There are two main automated laser support machines. One of them is called the Gantry system. This system moves a robot arm above a selected material. The laser is contained at the end of the mechanical arm. The arm manipulates the laser to create the desired shape programed into the computer. The machine is not small, weighing in at a minimum of 12,000 lbs, and maximum 25,000 lbs. Gantry machines use an XY coordination grid to create the designated design. An advantage of Gantry systems is how well it cuts thick materials, and wide formats.
