GCSE Design and Technology · key term

Laser cutting

Definition

A process in which a focused laser beam uses heat to cut material along a controlled path.

Used by Edexcel

Specification 4.7.2, 5.7.2, 6.6.1 · Paper 1

Using a focused laser beam controlled by a digital design file to cut through material.
Acrylic is particularly suitable for laser cutting because it can produce a smooth, polished-looking cut edge. A designer could cut several matching acrylic panels from the same file, then engrave labels onto them. Digital control gives accurate, repeatable results and allows complex two-dimensional shapes that would be difficult to cut consistently by hand.
Revise: Polymer Shaping Techniques
A process that uses a focused laser beam to remove material along a programmed path, producing cut shapes or engraved details.
Revise: Shaping Techniques for Systems

1
Distinguish laser cutting, which cuts through the sheet, from engraving, which removes material from its surface.
2
Distinguish vacuum forming, which reshapes a sheet, from 3D printing, which adds material, and laser cutting and drilling, which remove material.

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