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Laser cutting machines can process various materials based on their types and thicknesses. A machine will have varying degrees of success cutting material.
Laser cutting machines can cut through ferrous and nonferrous metals. Common types include stainless steel, aluminium, copper, and brass. The high precision and efficiency of laser cutting make it suitable for intricate designs and thin metal sheets. Laser cutting of metal has advantages like improved finish, reduced need for secondary processing, and minimal tool wear.
These machines are suitable for cutting and engraving wood. Wood types commonly used include plywood, MDF (medium density fibreboard), hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut, and softwoods like pine and cedar. Laser cutting is precise, causes no waste, and allows for detailed engraving.
Laser cutting machines can also work on various plastics. Common types include acrylic (plexiglass), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polycarbonate, and PETG (glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate). The machines are ideal for creating signs, displays, and various decorative items due to their precision.
Laser cutting machines are suitable for cutting various fabrics. Laser machines work well on natural and synthetic fibres like cotton, wool, silk, polyester, and nylon. Uses for laser-cut fabrics include apparel, home textiles, and technical fabrics.
Laser cutting machines are best suited for cutting and engraving genuine leather and artificial leather (synthetic leather). The machine provides clean cuts without the need for cutting dies, making them ideal for intricate designs.
Laser cutting machines are ideal for engraving and marking glass. Glass engraving provides detailed designs with precision. However, cutting glass requires careful control of laser parameters because of the high energy required to cut glass compared.
Some laser cutting machines work well with composite materials like carbon fibre, fibreglass, and other resin-infused materials. These machines work for cutting and creating intricate patterns in thin composite materials.
Laser cutting machines are used in many industrial applications due to their precision and efficiency. The machines are especially helpful for intricate designs.
Laser cutting machines help cut lightweight materials like titanium and aluminium alloys, making components like engine parts, structural frames, and landing gear. Precision cuts are essential for ensuring component fit and functionality.
Laser cutting machines help create parts like body panels, exhaust systems, and engine components while reducing the overall weight of a vehicle. Reduced waste leads to a more sustainable cutting method, which is vital for the automotive industry's need for more sustainable practices.
Laser cutting machines create circuit boards and electronic enclosures, where precision is vital to ensure the proper functioning of complex electronic systems. The use of laser cutting in this industry can reduce material waste and improve the overall efficiency of production.
Laser cutting machines create surgical instruments, implants, and diagnostic devices. Precision cutting is vital to ensure component fit and functionality, especially for devices requiring intricate designs or tight tolerances. Sterilization of these cut products is important for this industry.
Laser cutting machines are commonly used to create cut metal parts for many applications. The machines' ability to cut precisely and quickly makes it a popular choice for creating custom parts in various industries. The precision of laser cutting reduces the need for secondary processes like grinding or polishing.
Laser cutting machines create custom signs, displays, and promotional materials from various materials like acrylic, wood, and metal. The ability to cut intricate designs quickly makes laser cutting popular in this industry.
Laser cutting machines help create parts for aircraft and engines. The machines' ability to cut precisely and quickly makes it an essential tool for this industry's need for precision and efficiency, as there is little margin for error in cutting aircraft parts.
Laser cutting machines create detailed cuts and designs for garments, accessories, and footwear. Precision cutting allows for intricate patterns and designs, which are becoming more popular in modern fashion.
These machines create components for renewable energy systems like wind turbines and solar panels. They cut metal sheets for turbine blades or frame structures for solar panel assemblies.
Working area
The working area of this laser cutting machine is 60 x 90 centimetres. This means it can cut any material of this area. It can also engrave any material of this area.
Laser power
The laser power of this cutting machine often varies with the intended application. Common powers for this machine are between 40 and 130 watts. A higher watt laser generates more energy. This allows users to cut thicker materials. It can also engrave at faster speeds. Conversely, a lower watt laser is suitable for lighter tasks. These tasks include engraving only.
Laser type
A CO2 laser is typically used in this machine because of its effectiveness at cutting non-metallic materials. These materials include acrylic, wood, and fabric. Conversely, a fibre laser is often used for metal cutting. This is because of the deep penetration and efficient energy use of the fibre laser. It is also effective on materials with high reflectivity, like aluminium and copper.
Engraving speed
The engraving speed of a laser cutting machine depends on factors like the material type and engraving depth. It can allow an engraving speed of between 10 and 100 mm/s for an engraving depth of 1 mm.
Cutting speed
The cutting speed of laser cutting machines varies widely depending on multiple factors. These factors include material type, material thickness, and laser power. Typically, cutting speeds can range from 1 to 100 mm/s. This is regardless of the above factors.
Precision
The precision of these machines varies with the laser type and lens used. However, most of these machines achieve cutting accuracy within 0.1 to 0.3 mm. This is high enough for intricate designs.
