Laser Power Conversion Formula for Various Material Thicknesses

It provides a detailed introduction to the conversion methods for laser power for materials of different thicknesses, as well as a practical formula and a guide to an online calculator.Whether you are a laser cutting novice or expert, you can quickly master how to adjust the power parameters according to the characteristics of the material, ensuring processing quality while avoiding waste of energy.

The relationship between laser power and material thickness.

Why does the thickness of the material affect the laser's power?

The thicker the material, the more energy is needed for laser cutting or engraving.To put it another way, it's like cutting a cake: the more layers there are, the more force is required.Insufficient power will result in an incomplete cut, while excessive power will burn the material along the edges.If you know the right conversion formulas, you can avoid such embarrassing situations.

Detailed explanation of the formula for converting laser power.

How does the formula work?

The most commonly used formula is: **Power (W) = Material thickness (mm) × Power coefficient**.The power coefficient must be adjusted for the type of material. For example, stainless steel is 500-800, and acrylic is 100-150.For example, to cut a 3mm thick stainless steel plate, the power required is about 3 × 600 = 1800 watts.

How should special cases be handled?

When dealing with composite materials or special coatings, it is recommended that you first do a small-scale test.For example, if the metal is coated with a protective layer, it may be necessary to increase the power by 10 % to cut through the outer layer, and then to operate with the usual parameters.

Tips for using online calculators.

What should be taken into consideration when inputting parameters?

Nowadays many websites offer free laser power calculators. When using one, remember three things:

1. Choose the type of material correctly (don't confuse aluminum with steel).

2. Standardize units of measurement (don't confuse millimeters with inches).

3. Choose the right type of processing (the parameters for cutting and carving are very different).

What do you do when the results aren't ideal?

If the power cut is not satisfactory, don't rush out to buy new equipment. First check these three points:

Is the laser head lens clean?

Is the pressure of the assist gas sufficient?

- Are there any rust stains or impurities on the surface?

Sharing practical experience.

The beginner's guide to avoiding pitfalls.

Newcomers to the trade often make two mistakes: either the power is too low and the job has to be redone, or it's too high and the material is burned.Remember the rule of thumb: "Thin materials, slow speed, low power; thick materials, fast speed, high power.For example, for cutting 0.5 mm thick steel, using 800 watts of power at a high speed is actually more effective than 1000 watts.

Advanced tips for the experienced.

For complex figures, it is possible to try segmented power settings: use full power for the outline, and reduce the internal fine structures by 5-10 %.This ensures the quality of the cutting and prolongs the life of the laser tube.