May. 13, 2024
Laser cutting aluminum revolutionizes the manufacturing process, providing precision and efficiency unmatched by traditional methods. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about laser cutting aluminum, from the mechanics of the process to selecting the right laser cutting machine for your needs.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Laser Cutting Protection Film Supplier.
Can Aluminum Be Cut With a Laser?
The short answer is, yes! Aluminum can be efficiently and precisely cut using a laser cutting machine. In the realm of industrial manufacturing, laser cutting aluminum has revolutionized the way we shape and form this versatile metal. As a manufacturer, we know firsthand the importance of precision and quality when it comes to working with aluminum.
Laser cutting machines employ a focused beam of light to melt, burn, or vaporize the material, thereby achieving the desired shape or design. The process is highly accurate and leaves a clean, smooth edge, minimizing the need for additional finishing processes. This is especially important for aluminum, as its properties can sometimes make it challenging to work with using traditional cutting methods.
One significant advantage of laser cutting aluminum is the level of customization it allows. With the precise control afforded by laser cutting machines, intricate designs and complex shapes can be easily achieved. This opens up a realm of possibilities for manufacturers looking to create unique, customized products or components.
How Does Laser Cutting of Aluminum Work?
Programming the Machine
The first step in the laser cutting process involves programming the laser cutting machine. This includes inputting the design or pattern to be cut into the machine’s computer system. High precision is required during this stage to ensure the final product meets the desired specifications. Our team of skilled technicians is adept at handling this intricate process, ensuring every detail is accounted for.
Material Loading
Once the machine is programmed, the next step is to load the aluminum material into the machine. This involves placing the aluminum sheet or roll onto the machine’s worktable, ensuring it is correctly aligned and secured in place. Safety is a priority during this stage, and our operators are trained to handle the material safely and efficiently.
Calibrating the Laser
Before starting the cutting process, the laser must be calibrated to the specific type of aluminum being used. This involves adjusting the laser’s settings, such as its power, speed, and focal length, to match the material’s thickness and properties. Proper calibration is crucial to achieving a precise and clean cut.
Cutting Process
With everything set up, the cutting process can begin. The laser head moves over the aluminum, following the programmed pattern, while the focused laser beam melts, burns, or vaporizes the material. The result is a precise cut that follows the desired design or pattern. Our laser cutting machines are equipped with advanced technology that ensures a smooth and accurate cutting process.
Post-Processing
After the cutting is complete, the final step is post-processing. This may include cleaning up any residue left on the aluminum, as well as any additional finishing processes required to meet the product’s specifications. Our team takes pride in delivering a final product that is not only precise but also meets the highest standards of quality.
Why Invest in Laser Cutting Machine
In today’s fast-paced industrial world, investing in a laser cutting machine is a strategic move for any manufacturer dealing with metals, including aluminum. The benefits are multifold and can significantly enhance your production process, ultimately contributing to your bottom line.
Firstly, precision is one of the standout features of laser cutting machines. The ability to make precise and intricate cuts results in products that meet the highest standards of quality. This level of accuracy is particularly beneficial when working with aluminum, a material that requires a delicate touch due to its properties.
Furthermore, laser cutting machines offer a high degree of flexibility. Whether you’re dealing with complex shapes, detailed designs, or custom orders, these machines can handle it all. This opens up a world of possibilities for manufacturers looking to diversify their product offerings and cater to a wider range of customer needs.
Another major advantage is the efficiency of laser cutting machines. They are designed to minimize waste, thereby saving on material costs. Additionally, the speed at which they operate significantly reduces production times, allowing for higher output and quicker turnarounds.
Last but not least, the automation aspect of laser cutting machines can result in lower labor costs. With less manual intervention required, manufacturers can allocate their human resources more effectively, leading to an overall more streamlined operation.
What Are the Different Types of Laser Cutters Used for Cutting Aluminum?
Fiber laser cutters are among the most popular and efficient laser cutting machines used for cutting aluminum. These cutters use a fiber laser source, which is more effective on reflective materials like aluminum. Fiber laser cutters are known for their speed, precision, and energy efficiency, making them a go-to choice for many manufacturers dealing with aluminum.
