Non-ferrous metals are a subgroup of non-ferrous metals, they include base heavy metals. The appearance is colored, or they can form colored alloys, mostly based on copper. Due to their high electrical conductivity as well as their high thermal conductivity, non-ferrous metals are mainly used in the electrical industry, but also in medical technology as well as in automotive and mechanical engineering.
When processing non-ferrous metals, there are several special features to consider. Due to their highly polished surfaces, copper and copper alloys are particularly difficult to machine. Here, short or ultrashort pulsed lasers are the ideal tool because they introduce very little energy into the material. Little heat means little distortion and allows highly filigree cuts with precise edges. This allows the finest cuts with a gap width of 0.03 mm or less. Tolerances are in the range of +/- 0.01 mm, depending on the sheet thickness. At the same time, laser cutting is a reliable, fast and cost-effective process.
Pulsed lasers are also used for efficient, flexible and, above all, permanent surface marking. Brass, copper and co. can be marked with serial numbers, data matrix codes and logos in the highest resolution and thus particularly legible for traceability. The contactless marking process with no tool wear and no consumables also scores points for its low cost per marking. Furthermore, the surfaces can not only be marked, but also structured, roughened or cleaned with the laser, for example as preparation for joining with the laser.
Copper can be laser welded using various processes. All processes produce high-quality weld seams with consistent quality. Since spatter is avoided and the laser is a non-contact and wear-free tool, the components are neither soiled nor damaged.