Buyer's Guide to Cutting Lasers | OptiXs

Different lasers are used for different cutting tasks. Read on to find out how each one excels and what you should look for when choosing the right laser.

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Learn how to ask the right questions when choosing a cutting laser to get the capabilities, performance, reliability, price and support that will ensure success in your application.

Table of Contents

1. Why use lasers for cutting?
2. How to use this laser buying guide
3. An overview of precision laser cutting
4. Laser cutting mechanisms
5. Fusion Cutting
6. Ablative cutting
7. Remote Cutting
8. Checklist for selecting a cutting laser
9. Process factors
10. Laser factors
11. Implementation factors
12. Selection guide by material
13. Selecting a laser supplier
14. Summary

Why use lasers for cutting?

Laser cutting has a number of advantages over other high-precision cutting methods. These include:

• Non-contact processing, which prevents damage to small or delicate parts.
• Zero tool wear, which reduces downtime and tool change costs.
• Highly consistent results.
• Unmatched mechanical precision and the ability to produce fine detail.
• Better edge quality and less debris than other methods, minimizing post-processing.
• Faster than other methods.
• Smaller kerf width.
• High versatility, allowing easy reconfiguration to meet changing production requirements.

For all these reasons, lasers are used in an incredibly diverse range of precision cutting applications. They are used to cut thin glass and sapphire plates for smartphones and tablets, composites, semiconductors, ceramics, nitinol, titanium and steel in the manufacture of medical products, and much more. There are many types of lasers that service this wide range of cutting applications. And sometimes laser manufacturers even create specific models that are optimized for a particular process. Choosing the right laser for your application from this vast array of commercially available products can seem like an overwhelming task. Are you overwhelmed? Don't worry. That's why we've created this buying guide.

How to use this laser buying guide

The purpose of this cutting laser buyer's guide is to help you choose a cutting laser. We won't tell you which laser to buy or which company to buy it from. However, we will provide you with a lot of context so that you will feel confident when you are ready to make a buying decision. More than anything, our goal is to educate you on what questions to ask when you are researching the purchase of a cutting laser.

TIP: The table of contents below lists the main types of precision cutting lasers currently available and is a great place to start your journey. The links embedded in the Overview Table will take you to additional information about the lasers themselves, or directly to sections of this document that offer guidance on which of these technologies is typically best suited for your application. Obtaining this information for specific applications is not always easy, as many suppliers only offer a limited range of laser technologies. As a result, they promote what they have as optimal for each application, whether or not this is the case. Coherent is one of the world's largest laser companies and a global leader in materials and networking as well. We provide services in many cutting applications for the medical device, communications, microelectronics, device markets and more. Most importantly, Coherent manufactures a comprehensive line of cutting lasers. This allows us to provide objective recommendations based solely on your unique needs and project requirements.

But what are your project needs and requirements? The first critical step in the purchasing decision is to correctly identify the aspects that are most important in your own application. The most common of these include:

• Technical factors such as material compatibility, pass rate and cut quality.
• Cost factors such as purchase price, maintenance costs, consumables and operating costs.
• Integration options such as supported interfaces and communication protocols and product size and weight.
• Service, such as geographical availability of spare parts and maintenance and speed of service response.
• Application support, such as vendor willingness to process samples and assistance with process development

For a more detailed discussion of typical considerations when selecting a cutting laser, see the Cutting Laser Selection Checklist.

Overview of precision laser cutting

This table lists the most commonly used cutting lasers for precision applications and summarizes their key features and applications. Its purpose is to allow you to quickly identify the type(s) of laser most likely to be useful for a particular application and narrow your search.

Note: The primary cutting mechanism is listed for each laser type. Technical information on these processes is provided in the Laser Cutting Mechanisms section.

Cutting lasers have a wide range of wavelengths, pulse lengths, and output powers.

