The Laser's Edge: Comparing CO2 and ND YAG Lasers
In an industrial context, lasers are used to cut materials, such as sheet metal, to a degree of accuracy that is beyond what could be done with traditional saws and saw blades. However, there are significant differences between the two main types of lasers used for cutting. CO2 and ND YAG lasers offer different advantages and drawbacks, and thus when looking into investing in a laser cutting machine, knowing the difference between the two is vital.
CO2 Lasers
The most common type of laser, CO2 lasers use a mixture of carbon dioxide gas and an electrical current to generate a laser beam. CO2 lasers are ideal for working on a variety of different materials, and can be used to cut metal, paper, plastics, wood, and even fabrics with ease. They can create a laser that is a wavelength of 10.64 microns, which can be easily absorbed by most materials. This means that it is ideal for cutting or engraving non metal materials, such as wood and plastics.
CO2 lasers are also ideal for high speed welding, due to the relatively large wavelength of the beam. In terms of safety, CO2 lasers are fairly safe. Though a laser beam hitting exposed skin will cause damage, the damage will rarely extend below the surface of the skin.
ND YAG Lasers
ND YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet) is a type of laser that is powered by a crystal, and is much more powerful and precise than a CO2 laser. ND YAG lasers fire a laser beam with a wavelength of 1.06 microns, which is a tenth of the size of the beam emitted by a CO2 laser. Therefore, it is much more precise, and able to engrave, carve, or cut extremely accurately. The smaller beam translates into a higher concentration of power, which makes ND YAG lasers great for drilling or boring into a material.
However, a downside of the smaller wavelength is that it is not easily absorbed by any other material besides metal, and as a result ND YAG lasers are only truly effective when working with metals. The high power of ND YAG lasers means that there are safety considerations to take into account during operation, as the beam is highly focused and thus able to penetrate beneath skin and cause internal damage.
Additionally, the human eye will focus on the laser as if it was normal light, which can cause extreme vision damage. All workstations with ND YAG lasers have to be light tight and sealed during operation.
Learn more about laser cutting with these two methods by talking to companies such as Rapid Machining & Fabrication.