CO2 laser cutters are another option for cutting aluminum, although they may not be as efficient as fiber laser cutters for this specific material. CO2 lasers use a gas mixture to produce the laser beam, which can be absorbed by aluminum, potentially reducing the cutter’s effectiveness. However, CO2 laser cutters are still widely used and can be suitable for certain aluminum cutting applications.
Solid-State Lasers
Solid-state lasers are another type of laser cutter used for cutting aluminum. These cutters use a solid medium, such as a crystal or glass, to generate the laser beam. Solid-state lasers are known for their high power and ability to cut thick materials. However, they may not be as energy-efficient or fast as fiber laser cutters.
Specifics of Laser Cutting Aluminum
The Aluminum Oxide Film
Aluminum naturally forms an oxide film on its surface, which can affect the laser cutting process. This film has a higher melting point than the aluminum itself, which can result in an uneven cut or even a failed cutting attempt. To combat this, specific laser settings and techniques must be employed to ensure a clean and precise cut.
Viscosity and Thermal Conductivity
The viscosity and thermal conductivity of aluminum are unique compared to other metals. These properties can cause the aluminum to absorb the laser’s energy, potentially leading to an incomplete cut. Special attention must be paid to the laser’s power and speed settings to account for these properties and ensure a successful cutting process.
Assist Gas Flow and the Laser Focus
The flow of assist gas and the focus of the laser are crucial factors in the laser cutting process. The assist gas helps to blow away any molten material, while the laser focus determines the precision of the cut. Proper adjustment of these factors is essential to achieving a clean, precise cut when working with aluminum.
How to Optimize the Laser Cutting Process?
Optimizing the laser cutting process for aluminum involves a combination of factors, including the right laser settings, correct assist gas flow, and proper maintenance of the laser cutting machine. Regular testing and fine-tuning of the machine’s settings are necessary to ensure the best possible outcome. By paying close attention to these factors, manufacturers can achieve a high-quality, precise cut every time.
What Are the Main Parts of a Laser Cutter for Aluminum?
A laser cutter for aluminum is a complex machine composed of various integral parts, each playing a crucial role in the cutting process. Understanding the function and importance of each part can provide valuable insights into the operation of the machine and the precision it brings to aluminum cutting.
Laser Resonator
The laser resonator is the heart of the laser cutter. It produces the laser beam necessary for cutting materials. In most modern laser cutters, this is achieved through the excitation of a lasing medium, which could be a gas mixture, solid-state crystal, or fiber optic cable.
Beam Delivery System
The beam delivery system is responsible for directing the laser beam to the material being cut. This system includes various mirrors and lenses that focus and direct the laser beam with high precision, ensuring the beam reaches the desired location on the workpiece.
CNC Controller
The CNC (Computer Numerical Control) controller is the brain of the machine, responsible for translating the design inputs into precise movements of the laser cutter. It ensures that the laser beam follows the desired path, resulting in accurate and detailed cuts.
Cutting Head
The cutting head houses the final focusing lens and the nozzle through which the assist gas is delivered. The cutting head moves along the designated path directed by the CNC controller, while the assist gas helps to clear away any molten material.
Worktable
The worktable is where the material to be cut is placed. It is designed to be sturdy and stable to support the material during the cutting process. Some worktables are equipped with clamps or other holding devices to secure the material in place.
These are the main parts of a laser cutter for aluminum, each playing a crucial role in the operation of the machine. Understanding the function and importance of each part can provide valuable insights into the precision and efficiency brought to the aluminum cutting process by a laser cutter.
What Are the Main Parameters for Laser Cutting Aluminum?
What Are the Cutting Tolerances for Aluminum Laser Cutting?
The cutting tolerances for aluminum laser cutting are crucial to the overall accuracy of the process. These tolerances can vary based on the thickness of the aluminum sheet, the grade of aluminum, and the specific laser cutting machine being used. However, most laser cutting machines can achieve a cutting tolerance of +/- 0.005 inches.
How Thick of an Aluminum Sheet Can Be Laser Cut?
The thickness of the aluminum sheet that can be laser cut depends on the power of the laser cutter. Most industrial laser cutters can handle aluminum sheets up to 1 inch thick. However, as the thickness of the sheet increases, the cutting speed and accuracy may decrease.
