Collaboration blog between Venwiz and Kenzo Engineering Pvt. Ltd sharing valuable insights on the advantages and applications of laser fabrication.
Laser fabrication is a cutting-edge technology that has revolutionized the manufacturing and engineering industries. By utilizing focused beams of light, laser fabrication offers a precise and efficient method for cutting, engraving, and shaping various materials, from metals to plastics. This blog will explore the advantages and applications of laser fabrication, highlighting its potential to unlock new possibilities in several industries.
What is laser fabrication?
Laser fabrication is a broad term that encompasses different manufacturing technologies that use lasers to shape, modify, or join materials. It is a precise, non-contact, and versatile manufacturing process. Laser fabrication leverages the principles of selective energy absorption, contactless processing, high-precision control, versatility, and automation. This enables the production of high-quality products with minimal waste and environmental impact.
Different Laser Fabrication Techniques
Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a precise technique that uses a concentrated laser beam to melt and remove material and create a clean and narrow cut. CNC (computer numerical control) software controls the laser cutting process, ensuring accuracy and consistency. There are three main types of laser cutting: fusion cutting, flame cutting, and remote cutting.
- Fusion cutting uses an inert gas, usually nitrogen, to expel any material from the cutting zone. Nitrogen gas does not react to the molten material, contributing to the material removal process.
- Flame cutting uses oxygen as the assist gas. This exerts a mechanical force on the molten material and triggers an exothermic reaction, increasing the overall energy input.
- Remote cutting is suitable for thin sheets and relies on a high-intensity laser beam to evaporate (ablate) the material. It eliminates the need for an assist gas.
Laser cutting has become the preferred method in many industries because it is precise and produces clean edges. It can be automated and has replaced traditional cutting methods like plasma and oxy-fuel cutting.
Interested in learning about other metal cutting techniques? Click here
Laser marking
Laser marking is a permanent marking technique that uses a concentrated beam of light to leave an indelible mark on a surface. Fabricators can use different laser types, including fibre lasers, CO2 lasers, pulsed lasers, and continuous lasers, for marking. The three primary applications of laser marking are:
- Laser engraving: Laser engraving is a technique for creating enduring marks on various materials, such as metals, plastics, and wood. It uses a laser beam to remove a thin layer from the material’s surface, leaving behind a permanent design or text.
- Laser Etching: Laser etching is a versatile marking technique that uses a focused beam of light to melt material surfaces, resulting in permanent marks. This method is adaptable across various metals, and capable of altering material colours to black, white, or grey. Etching uses data matrix codes, serial numbers, barcodes, and logos. It is a preferred option in industrial and commercial settings due to its enduring nature and adaptability.
- Laser annealing: Laser annealing is a process that heats metals using a focused laser beam, causing internal oxidation and a noticeable change in colour upon cooling. The maximum surface temperature is controlled by adjusting laser pulse intensity, scanning speed, and beam spacing. It effectively colours surfaces of steel, titanium, and stainless steel.
Laser Drilling
Laser drilling is a non-contact method of drilling holes in materials with the help of highly focused laser beams. Unlike conventional drilling techniques that utilize rotating drills to physically extract material, laser drilling harnesses the thermal energy of laser light to cut through workpieces. It typically employs pulsed laser beams, delivering precise bursts of energy to vaporize material from the workpiece until you achieve the desired hole size and depth. This technique can create precise holes with diameters as small as 0.002 micrometres and high aspect ratios, meaning deep holes with narrow diameters.
Laser Welding
Laser welding is a non-contact manufacturing process that uses a focused beam of light to melt and fuse materials. It offers advantages like precision, minimal heat-affected zones, and high welding speeds. Laser welding operates on thin materials as well as thicker ones. The specific type of laser welding used (conduction-limited welding or keyhole welding) depends on the power density of the laser beam and the properties of the materials being joined.
Read more about the different types of welding.
What are the advantages of laser fabrication?
