Quick Reference Guide to Laser Parameters for Different Materials

For users of laser marking machines, it has compiled reference ranges for power, speed, and frequency for commonly used materials like metal, plastic, and glass.It includes practical information such as how to anodize stainless steel, how to prevent acrylic from yellowing, and how to carve brittle materials. It also provides step-by-step testing methods, and quick solutions to common problems such as blurred carving and discoloration of materials. This helps users quickly find the best machining parameters.

Laser marking basics.

First, we need to clarify a few key indicators. The power determines the depth of the cut, the speed affects the efficiency of the processing, and the frequency controls the interval between laser pulses.Different materials have very different light absorption characteristics. For example, metals require high-power short pulses, while wood requires low-power pulses in order to avoid carbonization.Remember that these three parameters are interrelated, and adjusting one alone may cause a crash.

Common Materials and Parameters.

Metal (stainless steel / aluminum).

The power output should be 20-60 watts, the speed 300-800 mm / s, and the frequency 20-50 kHz.Aluminum reflects light, so it is recommended that an anodized coating be applied.The blackening of stainless steel after being carved is a normal phenomenon. To keep it looking silver in color, special protective gases are required.

Plastic (ABS / acrylic).

Power output is controlled within 10-30W, the speed is raised to 800-1500mm / s, and the frequency is in the mid-to-low range.Pay particular attention to PVC, which releases toxic fumes when exposed to laser light.When working with acrylic, placing a wet paper towel under the work can prevent the edges from turning yellow.

Glass and ceramic.

For such brittle materials, the laser is set to a medium power of 5-15 watts, and the speed is raised to 2000mm/s or more, with the material being cut in several shallow passes.If you clean the surface with alcohol before carving, you will discover that the clarity of the markings is improved by more than 30 %.

Practical skills for parameter adjustment.

Don't rush to start work on the finished product. First use scrap material to do a series of tests. Fix two of the parameters and test the third one at five different levels.For example, when adjusting the power, make a mark every five watts, and compare the effects to determine the optimum value.When encountering special coatings, be sure to consult the supplier for parameter ranges, which can save at least two hours of adjustment time.

Common problems and solutions.

If the carving is not clear, don't rush to increase the power. First check to see if the focal distance is accurate.If the edges of the pattern are fuzzy, it's probably because the speed is too slow.If the material changes color too much after being marked, try lowering the frequency and increasing the amount of air blown. This method is particularly effective with plastics.