What Is the Best Grade of Aluminum for Laser Cutting?
The best grade of aluminum for laser cutting depends on the specific application and requirements of the project. Some common grades used for laser cutting include 5052, 6061, and 7075. These grades offer a good balance of strength, machinability, and weldability, making them ideal choices for a variety of applications.
What Are the Advantages and Challenges of Laser Cutting Aluminum?
Advantages of Laser Cutting Aluminum
High Precision
Laser cutting aluminum provides high precision and accuracy, allowing for intricate designs and tight tolerances. The laser beam’s focused nature ensures that the cuts are clean and precise, resulting in a high-quality finish.
Speed
The speed of laser cutting aluminum is significantly faster than other traditional cutting methods. This efficiency translates into quicker production times and lower costs for manufacturers.
Versatility
Laser cutting machines can handle a wide range of aluminum thicknesses and grades. This versatility allows manufacturers to easily switch between different materials and projects, increasing the machine’s overall utility.
Additional Advantages
Other advantages of laser cutting aluminum include the ability to cut complex shapes without the need for additional tooling, minimal material waste, and the possibility of automation, which further increases efficiency and lowers costs.
Challenges in Laser Cutting Aluminum
High Reflectivity
Aluminum’s high reflectivity can be a challenge in laser cutting as it may reflect the laser beam, reducing the machine’s efficiency and potentially damaging its components.
Thermal Conductivity
The high thermal conductivity of aluminum means that heat is quickly dissipated during the cutting process, which can lead to incomplete cuts or the need for higher laser power.
Cost
Laser cutting machines are expensive to purchase and maintain. The high cost of these machines can be a significant investment for manufacturers, especially small businesses or those just starting out.
Additional Challenges
Other challenges in laser cutting aluminum include the need for skilled operators, potential for burring, and the possibility of thermal distortion if the proper settings and techniques are not used.
Is Laser Cutting Aluminum Expensive?
The cost of laser cutting aluminum can be higher compared to other materials due to its unique properties. The high reflectivity and thermal conductivity of aluminum require specific laser settings and potentially more powerful lasers to achieve the desired results, which can increase costs. Additionally, the overall cost will depend on factors such as the thickness of the aluminum, the complexity of the design, and the laser cutting machine used.
Which Industries Utilize Laser Cutting for Aluminum?
Laser cutting technology has revolutionized the way we work with aluminum, bringing precision, speed, and versatility to the forefront. It’s no wonder that a wide range of industries now leverage this innovative technique to optimize their operations and products. Let’s explore some of the key industries that utilize laser cutting for aluminum.
Aerospace Industry
Aluminum is a staple material in the aerospace industry due to its lightweight yet strong characteristics. Laser cutting provides the precision required to create intricate components for aircraft, satellites, and spacecraft, ensuring that every piece meets the strict standards and tolerances required in this field.
Automotive Industry
The automotive industry is constantly seeking ways to improve efficiency and reduce vehicle weight to enhance fuel efficiency. By utilizing laser cutting for aluminum parts, manufacturers can produce lightweight, high-strength components that contribute to overall vehicle performance and safety.
Construction Industry
In construction, aluminum is often used for roofing, siding, and structural components. Laser cutting allows for precise and efficient production of these materials, ensuring they fit together perfectly and meet the necessary specifications.
Electronics Industry
The electronics industry relies on laser cutting to produce intricate aluminum components for devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The precision of laser cutting ensures that even the smallest parts are produced accurately and meet the high-quality standards required in this industry.
Medical Industry
Laser cutting is used in the medical industry to create precise aluminum components for medical devices and equipment. The high precision and cleanliness of the laser cutting process make it an ideal choice for producing components that must adhere to strict hygiene and quality standards.
Additional Industries
In addition to the industries mentioned above, laser cutting for aluminum is also utilized in other fields such as marine, energy, and defense. The versatility and precision of laser cutting make it a valuable technique for a variety of applications across different sectors.