Nanosecond solid-state lasers Ultra-short pulse lasers (picosecond/femtosecond) Ultrashort pulse lasers (picosecond/femtosecond) Primary cutting mechanisms Fusion cutting,
Remote cutting Ablation,
Remote cutting Output characteristics Average power range W - kW W - 100W Wavelengths Infrared green UV Energy in pulse Higher, allowing deeper cuts per pulse, suitable for thick materials Lower, minimizes thermal damage, better for thin or heat-sensitive materials Typically lower pulse energies - but extremely high peak powers - allow cold ablation with minimal thermal damage. Pulse length Greater pulse width means greater heat dissipation into the material Shorter pulse width means less heat spread into the material Extremely short pulse duration virtually eliminates heat spread, resulting in the removal of "cold" material. Top performance Lower peak power, more material melting than evaporation Higher peak power, better for ablation and accuracy Extremely high peak power (gigawatts) that allows rapid evaporation without significant melting, ideal for very precise ablation. Pulse repetition rate Higher, resulting in faster material removal but potential heat build-up. Lower, reduces cumulative thermal effects, better for delicate materials medium to high repetition rate depending on the system, allowing fast and accurate processing without significant heating. Beam quality High beam quality with very precise focus, ideal for micro machining and very precise cuts. Practical considerations Cutting speed Faster due to high repetition rate and energy per pulse. Slower but more controlled, focused on precision Faster but dependent on material and pulse repetition rate, for very precise jobs, often slower. Thermal waste Greater thermal accumulation, possibility of a larger heat affected zone (HAZ) Lower thermal impact, smaller HAZ, cleaner cuts Minimal thermal impact; negligible heat affected zone into the material Maintenance Requires regular maintenance Minimal, robust, high uptime Generally low maintenance, but systems can be complex and costly to maintain. Material compatibility Metals,
Ceramics,
Polymers,
Composites,
Semiconductors Metals,
Glass,
Ceramics,
Composites Metals,
Ceramics,
Polymers,
Glass and transparent materials,
Semiconductors Key findings Best for thicker metals, ceramics and harder materials and fast cutting (e.g. orthopedic implants, thicker semiconductors). Best for thin metals, polymers, semiconductors and heat sensitive materials and for high precision cutting (e.g. stents, wafer slicing). Best for high precision tasks such as cutting semiconductors, thin films, glass, polymers or advanced medical devices where heat damage must be avoided and post-processing is not required.

Laser cutting mechanisms

All solids are held together by bonds or attractive forces between the atoms, ions or molecules that make up the material. At the most basic level, cutting any solid requires breaking these bonds. In traditional mechanical cutting, such as with a saw or knife, the cutting tool exerts a force on the material in a region centred around the edge of the tool. This creates shear, which breaks the bonds between the particles on which the force is applied and adjacent particles on which the force is not applied. If the force is large enough, the bonds are broken. This is a fundamental physical process that occurs whether it is cutting paper with scissors, cutting wood or carving roast meat.

Lasers are non-contact tools. They do not exert any physical force on the objects they illuminate. Instead, they make the cut by entirely different mechanisms. Yet they must achieve the same end result, namely, breaking atomic or molecular bonds in a contiguous region to create a cut.

Laser cutting can be divided into three main categories:

• Fusion laser cutting
• Ablative laser cutting
• Remote laser cutting

Reactive or flame laser cutting is generally not used for high precision applications. The other three methods are described in detail here.

The basic mechanisms of laser cutting.

Fusion cutting

In fusion cutting, the laser heats the target material to the melting point, creating a molten bath. At the same time, a high-pressure auxiliary gas (usually nitrogen or in some cases argon) is conducted with the laser beam to push the molten material out of the cutting area. The auxiliary gas also helps to cool the cut area, preventing oxidation and ensuring cleaner edges. This method offers remarkable accuracy and is ideal for creating complex, burr-free cuts in metals, ceramics and some polymers.

One of the key advantages of fusion cutting is its ability to maintain fine tolerances and achieve smooth, high-quality edges. This is essential for components such as stents, surgical instruments or microelectronics. These applications require not only dimensional accuracy, but also minimal thermal damage to the surrounding material. Any excessive thermal influence can degrade performance or require costly additional processing.

