Fibre laser technology has fundamentally transformed metalworking over the past few decades. Today, modern fibre lasers and CO₂ lasers enable high-precision laser cutting, clean weld seams and highly detailed laser engravings on metal surfaces. Laser technology plays a crucial role, particularly in industrial manufacturing and in the production of high-quality kitchen knives and chef’s knives. Whilst traditional methods were often associated with high material wear, thermal distortion and considerable effort, modern laser systems offer maximum precision, speed and repeatability. At TYPEMYKNIFE, this technology is used specifically for custom 3D laser engraving on knives. In this second part of our series, we demonstrate just how powerful laser cutting and laser welding are today, the advantages offered by modern fibre lasers, and why this technology has become indispensable in metalworking.
The Development of Modern Fiber Laser Technology
Laser cutting and laser welding
The invention of the laser – that is, the generation of a concentrated and extremely high-energy beam of light – dates back to the early 1960s.
Since then, the performance of modern laser systems has improved enormously. In the metal industry in particular, lasers are now among the most important manufacturing technologies of all. Modern CO₂ lasers and fibre lasers operate with high precision, speed and cost-effectiveness.
The main areas of application are:
- Laser cutting
- Laser welding
- Laser engraving
For TYPEMYKNIFE, high-quality laser engraving on kitchen knives and chef’s knives plays a key role. Using state-of-the-art 3D laser engraving technologies, custom engravings can be permanently etched into metal surfaces with the utmost precision.
Laser Cutting – Precision in Metalworking
In the past – traditional cutting methods in the metal industry
In the past, sheet metal was mainly punched out or cut using a cutting torch.
Punching
Punching requires a special die. Manufacturing this die is costly and is usually only worthwhile for high-volume production.
Oxy-fuel cutting
Traditional oxy-fuel cutting uses gases such as oxygen and acetylene. This process generates high temperatures, which often lead to deformation and warping of the material.
Nibbling
In the so-called nibbling process, a punch works its way through the material in small passes. Although this method produces less smoke and CO₂, it causes mechanical stress and high wear on tools and machines.
Today – Modern Fiber Laser Cutting and CO₂ Laser Cutting
Nowadays, work is mainly carried out using high-power CO₂ lasers or modern fibre lasers.
The fibre laser in particular has become widely established in recent years. It operates more energy-efficiently, more quickly and with greater precision than many older laser systems. The fibre laser offers enormous advantages, particularly when working with stainless steel, hardened steels and high-quality knife steels.
How laser cutting works
The laser beam source is usually fixed in position. The laser beam is directed to the processing optics via a mirror telescope or fibre-optic cable.
The so-called flying optics move with high precision over the workpiece. Modern CNC machines or robotic arms enable complex cutting patterns to be produced with the highest repeatability.
The extremely powerful laser beam is deflected by water-cooled mirrors. These high-quality mirrors are often made of:
- pure copper
- silicon
- gold-plated materials
- molybdenum-coated surfaces
This prevents damage caused by the enormous laser energy.
The Role of Process Gases in Laser Cutting
A cutting nozzle is also used during the cutting process.
A process gas is injected through these at high pressure. This gas fulfils several important functions:
- Protecting the laser lens from dirt
- Discharge of the molten material
- Improving cut quality
- Reduction of oxidation
Depending on the material, different gases are used:
- Oxygen
- nitrogen
- Compressed air
- Argon
A clean cut edge is crucial, particularly when cutting high-quality knife steels, in order to optimise subsequent processing steps.
Laser welding – modern welding technology with the highest precision
The traditional welding process joins two metals by generating intense heat. The materials are melted at the weld joint and fused together.
Additional material is often provided in the form of:
- Wire
- Powder
- welding rods
supplied.
Today – Industrial Laser Welding
Nowadays, laser beam welding has become an indispensable part of industry.
The benefits are enormous:
- high speed
- absolute precision
- narrow welds
- minimal material distortion
- small heat-affected zones
- high repeatability
Laser welding offers significant quality benefits, particularly when working with thin materials or high-quality metal components.
In many applications, no additional welding material is required.
How modern laser welding works
In laser welding, too, the generated radiation is focused using special optics.
The edges of the workpieces are guided precisely to the focal spot. This is where the laser’s entire energy is concentrated on a tiny point.
Modern welding lasers can generate power outputs of several kilowatts. As a result, the temperature rises above the metal’s melting point in a very short space of time.
The molten pool formed bonds the materials together permanently and with high strength. Inert gas in laser welding
To prevent oxidation, the weld area is often purged with argon.
Argon is heavier than air and displaces the oxygen from the weld zone. This results in:
- neater welds
- less oxidation
- higher-quality materials
- better finishes
Advantages of modern laser welding processes
Thanks to its high energy density, the laser beam can penetrate even thin materials deeply.
This produces significantly better results than many traditional electric welding processes.
Further benefits:
- less warping
- less post-processing
- automated quality control
- high process reliability
- perfect reproducibility
Thanks to optical sensor systems, weld quality can now even be monitored in real time.
Laser engraving for kitchen knives and chef's knives at TYPEMYKNIFE
In addition to cutting and welding, laser engraving is also playing an increasingly important role.
At TYPEMYKNIFE, we engrave high-quality kitchen knives and chef’s knives using our proprietary 3D laser engraving process.
Modern fibre laser technology produces precise, durable and highly detailed engravings on stainless steel and high-quality knife steels.
The benefits of our laser engraving:
- extremely precise engravings
- long-lasting lettering
- custom designs
- personalised kitchen knives
- high-quality finish
Find out more in the next instalment of our series on professional laser engraving and annealing marking.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about laser cutting and laser welding
What is the difference between a CO₂ laser and a fibre laser?
A CO₂ laser uses gas mixtures, whereas a fibre laser transmits light through optical fibres. Fibre lasers are more efficient, more precise and particularly suitable for metalworking.
What are the advantages of laser cutting?
Laser cutting enables precise cut edges, high speed, minimal material distortion and little post-processing.
Why is argon used in laser welding?
Argon displaces oxygen from the welding area and prevents oxidation. This results in cleaner and higher-quality welds.
Can kitchen knives be engraved with a laser?
Yes, high-quality kitchen knives and chef’s knives can be permanently and precisely personalised using modern laser engraving.
What is 3D laser engraving?
In 3D laser engraving, engravings with depth and particularly fine details are created on the metal surface.