Laser fabrication has several advantages compared to traditional fabrication techniques.
- Precision: Laser manufacturing enables the creation of intricate and complex features with extremely tight tolerances.
- Versatility: Laser fabrication can effectively be used on several materials, such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites.
- Non-contact processing: In laser manufacturing, the process involves no physical contact between the laser beam and the material being processed. This approach minimizes the risk of material damage or contamination and enables us to process delicate or sensitive materials.
- Minimal heat-affected zone (HAZ): Laser fabrication generates a small and localized heat-affected zone, minimizing the heat-induced changes in the material properties. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity and performance of critical components.
- High speed and automation: Laser fabrication can be performed at high speeds, making it suitable for high-volume production.
- Reduced material waste: Laser fabrication offers precise control over material removal, minimizing material waste and contributing to sustainable manufacturing practices.
- Improved product quality: Overall, laser fabrication contributes to improved product quality by producing precise, high-integrity components with minimal defects or imperfections.
Application of laser fabrication
1. Automotive: Laser cutting can cut intricate shapes with precision, enabling weight reduction and fuel efficiency improvements. Laser welding is ideal for joining dissimilar materials for lightweight, multi-material structures.
2. Aerospace: Laser cutting can cut lightweight, high-strength aircraft structures with minimal heat distortion. Laser welding and drilling further enhance the strength-to-weight ratio by fabricating complex honeycomb structures.
3. Medical: Laser cutting produces high-precision, biocompatible implants and microfluidic devices for medical diagnostics. Laser marking personalizes implants.
4. Electronics: Laser cutting ensures unmatched accuracy in thin films and circuit boards while enabling intricate features for miniaturization. Laser welding joins electrical components with minimal heat damage.
5. Construction: Laser cutting precisely shapes complex building materials, while laser welding creates strong, durable joints in critical structural components, leading to faster and more efficient construction.
6. Art & Design: Laser cutting and engraving unleash creative possibilities for personalized jewellery and unique artwork, exploring diverse artistic applications.
Venwiz and Kenzo Engineering Pvt. Ltd.: A Partnership for Fabrication Excellence
Venwiz, India’s only digital platform for capex procurement, is proud to present one of its top laser fabrication vendors, Kenzo Engineering Pvt. Ltd. The collaboration brings together Venwiz’s cutting-edge technology with Kenzo’s exceptional fabrication expertise.
Kenzo Engineering Pvt. Ltd.
Kenzo Engineering Pvt. Ltd. has a state-of-the art factory and skilled manpower. Their sprawling setup boasts a meticulously maintained 10,000-square-foot clean workshop, ensuring a controlled environment for high-quality results. They have open land to manage large projects effectively. It has one of the largest speciality laser cutting tables in Pune. They have highly skilled and trained machine operators.
Kenzo has a well-equipped shopfloor with modern facilities
- 4 KW laser cutting facility of size 6000mm X 2000mm Bed size with an exchange facility (Capacity to cut 25mm Thickness Steel)
- 4 KW 3D pipe cutting Dia. up to 206mm and 6000mm in length.
- 5 Axis CNC 320 MT hydraulic press brake with 4100mm length.
- TIG / MIG/ MAG / ARC welding facility Facility
- EOT of 5 MT capacity with a span of 76 feet by 126 feet
- Buffing and polishing facility.
Noteworthy projects
| S.no | Client name | Industry/Sector |
| 1 | Valmet | Paper manufacturing machine parts |
| 2 | Protego | Oil and gas equipment manufacturing |
| 3 | ACG worldwide | Pharma machine manufacturing |
Products manufactured by Kenzo Engineering Pvt. Ltd.
- Pipe Fittings
- Valve Spool
- Sheet Metal Components
- Machine Enclosure
About Guest Author
Punaamchand Dipchand Chordiya has been associated with Kenzo Engineering Pvt. Ltd. since its inception. His vast experience has been key in Kenzo Engineering’s growth and the company’s quality.
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