Fusion cutting is particularly suitable for materials such as stainless steel, titanium and silicon wafers. The use of a non-reactive auxiliary gas such as nitrogen ensures a clean cut without compromising the integrity of the material. With gas pressures ranging from 75 to 250 psi, fusion cutting can handle both thin and thick materials, depending on the specific requirements of the application. The precision, combined with the ability to cut complex geometries, makes fusion cutting an essential technology for industries where accuracy, cleanliness and efficiency are key.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Microtreat.

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Ablative cutting

Ultra-short pulse lasers (picosecond and femtosecond) provide a unique cutting method due to their extremely short pulse duration and very high peak powers, reaching gigawatt levels. Since the pulse duration is shorter than the "conduction time" of the material, extremely rapid and localized heating occurs, instantly converting solid material to vapor. The steam is then blown out of the cut by a coaxial auxiliary gas, usually argon.

This ablative cutting method ensures the highest possible quality cutting edges with excellent dimensional accuracy and no burrs. The absence of burrs is crucial for applications such as cutting nitinol tubing for medical devices or stainless steel and titanium for luxury watches, as the resulting cuts require minimal post-processing.

Remote cutting

The main difference between remote cutting and other methods is the location of the laser head, which is remote from the work surface. The scanning head moves the beam across the material at very high speeds (>1 m/s). No auxiliary gas is used in this method. Depending on the thickness of the material, the scanning head may follow the same path multiple times to produce a through cut. The cutting mechanism itself works on the principle of melt ejection: the laser melts but also partially vaporises the material, while the vapour expansion pressure pushes the melt out of the cutting area.

The cutting paths in this method are usually simple, such as circles or squares, which allows high cutting speeds to be achieved. Distance cutting is most commonly used for thin materials such as battery foils or thin plastic films less than 0.01" (0.25 mm) thick. The laser sources must have sufficient power to melt and vaporize the material.

Checklist for selecting a cutting laser

Cutting Laser Selection ChecklistThese tables are your guide to selecting the right cutting laser. They list some of the key factors that can influence your selection and help you determine what is really important for your particular application. Use them to formulate questions to ask yourself when considering a particular laser type and supplier.

Process factors

Process FactorsLaser selection almost always begins with identifying and defining the process requirements and desired outcome.

The kerf width is often an important factor in laser cutting.

Factor Notes Material type Material properties usually play the biggest role in selecting the right laser cutting machine. The most important are generally the linear absorption properties of the material (what wavelengths it absorbs), reflectivity, thermal conductivity and melting point, especially when using nanosecond solid-state and nanosecond fiber lasers. The overview table provides a good starting point for matching the laser to the material. Material thickness The thickness of the material and the required cutting speed usually determine the required laser power. Thicker materials usually require higher power and lower cutting speeds to ensure clean cuts. Required speed There is often a trade-off between speed and cut quality. Higher speeds can reduce accuracy, so you need to balance speed with the desired cut quality. Heat-affected zone
(HAZ) Minimizing the HAZ is a critical parameter for cutting heat-sensitive materials and small parts. USP lasers ensure the minimum achievable HAZ. Cut/edge quality Some laser/material combinations tend to provide smoother cutting edges and fewer micro-cracks. Both can affect the subsequent mechanical strength of the cut part. Smoother edges can also reduce the need for post-processing. Keep in mind that the polarization of the beam relative to the direction of the cut can have a large effect on the quality of the cut. Production of dirt Large amounts of debris can increase cleaning time and require multiple post-processing steps. Post-processing The need (or lack thereof) for post-processing can dramatically affect the overall process cost and throughput. Some types of post-processing can also have a significant environmental impact.

Laser factors

After defining the process requirements, the next step is usually to select the right laser technology. In many cases, the technical requirements of the process - the material, its thickness, the required throughput and more - will narrow the selection to a single laser type.

Another issue in many cutting applications is the heat-affected zone (HAZ).

