Kerf is a term used to describe the width of the material that is removed by a cutting process, such as a saw or a laser. It is the width of the cut made by a saw or cutting torch, and it can vary depending on the cutting method and the material being cut. For example, in woodworking, kerf width is important for maintaining precision when cutting parts for furniture and cabinets, and for minimizing wasted wood resulting from blades with thick kerfs.
In laser cutting, the size of the kerf depends on the laser being used and the material being cut. It can range from .006″-.015″ (.152mm-.381mm) for fiber lasers and from .010″-.020″ (.254mm-.508mm) for CO2 lasers. The kerf width is compensated for in real time during the cutting process, and it can change based on cutting geometry, assist gas, beam power, and other factors. This compensation is important for intricate and detailed designs.
In summary, kerf is an important consideration in various cutting processes, and understanding its width and compensating for it is crucial for achieving precision and minimizing material wastage.