Key Factors and Mistakes to Consider When Laser Cutting Aluminum
Key Factors to Consider
1. Material Thickness
The thickness of the aluminum plays a crucial role in determining the laser’s power and speed settings. Make sure to adjust these parameters according to the material’s thickness to achieve optimal results.
2. Laser Type and Power
Selecting the appropriate laser type and power is essential. Fiber lasers are generally preferred for cutting aluminum due to their efficiency and precision. The power of the laser should be sufficient to cut through the material but not too high to avoid excessive melting or damage.
3. Cutting Speed
The cutting speed should be carefully calibrated to match the material thickness and laser power. Too fast a speed may result in incomplete cuts, while too slow a speed can cause overheating and reduce the cut quality.
4. Assist Gas Flow
Proper assist gas flow is essential to prevent oxidation at the cut edges and improve the overall cut quality. The type and pressure of the assist gas should be selected based on the material thickness and desired finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Incorrect Laser Settings
Using incorrect laser settings is a common mistake that can result in poor cut quality or damage to the material. Make sure to consult the machine’s manual and perform test cuts to find the optimal settings for your specific project.
2. Inadequate Material Preparation
Ensure that the aluminum surface is clean and free from contaminants before cutting. Dirt, oil, or other impurities can affect the laser’s ability to cut the material accurately.
3. Neglecting Maintenance
Regular maintenance of the laser cutting machine is crucial to ensure its optimal performance. Neglecting maintenance can lead to a decrease in cut quality and increase the risk of machine breakdowns.
4. Ignoring Safety Precautions
Laser cutting involves high-power lasers that can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. Always wear the necessary protective gear and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents.
Practical Guide: How to Laser Cut Aluminum?
Preparations Before Laser Cutting Aluminum
Before diving into the exciting world of laser cutting aluminum, there are a few critical steps you need to take to ensure a smooth process:
1. Material Selection
Choose the right grade of aluminum for your project. Each grade has different properties that can affect the cutting process and the final result.
2. Surface Preparation
Clean the aluminum surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, oil, or contaminants. This ensures the laser can cut the material accurately and improves the cut quality.
3. Machine Setup
Calibrate the laser cutting machine according to the material thickness and desired cut quality. Perform test cuts if necessary to find the optimal settings.
Safety Tips for Laser Cutting Aluminum
Laser cutting can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. Here are some tips to ensure a safe cutting process:
1. Wear Protective Gear
Always wear the necessary protective gear, including safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection.
2. Follow Machine Guidelines
Read and follow the machine’s manual and safety guidelines to avoid accidents and damage to the machine or material.
Design Tips for Laser Cutting Aluminum
Once you have everything set up and you’re ready to start cutting, keep these design tips in mind to achieve the best results:
1. Optimize Your Design
Simplify and optimize your design to minimize the amount of cutting required. This reduces the risk of warping or damage to the material.
2. Consider Material Properties
Related links:For more Laser Protection Filminformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
Take into account the properties of aluminum, such as its thermal conductivity and reflectivity, when designing your project. This will help you achieve the desired cut quality and avoid common problems.
3. Test, Test, Test!
Don’t be afraid to experiment and perform test cuts to find the optimal settings for your specific project. This can save you time and material in the long run.
How Much Does Laser Cutting Aluminum Cost?
When it comes to laser cutting aluminum, one of the first questions that come to mind is “how much does it cost?”. The answer can vary based on a few factors. Let’s dive into the details.
How Much Does a Laser Cutter for Aluminum Cost?
The price of a laser cutter for aluminum can range from a few thousand dollars to over a hundred thousand dollars, depending on the machine’s capabilities, brand, and other factors. Generally, a high-quality, professional-grade laser cutter will be on the pricier side.
What Are the Best Laser Cutting Machines for Aluminum?
When it comes to the best laser cutting machines for aluminum, there are a few options that stand out. Brands like Trumpf, Amada, and Bystronic are known for their high-quality machines that can handle aluminum cutting with precision and efficiency. But, the “best” machine ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
Alternatives to Laser Cutting Aluminum
If the cost of a laser cutting machine is too high for your budget, there are alternatives. Waterjet cutting, plasma cutting, and mechanical cutting are all viable options for cutting aluminum. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to research and determine which method is best for your specific needs.
How to Choose the Right Laser Cutting Machine
Selecting the perfect laser cutting machine can seem like a daunting task, especially with so many options available on the market. Here are some guidelines to help you make the right decision for your specific needs.
1. Determine Your Needs
Start by assessing your needs. What type of material will you be cutting? What thickness does the material have? How intricate are the designs you want to cut? Answering these questions will help you narrow down your options.
2. Compare Laser Types
There are three main types of laser cutters: CO2, fiber, and solid-state. Each has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to compare them and see which one is best suited for your needs.
3. Consider the Machine’s Power
The machine’s power, measured in watts, is another crucial factor to consider. A higher wattage means the machine can cut through thicker materials and at a faster pace. However, it also means the machine will be more expensive.
4. Check the Machine’s Size
The size of the machine is also important. Make sure it can accommodate the size of the materials you will be cutting. Also, ensure you have enough space in your workshop to house the machine.
5. Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations
Before making a purchase, read reviews and ask for recommendations from others in your industry. This will give you a better idea of which machines are reliable and worth the investment.
6. Consider the Warranty and Support
Finally, consider the warranty and customer support offered by the manufacturer. A good warranty and responsive customer support can be invaluable, especially if you encounter any issues with the machine.
Choosing the Best Laser Cutting Machine
Selecting the right laser cutting machine is pivotal to achieving the perfect cut. When it comes to leading manufacturers of laser cutting machines, Krrass stands out as a pioneer in the industry. Based in China, Krrass offers a range of top-notch laser cutting machines that cater to various needs. Visit www.krrass.com to explore the best laser cutting solutions tailored to your requirements.
Read More:
Laser Cutting Machine: What You Need to Know
What is the difference between fiber laser cutting machine and plasma cutting machine?
How to choose a fiber laser cutting machine?
Are you beginning your adventure with laser engravers? This page will help you find the information you need. It will provide you with tips and help you choose an appropriate laser cutter and engraver for your needs.
For Opt Lasers, safety and quality isn’t just an empty slogan. It is the way we live and breathe. It transpires to every aspect of what we make. We always ensure that our clients are safe and satisfied with our service, and we strive to exceed our customers’ expectations every time.
When it comes to the selection of the laser itself - it is important to decide for what purposes you intend to primarily use it. Whether you need it for laser engraving or laser cutting or both. Other aspects important for the choice of your laser engraver or cutter are the thicknesses of the materials you want to laser process, their structure, density as well as heat transfer among other properties. All these parameters affect what laser head will work best for you. While this might sound complicated, we offer you this straightforward guide that will lead you through the process.
Our Mission - Opt Lasers products always stay ahead of the curve and disrupt the established market around the globe. Our mission is to transform the laser industry and CNC production lines by offering durable high tech products that bring about noticeable change and are accessible to everyone.
Our Values - We are devoted to providing our customers with high quality state-of-the-art products that help you grow your business and earn more money. Our clients can always count on us for excellent performance and lifetime support that takes your troubles away and gives you peace of mind. The three center values and pillars of our company are maintaining excellence in what we do every time, retaining and growing our clients' trust, as well as pushing the frontiers of what is possible to achieve.
High absorption of light, low power consumption, low maintenance cost, and a size that fits in the palm of your hand makes Compact Laser Heads an out-ofthe-box solution in the production industry.
It is also an OEM manufacturer with extensive laser characterization capabilities and can provide laser modules for integration into larger systems at scale for a variety of applications. Opt Lasers’ headquarters contain electronics and laser R&D facilities, a full-service machine shop and a well-supplied stock of components.
Opt Lasers established in 2014, is a brand of Tomorrow’s System Sp. z o.o., and a leader in providing compact cutting and engraving laser heads for the CNC machines and 3D printers markets. Headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, Opt Lasers is a respected European manufacturer of high quality optical and electronic devices. Opt Lasers’ portfolio encompasses industrial-grade laser heads for cutting and engraving, standard and custom laser modules, laser diode drivers and temperature controllers.
The categories below are designed to guide you through the laser cutter and engraver selection process based on your needs.
