The Golden Ratio of Laser Power and Speed: A User's Guide to Setting Parameters for Different Materials

The key to achieving the best results in laser processing is to master the golden ratio between power and speed. This book provides practical parameter setting techniques for common materials such as metal, wood, and plastic. It will help you balance cutting efficiency and precision, and avoid problems such as burning or incomplete cutting.Whether you are a novice or a veteran, this guide will make your work easier.

But why is there a need for a "golden ratio" between power and speed?

When many people first come across laser equipment, they think "If I turn up the power, I can cut faster," but as a result the material burns or the machine overloads and shuts down.In fact, it's like the heat used in cooking. The power and speed must be balanced.For example, when cutting thin sheets of wood, too much power can burn the edges, and when working with thick metal, cutting too quickly can make it impossible to cut all the way through.Finding the right balance between the two is necessary to save electricity while maintaining product quality.

The secrets of parameter settings for different materials.

Metal materials: Power first, speed second.

For "tough nuts" like stainless steel and aluminum, the laser power must be high (80-100 %) and the cutting speed slowed to 1-3 meters per minute.Especially when the thickness exceeds 3mm, remember to turn on the auxiliary gas (nitrogen or oxygen). This will blow away the slag and prevent oxidation.A little trick: if the sound of cutting becomes muffled, it is probably because the speed is too fast, and you should adjust it.

Wood and Acrylic: Gently treat the edges.

When working with pine, lime, or acrylic less than 5mm thick, it is recommended that the power be reduced to 40-60 % and the speed increased to 4-6 m / min.When testing, first cut a corner and observe the color of the cut surface--a slightly yellowish hue is normal carbonization, but if there is a distinct black edge, the power must be lowered or the speed increased.When carving fine patterns, you can try "layered multiple processing," which produces a cleaner result than a single cut.

Plastic: Cold, fast, and nonstick.

PVC and artificial leather are the most difficult to work with.The best power output is between 20 and 30 percent, and the speed should be above 8 meters per second.Be sure to have adequate ventilation, otherwise the melted plastic will stick to the lens.If you've had problems with your material curling up, try taping the back of the material with transfer tape. This will not only fix the material in place, but will also absorb the excess heat.

Daily maintenance can also affect the performance of the parameters.

Don't just twiddle the dials! Dirt on the lens will reduce the power. Every week, wipe the optical components with a dust-free cloth dipped in alcohol.Focusing errors are also common.If the cutting line suddenly becomes coarse, first check if the guide is lacking oil. Sometimes mechanical problems are more of a hindrance than parameter problems.

The universal formula for rapid adjustment.

When working hurriedly, remember this saying: "Thick material, slow cutting, high power; thin material, fast cutting, low heat; test the edges first, then cut the whole piece.When faced with a new material with uncertain parameters, start testing at 70 % of the manufacturer's recommended value. Each time, only adjust one parameter, either power or speed, and record the result. After two or three tests you will have found the best combination.