Views: 34 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 05-14-2022 Origin: Site
Laser Cutters are great tools offering the possibility to create many different things. From simple boxes to engraving detailed graphics into wood or building complex three-dimensional objects.
In this beginners guide, I will explain the basics of how a laser cutter works, show you some examples of things that can be made with a laser and how to create designs for laser cutting or engraving. You’ll also learn which material can be used and how to get access to a laser cutter.
What is a laser cutter?
A laser cutter is a computer controlled machine that uses a laser beam to precisely cut or engrave material. A laser is basically just highly focused, highly amplified light. The laser beam causes the material to locally burn, melt or vaporize. The kind of material that a laser can cut depends on the type of laser and the specific machine’s power.
The term “Laser” is an acronym for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation”. Laser technology was developed in the 1960s.
There are different types of laser cutters. This guide will focus on gas lasers and CO2 lasers in particular, as this type is most commonly used by hobbyists and small businesses. Other types are for example fiber or crystal lasers which are mostly used for industrial applications.
What can you do with a laser cutter?
In general, there are three tasks that a laser cutter can perform: Cutting, Engraving and Marking.
Cutting
When the laser beam goes all the way through the material of the workpiece it creates a cut. A laser cut is generally very precise and clean. The look of the cut edges depends on the material. For example, the edges of cut wood are typical of a darker brown than the original wood. The edges of acrylic do not change color and have a nice glossy finish after laser cutting.
The kerf of a laser cutter is very small. The term kerf refers to the width of the groove made while cutting. This varies from material to material and is also dependent on the specific settings of the laser. For many materials, the kerf will be somewhere between 0.05 mm (0.002 in) and 0.5 mm (0.02 in).
Engraving
It is called engraving when the laser beam removes parts of the top material but does not cut all the way through the material.
Marking
Marking is when the laser does not remove material but for example, changes the color of the material. With CO2 laser cutters marking is mostly used when working with metals.
A marking solution (e.g. CerMark or Enduramark) is applied on the surface of the workpiece. After drying of the marking solution an engraving is performed. The heat from the laser bonds the solution to the metal, resulting in a permanent mark.
Leapion started laser machine,and cnc router business since 2007. We are a global manufacturing company producing laser cutting machine,laser markers,CNC Router, for various applications such as signage,advertising, woodworking furniture. Leapion Laser is becoming the world's TOP in laser engraving, cutting and marking industry. and we have been developing continuously with the spirit of striding forward, the spirit of sharing achievements and the service tenet of first credit and first service.
