How are today’s laser cutting systems different from earlier generation technology?
The capabilities of the latest generation of high-end laser cutting systems are dramatically more advanced than the technology that was first introduced five or so years ago. Basically, three areas of technological improvements contribute to these more far-ranging capabilities: advances in lasers, improved software, and better software integration. Manufacturers of the lasers used in laser cutting technology have continued to improve them and to offer better lasers at lower cost. These newer lasers shape beams with greater precision. Higher powered lasers now cost less, such that even basic laser cutting systems can today use competitively priced 200-watt or 400-watt lasers, which only were available in the priciest systems several years ago. To a certain extent, higher-powered lasers facilitate faster cutting action. The better-shaped beams of today’s lasers are also more easily steered by galvo systems at greater speeds. These improvements in lasers, while significant, are surpassed
