Are you interested in a career that utilizes cutting-edge technology? Laser cutting is one such profession, and is used in fields ranging from aerospace to automotive to medical. In this article, you will learn what it takes to have a career in laser cutting, including the type of training and certifications needed, potential job fields, and what one can expect in terms of income. No matter if you are just beginning or an experienced practitioner, there is something here for everyone. So read on to learn more about this exciting and growing field of laser cutting.
Types of Laser Cutting
CO2 Lasers
A CO2 laser cutter is an essential tool for a range of different careers in the field of laser cutting. Whether you’re a creative professional looking for a way to streamline your design processes, a small business looking for a way to optimize production, or an engineering shop looking for a way to cut parts accurately, a CO2 laser is the perfect solution. It’s powerful enough to cut through materials like acrylic, plastic, wood, and cardboard with ease, but at the same time can be precise enough to create detailed shapes and patterns.
Fibre Lasers
When it comes to laser cutting, one important technology to be aware of is fibre lasers. These cutting machines use an energy-efficient fibre laser source of light to cut and perforate materials with great accuracy and precision. Fibre laser cutters are capable of cutting much thicker materials than the traditional CO2 laser cutter, and they can also cut intricate designs and shapes with a higher degree of detail, while maintaining the same cutting speed.
YAG Lasers
YAG (Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) lasers are the most common type of laser cutting machines used in industry today. These powerful devices are capable of cutting through a wide range of materials, from steel and aluminum, to textiles and plastics. YAG lasers are also very adjustable in terms of power and speed, making them great for creating complex designs.
Qualifications Needed for Laser Cutting Careers
Technical Skills
When it comes to pursuing a career in laser cutting, there are some technical skills that one must know in order to be successful in the field. To begin, you should understand the basics of how a laser cutter works. A laser cutter uses a focused beam of light to cut or etch materials, like plastic and metal, with extreme precision.
It is a complex machine, and a strong understanding of the underlying technology is necessary to properly and safely operate it.
Certifications
If you want to pursue a career in laser cutting, it’s important to have the necessary certifications and qualifications. While there is no industry-wide certification for laser cutters, there are certifications that are specific to the employer or the industry you’re in. One must-have certification is a basic understanding of lasers and laser cutting.
This includes an understanding of the materials and processes used in laser cutting, the safety procedures and techniques, and the precise techniques used to create laser-cut pieces. A good way to gain this knowledge is to take courses or an apprenticeship program. In addition, some employers may require additional safety certifications for laser cutters.
Education
When it comes to careers in laser cutting, there are many qualifications that you must know about in order to become successful. Education is one of the most important considerations for anyone looking to pursue a career in laser cutting. The most common requirement for obtaining a job in laser cutting is a bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics, as this allows you to have a better understanding of how the laser cutter works and how to use it effectively.
What to Expect in a Laser Cutting Career
Job Responsibilities
When exploring careers in laser cutting, there are certain job responsibilities you must know of in order to be successful. A laser cutter is a machine or tool that is used to cut and engrave material by focusing an intense beam of light. The beam (or laser) is controlled by a computer and can be used to create precise cuts, points, and engravings.
The laser cutter is one of the most important pieces of equipment when it comes to working in laser cutting, and a successful career in this line of work will often require considerable knowledge of the machine and its capabilities.
Salary and Benefits
When exploring a career in laser cutting, one of the most important factors to consider is salary and benefits. The exact amount you can expect to be compensated for a laser cutting position will depend on a few different factors. As with any job, the level of experience of the person filling the position is a strong factor, as well as the level of difficulty and complexity of the tasks they are expected to complete.
Work Environments
If you’re considering a career in laser cutting, it’s important to know what type of work environment you can expect in this profession. Laser cutters can be used to cut metal, wood, foam and other materials, so work environments for laser cutters can differ depending on the industry and specific projects. Generally, however, a laser cutter can be found in a workshop or around factory equipment that makes the industry in which the laser cutter works.
Workplaces for laser cutters typically require protective clothing or safety glasses in order to prevent injury from flying sparks, laser beams, and the general work environment.
Where to Find Laser Cutting Jobs
Job Search Sites
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in laser cutting, one of the best places to start your search is on job search sites. You can use keywords like “laser cutting,” “laser cutter,” and “must know” to help you make sure the job postings are related to what you’re looking for. Job search sites make it easier to find laser cutting jobs because they contain a wealth of postings from a variety of sources.
Not only will you find positions from large companies, but you may also uncover roles from small, local businesses or even through networking and referrals.
Trade School Resources
When it comes to careers in laser cutting, one of the best resources you must know about is trade schools. Trade schools offer laser cutting classes which can help educate you in everything you need to know about laser cutting. These classes usually involve instruction on how to operate a laser cutter, and the proper safety regulations associated with them.
Additionally, trade schools can provide the type of hands-on training that you need in order to gain practical experience with laser cutters, so you can have a better idea of what it takes to actually use one.
Networking Opportunities
Networking is one of the most important aspects of any job search, and it’s especially true when it comes to careers in laser cutting. Whether you’re just starting to search for laser cutting jobs or you’re already in the industry and looking to take the next step, it’s essential to get involved in laser cutting-focused communities. Participating in these communities can help you learn about the industry, build relationships, learn about job openings, and connect with potential employers or mentors.
Closing
Final Thoughts On Careers in Laser Cutting
When it comes to careers in laser cutting, there are a few key things you must know. Laser cutting is a process that involves using a laser cutter to cut or engrave materials such as metal, wood, plastic, or paper. By using this technology, you can design and create complex, intricate shapes and designs that would be impossible or incredibly difficult to create with other machines or tools.
How to become a laser programmer?
If you’re looking for a career in laser cutting, the first step is to become a laser programmer. To become a laser programmer, you must know how to use a laser cutter and understand the cutting process. You’ll need to understand the fundamentals of laser cutting, as well as the programming techniques used to control the laser cutter.
You’ll also need to familiarize yourself with the materials used in laser cutting and how different materials affect the cutting process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, looking into a career in laser cutting requires a strong set of skills and knowledge to succeed. Those interested must know their way around a laser cutter — including understanding the different components and how they work together — as well as being able to design and program the machine based on the customer’s desired shapes and specifications. Creativity is also essential in order to come up with innovative solutions to unusual problem sets.
Laser cutting is an incredibly rewarding and exciting profession, and with the right skills and knowledge, you are well-equipped to start a successful career in laser cutting.