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Glossary of laser cutting terms - P
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Polymers
Polymers, or plastics, are divided up into two main groups,
thermoplastics and thermosets. See Thermoplastics
and Thermosets.
Positioning
Tolerance
The ability to position a part to be laser cut within a degree
of inches for the x, y, and z-axis. The positioning tolerance
specifies how closely a component has to be placed relative
to its ideal placement. The positioning tolerance measures
the position of uncertainty between where a part is supposed
to be placed or a cut to be made and where it actually occurs.
See Repeatability
Tolerance.
Power Density
Laser output per unit area, such as watts per square centimeter
(W/cm2).
Pulse
A discontinuous burst of laser, light or energy, as opposed
to a continuous beam. A single burst of energy from a laser.
A true pulse achieves higher peak powers than that attainable
in a CW output. See CW.
Pulse Frequency
The rate at which pulses are generated. Pulse frequency is
expressed in pulses per second (Hz).
Pulse Length
Time, expressed in fractions of seconds, in which energy
is delivered. Application Report shows the electrical input
pulse length, which corresponds to the half height of the
leading and trailing edges of the optical pulse.
Pulsing
- Electrical modulation of a laser power supply to produce
discreet pulses of energy at a given pulse length and pulse
period (pulse repetition rate).
- Mechanical interruption of the laser beam by a rotating
chopper, which alternately blocks or passes the laser beam.
- Acousto-optical modulation of the beam within the laser
resonator, caused by a device generically called a Q-switch.
See Q-Switch.
Pulsed Laser
Laser which delivers energy in the form of a single or train
of pulses. This provides higher power at shorter intervals
and is most often associated with the burr-free cutting of
stainless steel and other high-strength, hard-to-cut materials.
See CW.
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