Article: At the cutting edge: the combination of lasers and robotics for cutting semifinished products is gaining momentum, particularly in the automotive sector. This flexible technology is fast, clean, and becoming more precise. We take a look at the market and some of its key players.(Advanced Plastic Technology )

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Lasers have hit the headlines in the plastics press in recent years as a new alternative for welding parts together. But lasers are just as good, if not better, at taking plastics apart. What diode and Nd-Yag lasers are doing for joining, high-power C[O.sub.2] lasers are doing for cutting. Latest developments are aimed at increasing the already high precision of robotic laser cutters for 3D objects. Lasers also play a major part in cutting flat sheet.

UK-based Advanced Plastic Technology claims to be probably the biggest provider of laser cutting services in the country. Most of its work is in cutting acrylic sheet, for ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!