the profiling cycle as with 3 Dimensional Laser Cutting, or an edge preparation applied by a rotating cutting tool after profiling - see "Edge Preparation".
For cutting of thicker sections and profiles it’s typical to choose 3D Plasma Cutting, achieving similar results to 3D Laser Cutting in terms of finish.