A good exercise to enact today is to think about the myriad ways that technology shapes our everyday lives—and how certain technological systems or advancements fit in so seamlessly with our daily wants and needs, without us needing to pay much attention.
Such is the case with the set of technologies that comprises laser cutting, engraving, and marking. Laser cutting involves the usage of a machine throughout a thermal separation process of materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. The process is also utilized in laser engraving, which can imprint even high-resolution images onto these materials through a contactless process; and laser marking for products with serial numbers, barcodes, logos, and the like.
Laser technology is a boon for companies in different industries, as it ensures precision, flexibility, and efficiency in the manufacturing process. In turn, motion solutions that use highly accurate components like linear stages for laser machining equipment oversee how these devices come to life, and perform functions that require such high-level precision and tailored movement.
In this article, we’ll fill you in on some of the applications of laser cutting, engraving, and marking.
Medicine
A number of medical products are manufactured using laser technology. Laser marking, in particular, is a clean and hygienic way of imprinting on materials that will be used for medical purposes, including tools, implants, or devices such as hearing aids.
The automotive or transportation industry
Increasingly more than traditional processes in the assembly line, laser technology has kept up with the pace and assumed a position at the forefront of automotive manufacturing. In particular, laser cutting is utilized inthe machines that handle fiberglass material, panels, upholstery, and protective coating, just among other things.
Clothing and fashion
Laser marking and engraving has also heightened the creativity and productivity of those involved in the clothing and textile industry. Nowadays, patterns of all kinds can be imprinted seamlessly onto many types of textile material, or cleanly engraved onto signature materials like leather. Laser precision and efficiency can thus convey a designer’s unique artistic vision and branding.
Music
Speaking of the creative arts, laser technology in all these aspects is also adds a special touch and functionality for musicians. The wooden components of guitars, violins, and pianos, to cite a few examples, can be cut with laser machining equipment before also being marked and branded using similar laser technologies. This results in the look, feel, and function of a unique instrument, and the seamless harmonies that can be played over and over.
Modeling
With regard to architecture and design, on the other hand, laser technology can also be implemented to craft individual components for small-scale models. With the help of the programming that architects use to design and scale their creations, laser tools can accurately reproduce a complex idea such as for a house, a building, and other structures.
Labeling and packaging
From the cardboard boxes that logistics companies deliverat your doorstep to the specialized packaging of products you see at the grocery, drugstore, or mall—in all these things, laser technology is a crucial part of efficient design, packaging, and inventory cataloguing.
Furniture. Last but not least—and certainly, not where this list of applications truly ends—is the production of furniture. The chairs, couches, and cushions in your living room, as well as the tables in your kitchen, and the desks and cabinets in the bedrooms, are all brought up to industrial quality with laser techniques.
These are just some examples of how involved laser technologies, in these three forms, form the core of our everyday living.