Factor in Notes

Implementation factors

Many laser manufacturers offer similar products - or at least products that appear to be similar. Practical considerations related to cost, integration factors, application development, and follow-up support must be taken into account for final selection. These factors often determine the choice of a particular vendor

The actual productivity of a laser cutting system in real operation is often determined by the human-machine interface (HMI).

Factor Notes Application development Supplier support in developing and optimizing your cutting process can be invaluable. Look for laser suppliers that offer sample processing and assistance with process development. Acquisition costs Consider the capital cost of the laser, including installation and commissioning costs. Staff training costs can also be a significant factor. Operating costs Evaluate ongoing costs such as maintenance, consumables and energy consumption. Some lasers have lower running costs, which can save money in the long run. Downtime should be considered, which can be a greater risk and cost than the purchase price of the laser. Service and support Evaluate the geographic availability and usual response time for service and support from potential suppliers. Also consider the availability of spare parts to minimize downtime for repairs or maintenance. Software User-friendly and versatile control software can greatly increase productivity and ease of use. Make sure the software is compatible with your existing systems. Integration Easy integration of the laser into your existing production line or machinery is essential. Look for lasers with flexible interface options and comprehensive integration support, and make sure your communication and integration protocols are supported. Ease of use A user-friendly human-machine interface (HMI) reduces training time and operational errors. Prioritize systems with intuitive controls and clear operating instructions. Find out if the laser supplier offers training.

Selection guide by material

The choice of a particular laser cutting technology is almost always determined by the material - its absorption properties and thickness, along with factors related to cutting speed and the quality of the cutting joint. This table lists some common materials and the types of lasers typically used to cut them.

Class of materials Class of lasers Main characteristics Comment Metals Nanosecond fibre lasers High power density enables fast cutting and processing of thicker materials. Particularly suitable for thin to medium thickness metals, providing a good balance between speed and accuracy. In addition, the output in the green and UV region improves the processing of reflective metals such as copper and aluminium, minimising the heat affected zone (HAZ) and ensuring clean cuts. Nanosecond solid-state lasers Provide precision for complex cuts on thin substrates. Ideal for precision cutting of thin metal substrates with high accuracy requirements. With green (532 nm) and UV (355 nm) wavelengths, they improve absorption in reflective metals, reducing thermal deformation and improving edge quality. For thicker metals, however, they are less effective than fiber lasers. Ultrashort pulsed lasers Highest possible precision, suitable for very delicate parts. Lower speed limits these lasers to the most demanding, precise and heat sensitive applications. Polymers Nanosecond fiber lasers Effective for cutting polymers with high absorption at the fiber laser wavelength (typically nm), but thermal effects such as melting and discoloration are more pronounced compared to ultrashort pulse lasers. Fiber lasers are best used for thicker or less heat-sensitive polymers. Potential for melting and burning - varies by material. Nanosecond solid-state lasers Precise, clean cuts with minimal thermal distortion and HAZ The combination of edge quality and minimal HAZ is particularly useful in microelectronics and medical device manufacturing. Glass Nanosecond fibre lasers Efficient cutting with a moderate heat affected zone, but require careful handling to avoid chipping. Often used in industrial applications where speed and precision cutting of thin glass is important. Nanosecond solid-state lasers Produce fragments in the sub-micrometer range and allow cutting of arbitrary shapes. Cutting is typically performed in the green (532 nm) or UV (355 nm) region using a bottom-up technique, where the laser enters through the top surface and focuses on the bottom surface of the material. Ultrashort pulsed lasers Provide extremely high precision and allow cutting of any shape including cut-outs. Shards can reach sizes of hundreds of nanometers, often eliminating the need for post-processing. They typically use infrared wavelengths ( nm) and "filamentation" techniques such as Coherent SmartCleave. Ceramics Nanosecond fibre lasers Can be used to cut ceramic materials with good speed and accuracy, although thermal effects can be more pronounced than with ultrashort pulsed lasers. They are used where speed and accuracy need to be balanced, for example when cutting tiles or advanced ceramic materials. Nanosecond solid-state lasers These use infrared, green or UV lasers depending on the material, required accuracy and heat affected zone (HAZ). They provide a good compromise between cutting speed and accuracy. Ultrashort pulsed lasers Highest precision and smallest heat affected zone (HAZ) but with the slowest cutting speed. Can use infrared, green or UV lasers. Suitable where minimizing thermal impact is key, such as medical device manufacturing, microelectronics and advanced manufacturing processes. Semiconductors Nanosecond fibre lasers Used for medium precision tasks where speed is a priority and material thickness allows for some thermal effects. Suitable for cutting thicker semiconductor wafers where speed is more important than minimizing thermal effects. Nanosecond solid-state lasers Use infrared, green or UV lasers depending on the material, required precision and heat affected zone (HAZ). They provide a good compromise between cutting speed and accuracy. Ultrashort pulsed lasers Offer the highest precision and the smallest heat affected zone (HAZ) but the slowest cutting speed. They can use infrared, green or UV lasers. Ideal for cutting thin substrates or creating complex patterns without causing thermal damage. Composites Nanosecond solid-state lasers Use infrared, green or UV lasers depending on the material, required precision and heat affected zone (HAZ). Effective for detailed and complex cutting of composite materials used in the automotive, aerospace and industrial sectors. Ultrashort pulsed lasers Provide the highest accuracy and smallest heat affected zone (HAZ), but with the slowest cutting speed. They can use infrared, green or UV lasers. Suitable for high precision cutting of composites where minimising thermal impact is essential, for example in aerospace and medical applications.

