Laser cutting machines are designed to efficiently cut or engrave materials, thereby streamlining your operation and empowering greater productivity.
But what type of materials can they actually cut, and what are the different approaches to each of these materials?
Accurl is here to answer those questions and more with this comprehensive laser-cutting materials guide so you can see how a versatile fiber laser cutting machine can become a valuable powerhouse for your business.
What Type of Materials Can Be Cut with a Laser Cutting Machine?
A powerful laser-cutting machine can swiftly cut through different materials, but not all laser machines are designed for all types of cutting.
That being said, laser cutting machines offer precision and speed when cutting through everything from dense metals to delicate fabrics, pliable plastics, various woods, and more.
For example, the Accurl MasterLINE sheet laser cutting series offers a powerful fiber laser that is designed primarily for rapidly cutting sheet metals. While it could be used for other materials, it will perform best when cutting metals, ensuring utmost precision, speed, and efficiency.
Furthermore, each type of material offers different characteristics as well, which means if you’re using the same machine for different metals, plastics, woods, or other mediums, then you’ll need to utilize different settings and techniques.
Keep reading to learn about the best setting for laser cutting metal materials as well as various other substances.
Laser Cutting Different Materials: Types & Best Practices
Keep reading to learn about all the most common laser-cutting materials and the best settings for laser-cutting metal materials, acrylics, plastics, wood, and more.
Metals
Metals like steel, stainless steel, iron, aluminum, and more are very durable and strong, which is why they require a powerful laser if you want to cut them without uneven edges or tedious cutting processes.
Metal is also one of the most popular uses for laser cutting machines because it’s a strong and affordable option for a wide variety of laser cutting applications from aerospace to automobile manufacturing, signage, construction, medical equipment, and more.
When cutting metal, it’s important to use higher power settings to guarantee a swift and smooth cutting process. Additionally, we typically recommend fiber laser cutting machines over other types. That’s because these machines are the most powerful, allowing the operator to quickly cut through even thick metal sheets, tubes, and types.
Wood
Wood has many forms that can be cut with a laser cutting machine. For example, there’s balsa wood and plywood that are thin and delicate as well as hardwood and MDF that can be cultivated for strength and thickness.
Additionally, wood can be cut clean through or engraved with the right types of laser cutting machines. So, how can you cut these various woods?
Well, for thinner woods like balsa and plywood as well as thin MDFs, you can use lower settings on your laser cutting machine with a higher blower pressure. That’s because these materials are much easier to cut.
On the other hand, thick and hard woods will require moderate laser-cutting settings at faster speeds. These types of settings are typically reserved for engraving metals for laser cutting wood and acrylic.
Acrylic
Acrylic and Plexiglass materials are very useful for different industries, but it’s also easy for the wrong laser cutting settings to be used. This will create rough, sometimes sharp edges. That’s why we recommend using lower to lower-moderate settings on your laser cutting machine.
Also, since acrylic can be reflective and transparent, you’ll want to use the right type of laser-cutting machine that can identify and adjust to these attributes. Not doing so can impact the quality of the cuts, or even lead to wasted materials & a damaged machine.
Finally, if you want to engrave acrylics with detailed and intricate patterns, and very low setting should always be used. This also means a low setting for the blower and not trying to rush the process, because cutting acrylic slowly will leave better edges.
Using too high of a setting on acrylic can not only destroy the material but can be somewhat dangerous as well, so make sure you follow best safety practices, staying away from the cutting bed until everything is cooled and complete.
Plastics
There are a wide variety of plastics from PVC to POM and ABS that require different cutting properties. Selecting the right laser settings and laser cutter will depend on the type of plastics. That being said, very rarely will you need a higher setting for cutting plastics.
Additionally, since some plastics release harmful and toxic gases, you must follow safety guidelines when working with these types of materials.
Other than that, cutting plastics is very similar to how to cut acrylic and wood. That means it depends on the type and thickness, but generally won’t be too powerful. In fact, we recommend the lowest power setting that will cut it while also using around 25% slower feed rates.
Conclusion to Laser Cutting Different Materials
Whether you’re laser cutting metals or need to know how to laser cut acrylic and wood, Accurl is here to help.
That’s because we are one of the most trusted providers of laser cutting machines, offering over 3 decades of expertise to help you find the best machine, use the right settings, and eventually elevate your bottom line. Click here to contact us for a free quote or to learn more about laser cutting different materials.
