A PC-Based CAD/CAM System for Automatic Laser Processing of Materials

Abstract In this paper, we present a system consisting of a low-power carbon-dioxide (CO 2 ) laser, a small moving table and a low cost personal computer. This system is mainly used for laser cutting process automation although doping and deposition operations can be also performed. Hardware and software developments have allowed direct manufacturing based on the geometric model of the piece, generating the moving table motions, and controlling its speed and the laserʼs intensity. Experimental results have also shown that the use of computer control has improved design for manufacturing