Choosing a laser supplier

The success and efficiency of a laser cutting system in a real production environment depends on several factors that go beyond the interaction of the laser with the material itself. These factors include integration capabilities, service and support, assistance with application development, and the overall reputation of the supplier. These aspects can affect capital costs, operating expenses, downtime, and the need for operator training and maintenance.

Key factors in selecting a laser supplier

Integration options

1. Supported interfaces and communication protocols
   • Importance: Seamless integration of the laser system with your production line and existing equipment is essential. Compatibility with control systems and communication protocols can significantly impact operational efficiency.
   • Consider: Verify that the supplier supports common industry protocols such as Ethernet, Modbus, PROFINET, etc.
2. Equipment size and weight
   • Importance: The physical parameters of a laser system can affect its placement and integration into tools such as robotic arms.
   • Consider: Consider the size of the system, its footprint and weight with respect to your space. Compact and lightweight systems are ideal for confined spaces.
3. Ease of use
   • Important: User-friendly HMI and intuitive controls reduce operator training time and the likelihood of errors.
   • Consider: Evaluate the interface for ease of navigation and clarity. Training and vendor support can further facilitate system use.

Service and support

1. Availability of spare parts and maintenance
   • Importance: Quick availability of parts minimizes downtime and supports continuous operation.
   • Consider: Make sure the supplier has an accessible service center and spare parts warehouse in your region.
2. Speed of service response
   • Importance: Rapid response to problems is key to maintaining high productivity and reducing losses.
   • Consider: Verify average response time and ability to provide on-site support.
3. Reliability and warranty
   • Importance: Warranty and system reliability affect long-term operating costs and operational confidence.
   • Consider: Check the warranty terms and historical reliability ratings of the vendor's systems.

Application support

1. Sample processing
   • Importance: Testing material samples will allow you to assess the performance of the laser and its suitability for your application.
   • Consider: Prefer suppliers who offer sample processing as part of their pre-sales support.
2. Process development support
   • Importance: Optimizing cutting parameters increases production efficiency and quality.
   • Consider: Select a supplier that offers process development and integration support.
3. Training and documentation
   • Important: Quality training and clear documentation ensure smooth operations and minimize downtime.
   • Consider: Make sure the supplier provides training, user manuals and maintenance guides.

Supplier's overall reputation

1. Experience and expertise
• Importance: The expertise of the supplier ensures its ability to meet the demanding requirements of the application.
• Consider: Research the company's history, references, and the variety of applications supported.
2. Customer reviews and references
• Importance: The experience of other customers provides important information about the reliability and support of the supplier.
• Consider: Look for reviews and case studies relevant to your industry.

Summary

Choosing the right laser supplier requires careful consideration of more factors than just technical specifications. Integration capabilities, service support, process development assistance and overall supplier reputation are key.

Laser technology offers unparalleled precision and flexibility, which is essential for trends such as miniaturization, increased functionality and lower costs. This guide helps you understand laser selection and supplier selection to optimize your manufacturing processes.

For a successful and efficient implementation, it is essential to work with a supplier that offers not only technology but also comprehensive support. With expert application development and fast service response, you will achieve the best results and ensure long-term success.

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3D laser scanners are a hot topic these days. 3D laser scanning is an advanced technology with a market growth forecasted by some reports to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% from to . Other research indicates that the 3D laser scanner market will likely reach $16.66 billion by .

But what is a 3D laser scanner? What are 3D laser scanners used for? How can a company choose the best 3D laser scanner on the market? This article will give you all the details you need on 3D laser scanning.

What is a 3D laser scanner?

A 3D laser scanner is a non-contact and non-destructive device that digitally captures 3D measurements of objects and their surrounding environments using lasers. As a user scans an object, the 3D laser scanner projects a coded pattern of light from the lasers. This coded pattern will match the shape of the object to create a digital version of it.

The digital copy of the object can then be exported as a polygon mesh file, which is a representation of the 3D model, and used in different computer-aided design (CAD), inspection or 3D printing software.

What can a 3D laser scanner do?

Depending on its brand, make and model, a 3D laser scanner can be used to scan all sorts of objects, regardless of the complexity of their geometries, shapes, size, materials and surface finishes. In fact, specialized 3D laser scanners can even scan very large objects as well as human bodies and buildings!

Portable and handheld 3D laser scanners also enable operators to use them just about anywhere to acquire accurate 3D measurements no matter what the surrounding environment is like. Whether users need to scan a part right on the production floor, a pipeline that has been excavated, or a hard-to-reach and ultra-small component in a vehicle, 3D laser scanners can generate the data required for further processing.

What industries use 3D laser scanners?

You may be asking where are 3D laser scanners used? The simple answer is…virtually anywhere! At their basic concept, 3D laser scanners contribute to creating 3D models (or replicas) of physical objects. That means professionals in many different sectors use 3D laser scanners, such as:

• Aerospace
• Transportation and automotive
• Consumer products
• B2B manufacturing
• Education
• Heavy industries
• Healthcare
• Heritage, art and architecture
• Oil and gas
• Power generation
• And so much more!

In addition, thanks to the democratization of 3D laser scanning technologies, affordable and professional-grade 3D laser scanners are proving to be a boon for hobbyists, artists, tinkerers and everything in between. Check out some of the amazing projects that are carried out with more accessible 3D laser scanning solutions.

What is a 3D laser scanner used for?

Now that you know what industries typically use 3D laser scanners, let’s explore the wide range of 3D laser scanning applications, including manufacturing. But remember: 3D laser scanners are not just for production.

Here are some examples: Applications

• Product development and design
  Example: Metrology-grade 3D scanners are designed for product development. They can help engineers and industrial designers develop innovative new products, like high-performance street and offroad sport motorcycles.
• 3D printing (additive manufacturing)
  Example:Design teams can quickly create prototypes of parts or complete products using 3D laser scanners and a 3D printer.
• Reverse engineering
  Example: Production teams use 3D laser scanners to reverse engineer critical parts for which they don’t have the original 3D models, such as in the automotive industry’s aftermarket.
• Quality control and quality assurance
  Example: Inspection teams leverage high-end 3D laser scanners to improve the quality control in additive manufacturing processes for large parts. Many QC teams opt for portable optical CMMs and other 3D scanners for quality control and quality assurance.
• Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO)
  Example: MRO professionals take advantage of 3D laser scanners to assess critical damage to aircraft components.
• Non-destructive testing (NDT)
  Example: Carrying out inspections in nuclear power plants is facilitated by 3D laser scanners.
• Science and education
  Example: Researchers and professors are teaching the engineers and industrial designers of tomorrow how to use 3D laser scanners in their field of work.
• Medical and healthcare
  Example: Medical professionals and technicians use 3D laser scanners to create custom-moulded cranial remolding orthoses.
• Heritage, archaeology, architecture and art
  Example: Heritage and art preservation/archiving is simplified when restorers use 3D laser scanners.
• Multimedia, visual effects and the metaverse
  Example: 3D laser scanners are used to create non-fungible token (NFTs) for digital art and 3D models in the metaverse.
• Building and construction
  Example: The construction industry is increasing opting for 3D laser scanners for everything from validating design execution to creating building 3D models.