Material thickness
Material thickness defines how deep the laser can cut into any material. For metals, the material thickness depends on the cutting power. For nonmetals, the material thickness remains constant, regardless of the cutting power.
Installation will ensure the laser cutting machine operates at optimum capacity and spell out the life of the machine in years. These machines can be heavy. It is therefore vital for users to get help before carrying the machine themselves. Below are steps to follow when installing the machine.
Regular maintenance will ensure the long-lasting laser cutting machine functions optimally. Below are maintenance tips to follow.
Laser cutting is high precision. As such, quality and safety are vital in this process. Below are quality and safety considerations for laser cutting machines.
Laser alignment
Laser alignment increases the efficiency of laser cutting machines. It ensures the laser is focused on a pinpoint to maximise laser cutting efficiency. Poor laser alignment means the laser will be diffused on a wide area. This will reduce cutting efficiency and precision. Material losses will also occur.
Laser lens and mirrors
Lens and mirrors are integral parts of the laser cutting machine. They play a big role in the laser's path to the pinpoint. Because of this, they should always be kept clean and in good condition to increase efficiency. Smoke and debris can accumulate on the lens over time. This reduces the intensity of the laser beam. A dirty lens will lead to poor cuts and lower cutting power. It can also cause material and equipment damage.
Material selection
Material selection is a quality and safety consideration. Because non-approved materials can cause safety hazards, materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) release toxic gases when cut. These gases are dangerous to the lungs and other body parts. Metals with coatings like galvanised steel also have to be treated before cutting. This is because they emit dangerous fumes that are harmful to the cutter's health.
Cooling system
Laser cutting machines often have a dedicated cooling system due to the enormous heat generated. This heat can damage components if not properly managed. A well-maintained cooling system prevents overheating, which can lead to machine failure. It also ensures consistent cutting quality. An overheating laser often leads to burning or warping of the materials. This reduces material quality.
Focus adjustment
The focus level determines how intensely the power of a laser is concentrated on a point. This makes it a vital laser cutting machine component. An unfocused beam cuts unevenly and slowly. This leads to bad products. It can also lead to multiple passes on the same spot. This causes material distortion and wastage.
Protective eyewear
Protective eyewear is important during laser cutting. It protects the user from laser beam exposure. It also protects the user from harmful fumes emitted during cutting.
Ventilation systems
Laser cutting machines often have ventilation systems built into them. These systems are responsible for removing toxic fumes generated during cutting. Proper ventilation is important for preventing the accumulation of these fumes in the cutting area. Good ventilation prevents respiratory issues in workers.
Material flammability
Materials have to be checked for their degree of flammability before being worked on. Highly flammable materials increase the risk of fire. This is especially so if proper precautions are not taken. Common materials like acrylic and wood can also ignite. This means they should always be monitored closely during cutting.
First-aid kits and fire extinguishers
The best way to prepare for accidents when using a laser cutting machine is to have first-aid kits near and fire extinguishers. These items will mitigate the effect of accident occurrence at the workspace.
A1.Yes. Laser cutting machines are transportable, though with much care. The machine has to be properly dissembled and packed in a safe manner. It should also be transported in an equally safe environment.
A2.Laser cutting machines have their advantages. CO2 lasers are ideal for non-metallic materials like wood, acrylic, and glass. They are also cheaper to the pocket. Fibre lasers are suitable for metals and cost cuts in the long run.
A3.A laser cutting machine with a CO2 laser and a power of 40 watts is ideal for beginners. It is low maintenance and easy to operate. It also consumes less power, making it cost effective.
A4.Anever routine maintenance should be established for the laser cutting machine. The routine should be to clean integral parts like the lens and mirrors. These are often exposed to smoke and debris. There should also be weekly lubrication of the machines' moving parts. This will enable them to operate smoothly.
A5.The working area of this laser cutting machine is 60 x 90 centimetres. This makes it suitable for cutting and engraving materials.
A6.Laser cutting machines can work on metals, wood, plastic, fabric, leather, glass, and composites. They cater to aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical, and signage industries.
A7.No. This machine cannot work on any material for a long time. Materials with coatings like galvanised steel have to be treated first. This is because cutting them can emit dangerous fumes. Lasered plastics like PVC also emit toxic gases. Therefore, they are a health hazard and must be avoided.
A8.Monthly software updates are ideal for the laser cutting machine. Frequent updates improve the performance and fix existing bugs. Early software updates can also harm the laser cutting machine.
A9.Laser cutting machine power commonly varies between 40 and 130 watts. The variation depends on the intended use. Higher wattage allows the machine to cut thicker materials. Lower cut only thinner materials.
A10.C02 lasers are the most common for laser cutting machines. They are effective for cutting non-metallic materials. This makes them the most suitable option for wood, acrylic, and fabric. Fibre lasers are also common. They work best for metal cutting due to their efficiency in penetrating metals.