What can laser cutting cut? What can't you cut?

The reason why laser cutting is so popular is largely because of its versatility. Laser cutting machines can cut a wide variety of materials, from paper, wood, cork, acrylic, foam to various metals. When using laser cutting, you should understand the characteristics of each material and pay more attention to it during actual use.

Materials that can be cut by laser cutting:

Different metals

Laser cutting machines can cut all types of metals from mild steel, stainless steel to non-ferrous metals . Aluminum and other highly reflective metals are more difficult to cut. In this case, fiber lasers are a better choice. Nowadays, the cutting thickness of metal can even reach 100 mm, and the cutting thickness varies according to the power of the laser.

Wood

All types of wood (including plywood and MDF) can be cut with laser, but some oily wood has the risk of ignition, so special attention should be paid when using it.

Paper and cardboard

Paper is also suitable for laser cutting. We have seen some complicated and exquisite wedding invitations, which are probably made by laser cutting.

Plastic products

Acrylic, PMMA and Lucite are all transparent plastics. When using laser cutting, you can ensure that the edges have a good finish, which looks like butter cut with a knife.

Polyoxymethylene

Polyoxymethylene is a highly used plastic in the engineering field. It can be used for gears, guide and sliding elements, medical equipment, food packaging, etc. The ability to use lasers for complex cutting has contributed to the wider use of POM in many fields.

Glass

Due to its fragile and reflective properties, laser cutting glass seems to be an impossible task. However, laser cutters can cut glass.

What can't be cut?

It seems that the laser can cut almost anything, but it is not. In the 'cannot cut' list, most of the materials are various plastics.

Polyvinyl chloride

Cutting polyvinyl chloride will emit acid and toxic fumes, which are harmful to the operator of the machine and the laser cutting machine itself. Therefore, PVC cutting still remains Give the mechanical method to complete it.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate less than 1 mm can be used with a laser cutting machine, but it will cause discoloration of the material.

If the material is thick, there is no way to use laser cutting. Not only is the efficiency low, the material is severely faded, and it may also cause burning.

ABS, high-density polyethylene

Generally, the temperature of the laser beam is sufficient to vaporize the material, but materials such as ABS and high-density polyethylene are not supported. They tend to melt more than vaporization, leaving messy workbenches and poor-quality cuts.

Polystyrene and polypropylene foam

Both are easy to catch fire.

Glass fiber

Glass fiber is a mixture of two materials-glass and epoxy. As we all know, it is relatively difficult to cut glass separately. If a resin that can cause smoke is added to the mixture, it is a nightmare to think about it.