What is the difference between laser scanning and fixed CMM scanning?

While there is a variety of 3D measurement solutions available on the market, two solutions are often compared: portable 3D laser scanners and fixed coordinate measurement machines (CMMs).

Both technologies feature the accuracy levels required for professional use. A CMM is made up of a solid granite base table, gantry or bridge-mounted arm and a touch probe to be used for tactile measuring. It is often located in a laboratory or dedicated room because it can be very sensitive to ambient conditions, such as vibrations, dust, humidity levels, etc. The main advantage is that a CMM is highly accurate; however, it needs to be operated by an experienced metrologist, it can be slow, and is limited in flexibility. Parts need to be carried to the CMM, which makes it inefficient for accelerated throughput and difficult to use for large parts.

Portable 3D laser scanners are, in general also very accurate. Depending on the brand and model, they are fast at acquiring 3D measurements. What’s more, thanks to their intuitive interfaces and ergonomic designs, they are easy to use by operators of all skill levels. Also, because they are portable and robust, 3D laser scanners can be used right on a shop floor or outside; they can withstand harsh conditions without sacrificing data accuracy, reliability and repeatability.

Oftentimes, manufacturers, for example, will invest in both technologies. They will use the CMM for only the most important inspections that require the highest level of accuracy. 3D laser scanners are used for all other 3D measurements, eliminating bottlenecks at the CMM and improving overall productivity.

There are a variety of 3D scanners businesses can choose from to make the transition from their legacy CMM. These include portable 3D scanners and optical CMM 3D scanners.

How much does a 3D laser scanner cost?

The price range of 3D laser scanners depends on the quality and performance levels of the devices.

Cheap 3D laser scanners can be found for less than $. Medium-price 3D laser scanners can hover in the tens of thousands. Metrology-grade 3D laser scanners, especially those used for automated quality control, Industry 4.0 processes, and critical product design applications with extremely tight tolerances and strict standards, can be priced at over $100K.

More often than not, companies don’t want to risk the significant operational costs and substantial business damage that can be caused by using below-par 3D laser scanners. Here are some instances of why using a low-cost 3D scanner in professional applications can be a huge mistake.

• Performing inspections on aircraft components with a 3D laser scanner without the right accuracy levels could prove fatal for passengers in the event of a crash.
• During NDT assessments on oil and gas pipelines, inaccurate data can mean inspectors may not detect potential damage, like cracks and corrosions, that can cause catastrophic failures that put the surrounding population and environment in danger.
• Imagine if quality control teams on a manufacturer’s new vehicle miss defects in its sub-assemblies, which later on entails an extensive—and costly—car recall.

You can read this article for more information on the problems associated with low-cost 3D laser scanners for professionals here.

How to choose the best 3D laser scanner on the market

Selecting the right 3D laser scanner for your specific application depends on a myriad of factors. What should you consider when choosing a professional- and metrology-grade3D laser scanner?

