A new graphic tracks the progression of the laser since 1960. As craftsmen who work with laser-cut steel, the team at Throttle Down Kustoms created the image to illustrate how these versatile light beams have evolved over time. Lasers have their place in both entertainment and automotive manufacturing. From sensors to heat sources to cutting materials, the list of laser applications is long, but the chart keeps it concise.
“Our CNC machines allow us to build our custom steel bumpers with perfect accuracy in less time,” says Jeremy Pulse, owner of Throttle Down Kustoms. “We almost take these lasers for granted because we use them so frequently, yet, as the graphic shows, these lasers weren’t regularly used until the 1980s. I have sympathy for anyone who built steel bumpers in the 70s.”
Here are some highlights from the chart:
- Thomas Maiman developed the first working ruby laser 59 years ago. Today, that ruby laser is widely used for business presentations and entertaining the family cat.
- When the laser was still little known and novel, 007 almost met his demise when the villainous Goldfinger turned his gold-melting beam toward Mr. Bond.
- While automotive manufacturers continue to use CO2 and CNC lasers during production, the fiber lasers introduced in 2008 are increasingly gaining popularity for welding fuel injectors, batteries, and other auto parts.
“It still surprises me that this technology really isn’t that old,” Pulse says. “We use CNC laser cutting because it’s more precise than other methods, uses less energy, and we can do custom shapes without any additional tooling. In short, CNC laser cutting helps us make the best steel bumpers in the shortest amount of time.”
Members of the media are invited to share or publish the chart with a link back to the original image found here: https://www.throttledownkustoms.com/n-13565-the-history-of-the-laser-cutter.html
About Throttle Down Kustoms
Founded in 2004, Throttle Down Kustoms is a leading manufacturer and retailer of steel bumpers, Jeep frames, skid plates, and more. To learn more, visit https://www.throttledownkustoms.com.