How does laser cutting work ?

In short, laser cutting works by focusing a high amount of energy on a small area using a laser beam concentrated through a lens.

The material is vaporized at that point, and an assist gas is used to blow away the melted material. Two gases are used : oxygen for steel, which creates a black residue called scale, and nitrogen for stainless steel and aluminium, which prevents scale formation.

You can also choose “white cut” with nitrogen for steel, which avoids scale as well, but at a slightly higher cost.