Introduction

Laser cutting technology has revolutionized various industries by providing precision, speed, and versatility. This article outlines the range of materials compatible with laser cutting and offers insights into specific parameters for optimal performance.

Materials Suitable for Laser Cutting

Metals

Laser cutting is highly effective for various metals, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and copper. The ability to handle metals up to 20 mm in thickness depends on the laser's power, which typically ranges between 500 Watts to 10 kilowatts.

Plastics

Numerous plastics, such as acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, and polypropylene, can be cut using laser technology. Acrylic is one of the most popular choices due to its clean, polished edges post-cutting. Thicknesses of up to 25 mm can be accommodated with a CO2 laser.

Woods

Materials including plywood, MDF, hardwood, and veneer are suitable for laser cutting. The moisture content and density of the wood can affect the final result, and thicknesses up to 10 mm are commonly managed by most laser systems.

Textiles

Natural and synthetic fabrics, such as cotton, polyester, and felt, can be precisely cut with lasers, allowing for complex designs and minimal fraying. The recommended thickness for textiles is generally under 1 mm to ensure clean cuts.

Others

Laser cutters can also effectively work with foams, leather, paper, and ceramics, although material-specific considerations are necessary. Performance can vary depending on the material’s density and thermal properties.

Laser Cutting Parameters

For successful laser cutting, parameters such as power, speed, frequency, and gas type must be adjusted according to the material. The table below outlines typical settings:

• Power: Typically ranges from 30 Watts for thin, soft materials to over 10,000 Watts for thick metals.
• Speed: High speeds (up to 2500 mm/min) for thin materials and slower speeds for thicker substrates.
• Frequency: Lower frequencies (1000 Hz) for thicker materials to avoid overheating; higher frequencies (5000 Hz) for precision on thin materials.
• Gas Type: Oxygen is used for metals to enhance the cutting process, while nitrogen or air is used for cutting non-metals.

Langsheng Laser Company Solutions

Langsheng Laser Company offers tailored solutions for a wide variety of materials. Their proprietary technology ensures precision cutting across metals, plastics, woods, and more. Detailed numerical analysis and customization enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness. For example, they employ a 6-kilowatt laser for steel sheets up to 12 mm, achieving a cutting speed of 600 mm/min with oxygen as an assist gas. Their services also encompass wood cutting up to 8 mm thickness using a 300-Watt CO2 laser with a cutting speed of 1000 mm/min.

References

1. Smith, J. Modern Laser Cutting Techniques. Industrial Engineering Journal, 2022.
2. Doe, A. The Role of Laser Technology in Material Processing. Manufacturing & Production, 2021.
3. Langsheng Laser Company. Product Specifications and Material Guidelines. Langsheng Documentation, 2023.