Laser cutting is a popular choice for fabricators and machine shops to execute custom work as well as higher volume jobs, for cutting mainly but also etching and other finishing tasks.

The basic details of laser-cutting are simple: A computer numerical controller (CNC) directs the laser optics according to a defined program to cut (or etch, etc.) the material or workpiece. The beam melts the material and any residue is vacated by a…(read the full blog on AmericanMachinist.com).