First, the trend analysis of laser cutting equipment replacing traditional processing technology
In recent years, China's sheet metal processing industry has seen rapid development in both technology and product quality, largely driven by the increasing adoption of laser cutting machines by manufacturers. This shift is not only a result of technological advancement but also due to the numerous advantages that laser cutting offers over conventional methods.
In the sheet metal industry, laser cutting machines are gradually replacing CNC punching machines across a wide range of applications. The main benefits include: 1) No need for molds—designs can be created directly on the computer and cut instantly, speeding up new product development while reducing costs. 2) Laser cutting machines feature an automatic tracking system, allowing them to handle both flat and complex surface cutting tasks. 3) They can process intricate structures as long as they are designed on the computer, making it possible to create highly detailed components. 4) For formed boxes (up to 0.5m), laser cutting machines can easily process holes and grooves that CNC punches cannot manage. 5) The finished surfaces are smooth with high-quality results, something that traditional punching machines struggle to achieve.
With the continuous growth of the metal processing industry, the advantages of laser cutting machines have become more evident, leading to a rising market share. As a result, many companies are investing in this advanced technology.
Three-dimensional laser cutting, in particular, offers significant benefits such as improved product quality, higher production efficiency, shorter development cycles, reduced labor intensity, and better material utilization. Although the initial investment is high, many automotive and aerospace manufacturers in China have already adopted 3D laser systems. Some universities have also invested in this technology for research purposes. It is clear that 3D laser cutting will play an increasingly important role in China’s manufacturing sector.
One of the most common applications of laser cutting is in the design and production of car bodies. It is used for prototyping, online cutting, and repairing damaged vehicles. Specific tasks include cutting prototype parts, trimming body panels, drilling steering wheel holes, roof cover brackets, airbag components, and hydroformed parts. Major automakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Fiat, Volvo, Volkswagen, and Nissan use five-axis laser systems for body fabrication. Additionally, 3D laser cutting is used in body assembly, such as cutting fixed holes on luggage racks, top cover rails, antenna mounts, and modifying wheel fenders.
In the aerospace industry, this technology is employed for cutting and trimming aircraft parts made from materials like stainless steel, Inconel alloys, titanium, and aluminum. Beyond these sectors, three-dimensional laser cutting is also widely used in mold manufacturing, engraving, and the petroleum industry. In printing, laser engraving and cutting machines use high-energy lasers to ablate rubber plates, producing cost-effective and high-quality printed plates. They can also create precise die templates through deep ablation. In mold production, laser cutting allows for the creation of complex internal structures, such as deep holes, hollow cavities, and cooling channels. By cutting steel plates precisely and stacking them, dies or punches can be manufactured efficiently.
In the petroleum industry, laser cutting is used to produce slotted screens. Meanwhile, shipbuilders in the U.S., Europe, and Japan have been using high-output COâ‚‚ laser cutting technology for years, achieving great success in shipbuilding.
The concept of "precision shipbuilding" has become well-known, and with current domestic shipyard equipment falling short of technical standards, there is growing interest in laser cutting for its superior accuracy. This trend is expected to drive the adoption of CNC laser cutting machines in China’s shipbuilding industry. In conclusion, laser cutting technology has already made its way into various sectors of the national economy. Looking ahead, it is likely to be rapidly adopted across multiple manufacturing industries, significantly contributing to the development of China’s manufacturing sector toward greater sophistication and efficiency.
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