Laser cutting may seem like a modern innovation, but its roots go back several decades. The first commercial laser cutting machines emerged in the 1960s, initially focused on drilling holes in diamond dies. By the 1970s, developments in gas laser systems made it possible to cut metals more efficiently. As technology advanced, lasers became faster, more precise, and accessible to a wider range of industries—from automotive manufacturing to electronics, medical device production, and beyond.

Today, laser cutting is considered a mainstay in industrial processing. But while the laser beam itself often gets the spotlight, there’s another essential component working behind the scenes: the assist gas.

At its core, laser cutting is a non-contact thermal process. A focused beam of high-intensity light is used to melt, burn or vaporise material. The beam is guided through mirrors or fibre optics and concentrated using lenses to produce an extremely narrow, precise cut. But the laser alone isn’t enough. As the beam penetrates the material, molten particles need to be cleared from the cutting area to avoid defects or re-solidification along the cut line. That’s where the assist gas comes in—playing a key role in both quality and speed.

Laser cutting has become the go-to method for metal fabrication across industries such as automotive, aerospace, defence, and construction. It’s not just widespread—it’s the largest segment of the metal cutting market today. Even at Pneumatech, the canopy panels on gas generators are precision-cut using laser technology.
 

Several laser technologies are used in cutting machines, each with distinct advantages:
 

• CO₂ lasers: Once the dominant technology, CO₂ lasers are well-suited for cutting non-metals and thicker materials. However, they require more complex laser gases and frequent maintenance. 
• Fibre lasers: Now the most common choice for cutting metals, especially thinner sheets. They offer fast cutting speeds, lower power consumption, and minimal maintenance. 
• Disk and diode lasers: Part of the solid-state laser family, these are gaining ground in applications that demand precision, reliability, and reduced operating costs.
   

Each laser type interacts differently with the material being cut, and that relationship has a direct impact on assist gas selection. For example, fibre lasers often pair effectively with nitrogen to achieve clean, oxide-free cuts—especially important in applications where post-processing is limited.

Nitrogen is widely used as an assist gas in laser cutting, particularly for cutting stainless steel, aluminum, and other oxidation-sensitive materials. Here’s how nitrogen contributes to the process:
 

• Prevents oxidation: Unlike oxygen, which reacts with metals and can cause oxidation, nitrogen is an inert gas that prevents discoloration and rust formation on cut edges. This results in cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing cuts.
• Enhances cut quality: Nitrogen helps to remove molten material from the cutting area without introducing additional chemical reactions, leading to smoother edges and better-quality finishes.
• Increases cutting speed: By assisting in rapid heat dissipation and preventing unwanted combustion, nitrogen allows for faster cutting speeds while maintaining precision.
• Improves structural integrity: Since nitrogen cutting avoids oxidation, the mechanical properties of the material remain intact, which is essential in industries where material strength and durability are critical.

Instead of relying on bulk nitrogen deliveries, manufacturers can improve cost efficiency and operational flexibility by generating their own nitrogen on-site. Pneumatech’s nitrogen generators provide a reliable, high-purity nitrogen supply tailored to the needs of laser cutting operations. With advanced technology and energy-efficient performance, these generators help reduce downtime, lower costs, and ensure a consistent gas supply for high-quality cutting results.