Which laser is used for industrial cutting and welding?

• A. Nd:YAG lasers
• B. CO2 lasers
• C. Argon lasers
• D. Excimer lasers

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how laser wavelength and power interact with materials to enable cutting and welding. A CO2 laser emits infrared light at about 10.6 micrometers, a wavelength that many common materials absorb well, especially organics, plastics, and coatings. This strong absorption allows the beam to heat a narrow line rapidly, melting or vaporizing material and producing fast, clean cuts or solid welds. CO2 lasers can deliver high continuous power and work smoothly in production environments, with optics that are durable and easy to service, plus gas-assisted cutting that helps remove molten material for better quality.

Nd:YAG lasers excel for metal processing and precision work because of their shorter wavelength, which interacts differently with metals and enables very fine, deep welds. Argon lasers and Excimer lasers have niche roles or lower power for broader cutting tasks, making them less common choices for routine industrial cutting and welding.