Laser Cutter Industry Glossary

Engineered for modern post-press manufacturing, MK Masterwork laser solutions deliver clean edges, consistent accuracy, and scalable performance.

Use this glossary as a concise reference to the concepts that matter most—from focus and assist gas to nesting, HAZ, and MES connectivity.

Term	Definition
CO₂ Laser	Gas laser emitting infrared wavelength around 10.6 µm; ideal for cutting organic materials and plastics.
Fiber Laser	Solid-state laser with high electrical efficiency and excellent beam quality; best for metals.
Diode Laser	Semiconductor-based compact laser source used for marking and fine cutting.
Wavelength	Distance between light wave peaks determining material absorption characteristics.
Beam Quality (M²)	Measurement of how closely a beam approximates an ideal Gaussian profile.
F-Theta Lens	Lens system for galvo scanners ensuring linear field mapping.
Spot Size	Diameter of the focused beam; determines kerf width and detail level.
Focus Position	Vertical distance between focal point and workpiece surface.
Assist Gas	Gas (O₂, N₂, Air) aiding in material ejection and edge quality control.
Piercing	Initial penetration process before continuous cutting begins.
Kerf	Width of material removed by the laser beam during cutting.
HAZ (Heat-Affected Zone)	Zone of thermal impact adjacent to the cut edge.
Dross	Re-solidified molten residue on the underside of the cut edge.
Burr	Unwanted protrusion or roughness along the cut edge.
Taper	Difference in kerf width between top and bottom surfaces.
Cutting Speed	Linear feed rate of the laser relative to the material surface.
Power Density	Laser power per unit area at the focus, determining cutting capability.
Pulse Frequency	Number of laser pulses emitted per second.
Pulse Width	Duration of each laser pulse; affects heat input and edge quality.
Nozzle	Component directing assist gas to the cutting zone.
Focal Length	Distance between lens and focal point influencing spot size and depth of focus.
Depth of Focus	Range over which the laser remains effectively focused.
Beam Delivery Fiber	Optical fiber that transmits high-power laser energy to the cutting head.
Galvo Scanner	Pair of high-speed mirrors directing the laser beam for marking or engraving.
Gantry System	X-Y motion platform used to move laser head or material precisely.
Autofocus System	Automatic adjustment maintaining correct focus distance.
Vision Alignment	Camera-based alignment ensuring accurate registration with printed graphics.
MES Connectivity	Integration with manufacturing execution systems for data tracking and automation.
CAD/CAM	Software for computer-aided design and manufacturing of laser toolpaths.
G-Code	Standardized command language controlling motion and process parameters.
Nesting	Optimized arrangement of parts on a sheet to reduce waste.
Micro-Joint	Small connecting bridge left to prevent part movement during cutting.
Recast Layer	Re-deposited molten material forming on the cut edge.
Back Reflection Isolator	Protective optical device preventing reflected laser from damaging the source.
Beam Alignment	Adjustment ensuring the laser beam is coaxial through the optical path.
Crash Protection	Mechanical safeguard preventing damage from head collision.
Fume Extraction	System removing smoke and particulates for safety and lens protection.
PPE / Laser Goggles	Personal protective equipment ensuring operator eye safety.
CE / UL Certification	Compliance standards for safety and electrical systems.
ISO 11553	International safety standard for laser machinery.
Edge Roughness (Ra)	Surface texture measurement used to assess cut edge quality.
OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)	Metric combining availability, performance, and quality for equipment productivity.
Yield Rate	Percentage of conforming parts produced from total output.
Preventive Maintenance	Scheduled service activities ensuring consistent laser performance.
Lens Life	Operational lifespan of focusing optics before replacement.
Calibration Coupon	Test sample used to verify machine accuracy and kerf consistency.
Thermal Drift	Change in alignment or focus caused by temperature variation.
Surface Reflectivity	Proportion of incident light reflected by a material surface.
Absorptivity	Proportion of incident laser energy absorbed by the material.
Fiber Coupling Efficiency	Ratio of power transmitted through the fiber relative to the source output.

Laser processing is moving toward higher power density, smarter sensing, and tighter integration with digital workflows.

By mastering the terminology in this glossary, your teams can deploy, scale, and sustain MK Masterwork laser solutions with greater confidence—achieving clean edges, stable throughput, and consistent ROI.

To explore how MK integrates laser cutting with post-press automation and quality control, visit masterworkgroup.com.

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