The main factor between material types that decides if a particular material type can be easily laser engraved or not is whether the material is metallic or not. Some metallic materials cannot be engraved at all. To engrave metals, ie. to remove a layer of the processed metal, it is recommended to start with a 15 W or higher optical power blue laser head. As of now, PLH3D-15W laser engraver is the best compact laser head on the market capable of engraving steel as well as stainless, carbon, tool and high-speed subspecies of it. It still is not powerful enough to engrave on bare Aluminium, Copper or brass simply because these materials either conduct heat too well or reflect too much laser light. It is possible to laser engrave copper with 30 W (optical power) blue laser heads. XT-50 is another laser engraver that allows you to work with metals, and it does so with outstanding precision (as its 50 µm wide focused beam spot corresponds to >500 real-life DPI ). These two engraving laser heads allow you to laser engrave (not just mark) the metals mentioned above.
If you are satisfied with simply laser marking the metal, you can achieve it on stainless steel and Titanium (but not other metals) with 6 W laser engravers. Laser marking is defined here as changing the color of the metal surface as a result of overheating. Laser marking is however less durable than laser engraving because the depth of the color change is much lower. Laser-marked surfaces can withstand just a few scrubs with fine sandpaper. For this purpose, the XF+ laser engraver with High-Resolution Lenses.
Nevertheless, if you want to do it really fast (>30 mm/s), then you will either need a laser with 15 W of optical power or the XT-50 laser cutter and engraver. Depending on the chemical composition and type of stainless steel you can assume speeds of 0.5 - 2 mm/s, 8 -15 mm/s, or 20-40 mm/s for the XF+ High Resolution Lens,PLH3D-15W respectively.
When buying a blue laser for cutting and engraving on wood, you often need to decide about its power. Less powerful, 2 W laser is not only cheaper but also allows for more precision laser engraving on wood. The more expensive 6-watt laser can engrave images with large pixels, and can be used where 2-watt version cannot, like cutting hard leather, or marking stainless steel or titanium. 2 W laser can work with a size of the spot of light as small as 0.1 mm, which enables wood engraving of very small details.
Results of engraving heavily depend on wood type. Several parameters need to be taken into account like hardness of the wood, surface and growth rings.
As a general rule, it is recommended to use an image with a resolution of at least 300 dots per inch (DPI) for laser engraving. This will ensure that the laser is able to produce a detailed and accurate engraving, even at small sizes. However, higher resolution images may be necessary for extremely detailed or fine engravings.
By using a high-resolution image and considering the size of the engraving relative to the size of the ceramic plate, you can achieve the best results when engraving with a diode laser. There are a variety of software programs that can be used to create designs for engraving on a ceramic plate with a diode laser.
With PLH3D-XT-50 and it's capabilities to perform engraving with the 500 DPI allows for amazing quality engravings on materials like ceramic tiles. Higher power density reveals new cutting and engraving possibilities. Additionally, cutting and engraving processes are significantly faster comparing to laser heads without anamorphic optics.
For thermoformed plastics, optical power density is significantly less important than optical power. The more optical power you deliver to the surface being processed, the faster it melts. For this very reason, 6 W laser engraver is a good choice. It is because it is built with the highest power laser diode available on the market. Nevertheless, higher optical power laser cutters and engravers such as 15 or 30 W multidiode laser heads will do an even better job. 2 W is generally not recommended for processing thermoformed plastics but it can do the job if lower cutting speeds are acceptable.
There are many dangerous materials, particularly plastics, for which you should research whether a given material can be safely laser processed before any laser processing takes place. For these materials, you should have a ventilation system set-up in place and well as use an air-assist nozzle to protect the lens if possible. As a result the most suitable laser engraver and laser cutter choices would be:
It is a good practice to have a ventilation system set-up for laser processing any plastics and additionally to remove the fumes with additional fan or direct fumex extraction tip from the cutting point. Remember that fumes are dangerous not only to humans, certain materials produces corroding gas or other substances that can influence your machines performance over time.
Unlike thermoplastics, white materials require a high optical power density laser head in order to be laser engraved or laser cut. The higher the optical power of your laser engraver and laser cutter is, the higher variety of materials you will be able to cut. Hence the best choice for such materials is either PLH3D-15W or XT-50 if ultra-hd precision is preferable.