Make sure you take the following criteria and functionality when purchasing a 3D laser scanning system:

1. Accuracy and repeatability: How accurate do you need the 3D laser scanner to be? Does your application require high tolerance levels or compliance with stiff norms? If so, you will want to gain peace of mind knowing the 3D laser scanner you opt for generates accurate and repeatable results.
2. Resolution: In terms of resolutions, the quality of the scan data output will probably be important if your application entails making assessments with a high level of detail. The higher the resolution, the more detail there is on the 3D model.
3. Speed: Is team efficiency critical? Are you designing a product that must have a fast time to market? Low-cost 3D laser scanners can take much more time to capture data than professional 3D laser scanners.
4. Ease of use: Some 3D laser scanner technologies are easier to use than others. Be sure to test drive how intuitive and ergonomic each 3D laser scanner is. The last thing you want is for your team to be bogged down by complicated setups and use.
5. Part size: Do you normally take 3D measurements on small parts, large parts, or components of all sizes? The specs of 3D laser scanners should inform you of the range in sizes, either in mm, cm or m (in or ft). For example, if you need to scan large parts, be sure that the 3D scanner you choose has a large scanning area and can measure parts up to 15 m (49.2 ft).
6. Portability: Just how portable is the 3D laser scanner you are evaluating? True portability comes from not having to use an external positioning device. A 3D laser scanner should be completely standalone so that it can be used on a shop floor, for fieldwork, or in unstable/uncontrolled/tight areas. You can read more about the importance of portability in 3D laser scanning technologies here.
7. 3D laser scanning software: Not all manufacturers provide integrated 3D software platforms that work seamlessly with their 3D laser scanners. This type of software features various modules or functionalities, including facilitating the transition between the scan data to CAD software and accelerating dimensional inspections. You get the most out of your 3D laser scanner with software that takes the post-scanning process to a whole new level.
8. Training, support and maintenance: Investing in a 3D laser scanner should also include carefully determining the level of localized training, comprehensive support and care plans, and maintenance/repair services the manufacturer offers. Quality and high-end 3D laser scanner manufacturers back their devices with a stellar after-sales service, either directly through them or their network of certified distributors.
9. Certifications: Not all 3D scanning suppliers are created equally. While cost must be factored into the equation, so should the quality of the 3D scanner’s design and fabrication as well as its certifications, such as acceptance test based on VDI/VDE part 3 and ISO , taking place in ISO/IEC accredited calibration laboratories.

What is the future of 3D scanning?

The future of 3D scanning looks very promising and is expected to see significant advancements across various fields. Here are some key trends and developments that are already hitting the market:

3D scanners with increased accessibility and affordability: As 3D measurement technologies mature, the cost of 3D scanners is expected to decrease, making them more accessible to a broader range of users. For examples, professionals in product development and design are increasingly using metrology-grade 3D scanners to reduce their time to market. These latest 3D scanners offer high accuracy and fast 3D scanning speeds at affordable prices. The payback can be generated very quickly.

Easier transitions to automated quality control with 3D scanners: Bigger, multinational companies have started to use advanced 3D scanners to automate their quality control processes. However, innovations are also permeating with standard 3D scanners so that businesses can benefit from automated quality control. Imagine being able to use your 3D scanner or optical CMM 3D scanner, along with an Automation Kit, (a cobot and digital twin software) in a turnkey solution to automate quality control and quality assurance workflows.

Better performance levels: Regardless of whether you are in product development, quality assurance, or quality control, the technical specifications of 3D scanners, including accuracy, measurement rates, volumetric accuracy, automatic volume extension accuracy, working distances, and resolutions, are becoming even more impressive.

Integrated 3D scanning software: 3D scanning software, integrated with 3D scanners, brings a company’s 3D measurement performance and efficiency to new heights. Scan-to-CAD software, dimensional inspection software, digital twin environment software, and dynamic tracking measurement software are game-changers that produce superior accuracy and data quality from 3D measurements generated by 3D scanners.

Enhanced ease of use: Metrology-grade 3D scanners are oftentimes ergonomic and highly intuitive, which means operators of all skill levels can use them—a very handy approach in today’s tight labour market. But did you know that some 3D scanners come with features and accessories, such as the Accu+ Kit, which includes scale bars that assist users to confidently rely on optimized volumetric accuracy.

Additional 3D laser scanner resources

If you’re interested in learning more about 3D laser scanners, check out some of these great resources:

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Article written by Creaform
Published 06/10/ Need specific information? Related Content