Laser Cutting Machines for Different Materials

How do you choose the right laser machine for different materials? This article explains which types of laser machines are suitable for metals, plastics, and wood, including information on material characteristics, power matching, and common problems.Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional manufacturer, you'll find practical suggestions to help you avoid the pitfalls.

Why does the material determine the choice of laser?

The laser is not a panacea! Different materials respond differently to laser wavelength and power.For example, metals are highly reflective, and if the wrong type of laser is used, it may just bounce off the surface and do nothing. Wood is easily carbonized by heat, and if the laser is too powerful it will burn the edges.Choosing the right equipment can save costs and double the effectiveness of the finished product.

Metal materials: High-power fiber lasers are the best choice.

How do you cut stainless steel and aluminum alloy?

The biggest fear in metal cutting is not having enough energy.The 1070nm wavelength of the fiber laser is especially good at cutting through metals, and when combined with a power of 1000W or more, it can easily cut a stainless steel plate of less than 3mm thickness.Remember to add an inert gas (such as nitrogen) to prevent oxidation, and the cut will be smoother.

Be especially careful with copper and precious metals.

Highly reflective materials like copper can "blind" the laser head, so it is recommended to choose a model with anti-reflection design or use a green laser.The thin precious metals used in jewelry processing are more secure using low power pulsing.

Plastics processing: CO2 laser machines are more reliable.

The secret to cutting acrylic without charring the edges.

The 10.6-micron wavelength of CO2 lasers is easily absorbed by plastic, and 40-80W of power can cleanly cut 5-mm-thick acrylic.The key is to adjust the speed of the air, and make sure the nozzle is aimed at the focal point, to avoid melting the material or sticking it to the glass.

Never use laser on PVC!

Important things are said three times: Chlorine-containing plastics, such as PVC, emit poisonous gas when heated! It's safest to use a mechanical saw.

Wood carving: A CO2 laser machine can do the trick.

Control of depth in wood carving.

For example, the same laser can be set for 60 watts of power when working with soft woods like pine, but for harder woods, 100 watts is recommended.To reduce the scorching effect, the surface can be covered with tape before carving.

Glue is a key factor to consider when buying plywood.

Cheap particle board and plywood contain inferior glue, which gives off black smoke when heated.You can use E0 grade panels, or you can turn down the power and increase the speed to decrease the amount of heat that builds up.

Three tips for avoiding pitfalls when buying a laser machine.

1. Don't blindly seek high power: A 1000-watt machine is like using a cannon to shoot flies. It wastes energy and destroys the material.

2. Post-sales service is more important than price: Laser lens calibration and rail maintenance both depend on technical support.

3. Try it out before you buy it: Bring your own material to the factory and have them make a sample.

Finally, a word of advice: When you get the equipment back, test it out on a small scale first. The characteristics of materials are endlessly varied, so you have to be patient and adjust your equipment carefully if you want to make top products.