A Handbook of Laser Parameters for Various Materials

The handbook covers the most common materials, including metal, plastic, and ceramics, and lists recommended laser wavelengths, power ranges, and applications.It is suitable for laser processing practitioners and engineers to quickly look up information to help optimize cutting or sculpting effects, and reduce trial-and-error costs.The content is based on practical experience, stressing practicality and safety.

Why is there a need for a laser parameter handbook?

When laser processing, choosing the right frequency parameters is just as important as controlling the heat when stir-frying.Different materials have different absorption characteristics for lasers. For example, metal prefers high power short pulses, while wood is more easily charred with low frequency continuous waves.Without reliable parameters to refer to, the results of the experiment may be compromised, or the equipment may even be damaged.This handbook is intended to help you avoid these pitfalls, and to directly find a solution to your problem.

Common Material Parameters.

Metallic materials.

Stainless steel: Wavelength 1064 nm (fiber laser), 80-150W suggested, pulse frequency 20-50 kHz.The power can be reduced appropriately for thin sheet metal, while the frequency must be raised for thick sheet metal to avoid the formation of molten slag.

Aluminum Alloy: It is recommended to use a high-powered continuous wave (150W or more), and adjust the frequency to 5-10kHz to reduce the influence of the oxidized layer.When processing, remember to use nitrogen to assist, making the surface even smoother.

Non-metallic materials.

Acrylic: CO2 laser (10.6 μm) is the best option, with a power of 20-40 W and a frequency of 5000-8000 Hz.Low frequency is used for carving, and high frequency for cutting.

Wood: CO2 lasers are suitable for cutting wood, with a power rating of 10-30W.The wood is treated at 2000-3000 hertz to prevent carbonization, and then at 5000 hertz to increase efficiency.

Practical skills for adjusting parameters.

First, they make a small sample.

Don't start by working on your final product. Use scrap to test three or four sets of parameters, such as starting with the middle setting and then moving up and down 10 % in power and frequency.After checking the color of the cross-section and the condition of the burrs, he makes a few more adjustments.

Don't forget the environmental factors.

Similarly, high humidity in the summer can cause lenses to fog up, while low temperatures in the winter can make certain materials brittle.We recommend that you perform a benchmark test on your computer each time you turn it on, especially if it will be in continuous use for more than four hours.

High frequency questions.

Even after using the recommended parameters, the results are still not good.

First, check three things: 1) the cleanliness of the lens of the laser head; 2) whether the surface of the material has a coating or impurities; 3) whether the equipment is properly ventilated.If the answer is no, then you should contact the manufacturer to recalibrate the optical path.

Can different brands of equipment use the same parameters?

The general direction can be referenced, but the specific figures are recommended to be adjusted by ± 15 % according to the equipment instructions.For example, the peak power stability of imported lasers is better, and domestic equipment may require several tries to find the best effect.