Patent attributes
Laser cutting systems and methods are described herein. One or more systems include a laser, an optical component, a fixture for holding a support with a part positioned on the support, and a controller. The controller is configured to identify a cut path for trimming excess material from a dental appliance, determine adjustment instructions for adjusting a focal length of the laser to cut along the cut path, and trim the excess material from the dental appliance along the cut path with the laser. The focal length is adjusted by adjusting at least one of: the laser, the optical component, and the fixture, and while moving the fixture at a constant speed relative to the laser to avoid increasing a brittleness of a polymer material of the dental appliance along the cut path.