Behind the Scenes: How Precision Laser Cutting Works
Glowison Manufacturing Team
Mar 22, 2024
What Is Precision Laser Cutting?
Laser cutting is an advanced manufacturing technology that uses a high-powered, highly focused laser beam to cut or engrave materials with extreme precision. At Glowison, we use industrial-grade laser cutters to transform raw materials into stunning pieces of custom art.
The Manufacturing Process
The process begins with a digital vector file (usually an SVG or AI file). Our design team prepares the artwork, defining which lines the laser should cut completely through and which areas it should gently burn to create an engraving. The digital file is sent to the machine, which follows the paths with microscopic accuracy.
Cutting vs Engraving
- Laser Cutting: The laser operates at high power and slow speeds to burn entirely through the material (like MDF or Acrylic), creating clean, smooth edges.
- Laser Engraving: The laser operates at lower power and high speeds, sweeping back and forth like an inkjet printer to vaporize the surface layer of the material, leaving a permanent, high-contrast mark.
- Understanding Kerf: The laser beam itself has a tiny width (the 'kerf'). Our designers account for this fraction of a millimeter to ensure interlocking parts fit together perfectly.