As a general rule, most laser heads can process similar material types. Only a few particular types of materials require your laser engraver and laser cutter to have specific properties. The most common problematic materials were mentioned above.
Other types of materials can be processed with all engraving laser heads that have at least 2 W of optical power, and the main difference in their application would be the throughput obtained.
The maximum thickness of the material that can be laser cut is determined by a few parameters. The most important factor is the material itself. Secondly, it also depends on the optical power and optical power density of your laser as well as the angle of the light cone. Foams in general are the thickest materials that can be cut with a laser cutter.
As a general rule, PLH3D-XT-50 or PLH3D-15W laser engravers will perform better than XF+ at laser cutting anything thinner than 5-6 mm. For material thicknesses above 8-10 mm it is advised not to use PLH3D-15W, XT-50 or XF+ as they will cause edge burning as a result of light cone angle. PLH3D-15W laser cutter will perform way better than XT-50 working with themoplastics with around 3 times higher laser cutting speed. Meanwhile, the XT-50 laser cutter will perform better at removing thin layers or laser cutting very thin materials where heat dissipation effects have smaller influence on cutting speed. Thus for materials with 8-10 mm thicknesses it is advised to use standard XF+ laser head equipped with either G2, G7 lens or High-Resolution Lens. Standard XF+ can be used to cut quite thick materials up to 40 mm. It can for example be utilized for cutting 40 mm foam in just 4-6 passes. We have also tested cutting 10 mm balsa with PLH3D-6W-XF+ Laser Head, but it is definitely possible to cut even thicker balsa with additional passes.
PLH3D-CNC Adapter allows you to quickly connect your laser head to almost any CNC machine, including 3D printers. You may require basic electronics skills to connect it to more complicated controllers. Nevertheless, common controllers such as BlackBox controller, Duet 3D or xPro v4/v5 are quite easy to connect. We also have a controller connection database showing how to connect your PLH3D-CNC Adapter to a wide range of controllers.
Basically, with the help of the PLH3D-CNC Adapter, it is possible to connect the laser head to almost any CNC machine to turn your CNC machine into a laser engraving machine. One of the most important things, besides the connection, is generating an appropriate G-Code. G-Code for a laser engraver differs from the standard G-Code. The laser needs to be switched off for the duration of any idle movement while a spindle could be left spinning. The two most similar aspects of the laser and spingle g-codes are the power and the rotation speed. The same PWM signal that controls the rotation speed of the spindle can be used to control the laser power of your laser cutter and engraver. Typically, this is done with the S0 - S255 command (0 for 0% power and 255 for full power), but depending on your CNC Software and Controller, you might end up using different values, for example, S0 - S1000.
While it is possible to connect your laser engraver (and cutter) without the adapter, it requires basic electronics skills and an additional power source.
Connecting your laser to a 3D printer is somewhat more problematic than connecting it to a CNC machine. This is primarily caused by the fact 3D printers don’t have a dedicated output for spindle control. As a result, you don’t have a PWM signal designed specifically for the purpose of controlling an additional accessory such as a laser engraver. Nevertheless, a 3D printer has a few additional outputs for heater and fan control. These outputs can be used to control your laser. Using the PLH3D-CNC Adapter adds additional safety features and allows you to use enable signals. While the connection can typically be done in a few different ways, adding PLH3D-CNC Adapter significantly simplifies the connection and allows you to easily connect your laser cutter and engraver without the need for familiarity with basic electronics.
Opt Lasers Laser Heads are designed to work with any CNC machinery and connecting them to your system is pretty straightforward. To fire the laser head, you need to provide it with a 5V or 10V analog signal, or you can use a PWM signal. Opt Lasers laser heads can be mounted on robotic arms, robots, rovers, lathes and all kinds of CNC machinery that can operate a modulating signal or a 0/1 digital signal.
All main accessories (LaserDock, High-Pressure Air Assist Nozzle) can be found in the product details section in the main menu. All other accessories as well as descriptions of their applications can be found on the Opt Lasers Accessories webpage.
