Recent Progress of CO2 Laser Sheet-Metal Cutting Systems

Recent progress of CO2 laser sheet-metal cutting systems is described. The CO2 laser is still the front-runner for industrial laser market, however more than two decades have passed since the CO2 laser cutting system entered the market. The power scaling of laser oscillator has enhanced the productivity of systems, and the advance of the processing technology has drastically improved the cutting quality. We believe that the CO2 laser cutting systems will be more practical industrial tools by continuous developments for wide range of applications.