What Is a Laser Cutter?
Laser cutters are digital tools used for processing various materials. They are also referred to as laser machines or laser engraving machines.
Laser cutters are not limited to cutting; many models also offer engraving capabilities. The term ‘laser cutter’ is commonly used due to its prevalent application in cutting tasks.
Materials That Can Be Processed With Laser Cutters
Laser cutters are versatile, capable of handling a wide range of materials, including:
- Acrylic resin.
- Wood and wood products.
- Paper.
- Fabrics, fibers, and textiles.
- Leather.
- Metals.
- Plastics and resins.
- Stone.
Uses of Laser Cutters
Laser cutters are employed in various applications, mainly categorized into cutting and engraving:
Uses of Laser Cutting
- Cutting and shaping materials.
- Drilling.
- Half cutting.
- Perforation cutting.
Applications for Laser Engraving and Laser Marking
- Name imprinting.
- Logo imprinting.
- Marking.
- Numbering.
- Design engraving.
- Photo engraving.
Types of Laser Cutters
- Compact Laser Cutters
Compact laser cutters, also known as desktop laser cutters, are small-sized and suitable for personalized goods, prototypes, sample production, and home use. They typically have low power output and are not designed for mass production. - Medium Laser Cutters
Medium laser cutters are common in professional settings. They offer versatility and are suitable for a wide range of applications. - Large Laser Cutters
Large laser cutters specialize in processing materials longer than 2 meters and are used in industries like signboard manufacturing, woodworking, and furniture production. - Fiber Laser Cutters
Fiber laser cutters are optimized for metal processing. Unlike CO2 lasers, which are effective for materials like acrylic and wood, fiber lasers are recommended for metalworking. - Galvano Laser Cutters
Galvano laser cutters use a fixed laser head to emit a mirror-controlled laser beam. They are known for high-speed processing, but have a limited processing area and material thickness compared to flatbed types.
Principle of Laser Cutters
Laser cutters are known for their ease of operation and low running costs. The primary expense is electricity, though depending on the model, some may require gas and consumable parts.
Basic operation involves creating a drawing using modeling software, aligning it to the processing area, and transferring the data to the laser cutter. The machine then adjusts laser power and processing speed based on the material. Before starting, it’s recommended to set up a work area, conduct a cutting test, and ensure devices like smoke evacuation and safety measures are in place.