The most important accessories you should consider for your laser cutter and engraver are:
The High-Pressure Air Assist Nozzle speeds up laser cutting and engraving by up to 6.5 times, but also greatly improves the quality of the processed material. By using the High-Pressure Air Assist Nozzle, the resulting material will have noticeably higher quality and uniform and well-defined features.
Read More
Thanks to the LaserDock equipped with the laser attachment, you can effortlessly dismantle the laser unit when you are finished engraving or laser cutting. A clean focusing lens ensures consistent optical performance during subsequent laser cutting and engraving jobs. Keeping it clean also extends its lifespan.
Read More
Specially for you, we have prepared a website that guides the user through the process of selecting a laser head and then leads to the appropriate set for your CNC machine. Click the button below to visit this website.
Discover more
We are delighted with the designs our customers have sent us using laser engraving heads, and it is motivating us to continue creating and improving products. You can find a lot of useful information, creators' works and descriptions of their stories here. We publish the most interesting material on our website and social media profiles.
Discover more Laser Projects
Cutting and engraving wood using a CNC laser depends on the type of wood, its hardness, as well as other parameters like humidity, or texture. Materials that are easiest to cut with a laser are balsa and aviation plywood. Plywood is made of two layers of slightly harder wood, and a filler - usually balsa. Laser cutting these materials is least problematic, and the process is highly repeatable, since the wood has no knags, and has a foam-like, homogenous structure. When selecting material suitable for laser cutting or engraving, you should check its uniformity. Some variants of balsa are cheaper but may contain splinters of harder wood that are more difficult to cut with a CNC laser. Similar guidelines apply to aviation plywood.
Discover more about Cutting & Engraving Wood with CNC Lasers
Transparency is a physical property of materials, which means that light can travel through an object without scattering (on a macroscopic scale). A transparent material is a material that appears clear and of a single color. Examples of transparent materials include plate glass and amorphous plastics (e.g. acrylics, PEI, PC, ABS, PS, etc.). Films of certain crystalline polymers, such as PET and PP, are also transparent as a result of being stretched in two directions (and thus bi-axially oriented), which aligns the polymer molecules in the film’s plane. There is consequently no refraction because of this alignment.
Discover more about Laser Engraving Transparent Materials
You can find a lot of useful information in the same tab this article is.
To find out about typical achievable laser engraving speeds as well as laser cutting speeds for different materials, please visit:
https://optlasers.com/material-laser-cutting-tests
Step-by-step laser cutter and engraver installation guides for a wide range of popular CNC machines and 3D printer can be found below:
https://optlasers.com/user-manuals
To familiarize yourself with our laser engraver and laser cutter products installation manuals, please go to:
https://optlasers.com/user-manuals
To find the answers for standard questions, please see the FAQ:
https://optlasers.com/frequently-asked-questions
Instructions, 3D files, Software, technical drawings etc. can be found here:
https://optlasers.com/files-download
There are a lot of videos on Youtube that show laser cutter and engraver installation for different machines or present various interesting laser projects. You can also visit our Youtube Channel, which you are more than welcome to subscribe to.
There are a lot of related videos made by professional users as well as hobbyists. You can check them out here:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=opt+lasers
We have a few playlists that differentiate our videos based on the topic discussed. These for example include playlists related to specific CNC machines, Opt Lasers Educational Series or laser projects. In the link below, you can find lot of useful information about how to use laser engravers, how to install them or find an exciting inspiration for a new project:
https://www.youtube.com/c/OptLasers/playlists
We highly encourage you to join our Opt Lasers facebook group. You can use this group to show your laser work, exchange laser processing experience as well as ask any questions you might have:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/optlasers
Build a supportive community together with us!
You are also recommended to give our Facebook fanpage a thumbs up. By clicking like, you will gain the added benefit of first-hand information about our exciting new product releases, interesting laser processing movies, handy tutorials and other materials:
https://www.facebook.com/OptLasers/
You can also follow our other social media:
Opt Lasers' Twitter
Opt Lasers' LinkedIn
Opt Lasers' Instagram
Below you can find our YouTube videos showing laser cutting and laser engraving tests, technical explanations and reviews as well as other valuable content:
Are you interested in learning more about Heat Blocking Window Film? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Related Articles
If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!
All Comments ( 0 )