How to choose laser power? Comparison table of parameters for different materials (2024 edition)

It explains how to choose the right laser power based on the material, and provides a comparison table of the latest laser marking parameters for different materials.The content includes techniques for setting parameters for common materials such as metal, plastic, and ceramic, helping you to quickly master the method for adjusting the power of a laser marking machine and avoiding processing problems caused by improper parameters.

The logic behind the selection of laser power.

The key is whether the material can withstand the laser power.For example, metals have a high degree of hardness, so they require a high level of power to be engraved. But plastics are fragile, and if too much power is applied, the edges will burn.You have to get a feel for the characteristics of the material first, and then combine that with your requirements for the marking (for example, depth, speed) to determine the power. That's the real secret to saving time and effort.

Comparison of marking parameters for different materials (2024 version).

The following table of parameters is based on practical experience and covers the most common materials.

Metal materials.

Stainless Steel: Power 30-60 %, Frequency 20-50 kHz, Speed 800-1200 mm / s.

Aluminum alloy: Power 20-40 %, frequency 30-60 kHz, speed 1000-1500 mm / s.

Copper: The power needs to be set at 50-70 %. (The surface is easily reflective and absorbs little energy.)

Non-metallic materials.

ABS: 10-20 % power, 5-15 kHz frequency, and a suggested cutting speed of 400-600 mm / s.

Acrylic: 15-25 %; ventilation is important to prevent smoke from lingering.

Wood: 8-15 %. Dark wood can be appropriately lowered to prevent carbonization.

Avoid the three pitfalls of parameter settings.

Blindly chasing high power.

Some people think the higher the power the better, but in fact too much power will burn through thin materials, and shorten the life of the laser tube.It is best to start with small-scale testing, and adjust from low to high levels.

They ignore environmental factors.

When the temperature in the workshop exceeds 35 ˚ C, the laser cooling efficiency drops, and the suggested power should be lowered 5 to 10 %.In humid areas, the power of the laser must be reduced to prevent moisture from affecting the laser beam.

The parameters have not changed.

The parameters have to be adjusted to take into account the material's thickness and surface treatment.For example, anodized aluminum plates absorb light better than the original color aluminum plates, and the power can be reduced by 10-15 %, and the same clear mark can be made.

Some tips for getting started.

1. If you are working with a material whose characteristics are unknown, try using scraps to test it out.

2. **Mass production must be done**: Check the depth of marking every two hours to prevent a decline in laser tube performance affecting consistency.

Cold knowledge: Reducing power to under 70 % extends the life of the laser tube by 30-50 %.

Setting the parameters according to this guide and table will solve most problems.If you come across a special material (like glass with a coating), please leave a comment, and I will write a special article about it next time!