The tools used for tree maintenance have relied upon chainsaws, shears, and handsaws for a while. These tools have their own pros and cons, such as their precision, reach, and operator safety. But with the introduction of laser tree cutting machines, a technological shift is occuring in both forestry and arboriculture. These machines provide the ability to prune, trim, and cut vegetation using lasers, and is a fantastic alternative to conventional machines.
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The following article provides a brief overview of laser cutting tree technology, as well as the pros and cons, so that those in forestry and land management may have a slightly more detailed, technical, description of this technology.
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What is a Laser Tree Cutting Machine?
Instead of using traditional saws that cut using physical friction and sharp teeth, the laser tree cutting machines use focused light energy to sever wood. By using a focal point that creates intense heat, they are able to vaporize and burn through the tree’s material.
Advantages of Using Lasers for Tree Cutting
The benefits of using lasers in tree cutting include a reduction in deforestation along with less contact cutting (since lasers use no actual blades). Without a blade, there is less risk of the tool getting stuck (which can shake the tree), and less risk of damaging or opening the bark, thus reducing the risk of the tree getting infected by pathogens.
Summary of Laser Technology for Tree Care
Laser technology for tree care is often used in conjunction with trucks and heavy machinery, and sometimes mounted onto specialized tripods. They usually require a strong power source and a way to cool the engine. There is a difference in the way lasers are operated (according to the design). Many are designed to allow the operator to adjust the beam from a distance in order to reduce the chance of injury from falling debris.
Categories of Laser Tree Cutting Equipment
Laser tree cutting equipment is categorized according to how much power it uses and the type of medium used for beam generation.
Laser Cannons versus Professional Tree Trimmers
While professional laser trimmers are built for more intricate tasks, such as trimming branches around power lines where direct contact can cause electrocution, laser cannons are built for heavy-duty trimming, such as cutting down large trunks or quickly clearing impenetrable vegetation. The heavy-duty trimmers are set to a higher wattage, and are more strictly regulated to heavy commercial use for forestry or electrical utilities.
C02 versus Fiber Lasers
CO2 Lasers: This type of laser uses a combination of gases to create a beam. They quickly and effectively cut and engrave organic material such as wood.
Fiber Lasers: This type of laser uses a fiber wire that has been infused with specific rare earth metals. Although this type of laser has been primarily associated with cutting metal, their high power capability makes them versatile, allowing them to also be used for various non-metal cutting tasks.
How Tree Cutting with Lasers Works
Laser tree cutting works through a mechanism known as thermal ablation. When directed to a certain branch, a laser beam with high power focused onto a single point, and that branch absorbs energy from that beam. Once enough energy has been absorbed, a spike in temperature causes the wood to combust or vaporize.
Safety Procedures and Laser Shields
When working with Class 4 lasers, which can burn skin and damage eyes, safety comes first. Class 4 lasers have strict safety operational zones to avoid exposure to the laser beam and reflections. In addition, safety operators must consider laser shields because unlike physical obstacles, laser beams can have extensive ranges, which means shatterboards and no-shoot-up protocols must be implemented.
Laser Tree Cutting Machine Applications
Commercial Applications in Forestry
In commercial forestry, laser tree cutting machines streamline the process of vegetation management to clear utility line right-of-ways. These machines enable crews to conduct line trimming of branches over the high-voltage wires with no need for aerial lift devices or hands-on climbing, thus augmenting operational efficiency and safety.
Residential and Custom Applications
Use of laser tree cutting machines in standard residential tree trimming applications is less common due to cost considerations. However, small laser units are employed for post-harvest detailed woodworking, laser engraving, and customization, maximizing intricate designs and precise cuts obtainable only with hand tools.
What to Consider When Choosing A Laser Cutting Machine
Defining one’s needs is the first step in selecting the right equipment.
What to Consider
Power Output: The higher the wattage, the faster the cuts can be made, and the thicker pieces of wood can be cut.
Portability: Mounts on vehicles can be good to use on the road. In contrast, stationary units are better for yard processing.
Beam Quality: When the beam is more stable and focused it is able to make cleaner cuts and less burning.
Cost
Laser tree cutting machines are more expensive than other equipment. They also have the potential to save more money over time with less labor, less maintenance, and more speed for things like Utility clearance.
Future of Laser Tree Cutting
With the uptick in the use of smart and compact laser sources, laser tree cutting technology is gaining attention due to the potential of fully automated systems to remove the human operator from high risk positions. With the tightening of regulations that control noise, wildlife disturbance, tree cutting lasers provide the potential to standardize practices in sustainable forestry management.
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