Laser Cutting Machine application Explained: Top Materials, Applications & Safety Tips Unveiled

1. Introduction

Laser cutting machine uses its ultra-high precision and powerful functions to greatly improve the accuracy and production efficiency of industrial production. It is a very popular existence in modern manufacturing industry and widely used. Next, this article will make a detailed introduction from the working principle of laser cutting machine, materials that can and cannot be cut, application fields of laser cutting machine, etc., so that you can have a deeper understanding of the application of laser cutting machine.

2. Working principle of laser cutting machine

The cutting process of laser cutting machine is controlled and managed by CNC system. First, the laser directionally generates ultra-high energy laser to melt the local material rapidly, and then the high-pressure auxiliary gas blows away the melted residue to prevent the material incision from adhering again.

3. Effective cutting materials of laser cutting machine

The laser cutting machine can cut a wide range of materials. Next, I will introduce several materials that the laser cutting machine can cut

3.1 Metal material

Metal material is one of the most common materials in laser cutting technology. Most metals such as stainless steel, rust steel, aluminum, copper, steel titanium and iron can be cut by laser cutting machine.

3.2 Wood

Laser cutters can cut a wide range of wood, including plywood and MDF composites, without impregnating the wood with oil. You can also cut paper and paper made of wood.

3.3 Plastic

Plastics such as acrylic acid, polycarbonate and PVC are ideal for laser cutting.

3.4 Glass

Although the laser cutting machine can process glass such as laser etching / punching, this operation is difficult and should be carried out by experienced operators.

3.5 Other materials

Some models of laser cutting machine can also cut jade, ceramics, rubber, leather and other materials.

4. Laser cutting machine which materials can not be cut

4.1 PVC

Cutting this material will produce toxic chlorine gas, which will threaten the health of operators. And the material is highly corrosive and can corrode machine parts.

4.2 Thick polycarbonate / Lexan ( > 1mm )

This material is easy to burn and cause fire, difficult to cut, and the smoke produced by cutting is viscous, which will damage machine components when diffused upwards.

4.3 ABS

Cyanide and harmful gas will be produced in the cutting process, which will cause harm to operators, and viscous substances produced during cutting are easy to burn and cause fire.

4.4 High density polyethylene ( HDPE )

It burns and melts easily and is difficult to cut.

4.5 Polypropylene

The melting point is low and the melt becomes very hard.

4.6 Epoxy resin

Toxic gases will be produced during cutting, which will damage the health of operators.

4.7 Glass fiber

A large amount of smoke is produced during cutting, damaging the operator’s body and damaging the machine.

4.8 Coated carbon fiber

It is a mixture that is difficult to cut by laser cutting machine, and toxic gas will be produced when cutting.

4.9 Bonding material

Glue is easy to volatilize after being heated, which will corrode equipment

4.10 Asbestos and other inflammable and explosive materials

The cutting process generates particles that cause cancer to the operator and pose a high risk of explosion.

5. What can laser cutting do?

5.1 Precision cutting: As its name suggests, the main function of laser cutting machine is to cut materials accurately, and its cutting accuracy can reach micron or even higher.

5.2 Perforation: Laser cutting machine uses laser to make small holes with the same direct size as laser on materials.

5.3 Seam: A welding technique that allows two thin materials to stick together.

5.4 Etching: Melting a thin layer on the surface of a material, so that the coating on the surface of the material becomes a specified pattern.

5.5 Engraving: There are two technical types: concave engraving and convex engraving. The machine is designed in 3D by burning and eroding surface materials.

5.6 Marking: This technique does not remove the material from the surface of the material, but uses a low-power laser beam to fade the surface of the material.

These technologies of laser cutting machine can make it suitable for metal parts cutting, art carving, logo making, customized furniture, packaging design and other fields.

6. Main application fields of laser cutting machine

Laser cutting machine has a wide range of applications. Next, I will briefly list several application fields for your reference.

6.1 Automobile industry

The machine precisely cuts engine parts and body panels with laser, which can cut faster and improve product accuracy

6.2 Aerospace

In this field, the strength and precision of materials are strictly required, and excellent cutting tools such as laser cutting machine are needed to cut complex parts and create accurate parts.

6.3 Medical device industry

Machines perform precision cutting of thick steel plates for the production of scalpels, medical implants, etc.

6.4 Shipbuilding and marine industry

Precision cutting of large-size materials with cutting machine is convenient for production.

6.5 Others

Under the functional characteristics of high precision and high efficiency of laser cutting machine, laser cutting machine can also be used for material production in many industries such as construction industry, electronic industry, some living industries, national defense and military, activity and stage design, railway and transportation, research and development, machinery and heavy equipment manufacturing, etc.

7. Advantages of laser cutting machine

Laser cutting machine has high automation level, which improves industrial production efficiency and accelerates production speed. Moreover, it has the characteristics of precise cutting, which can minimize material waste. In addition, the quality of products produced by this cutting machine is also very high.

8. Choose the right laser cutting machine for your needs

To select a suitable laser cutting machine, consider the type of material that the factory needs to cut. Different cutting materials are suitable for cutting with different laser cutting machines. The thickness of the cutting material is also considered, which affects how much power laser cutting machine should be selected. It is also necessary to consider the production scale of the factory, whether the factory produces single pieces or batches, and what kinds of products are produced.

If you want to learn more about the knowledge of the fiber laser cutting machine, you can follow our blog news. RAYMAX, as a manufacturing enterprise of fiber laser cutting machines and press brakes, not only expands the company’s influence but also strives to provide more, more professional and comprehensive numerical control mechanical knowledge for friends in the metal processing industry. If you have any unresolved related problems or want to purchase related machines, please contact us at any time. RAYMAX offers 7*24-hour free technical support services! We look forward to your letter~~~

9. Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )