What Types of Materials Can Laser Cutting Cut?

Laser cutting is a technique that uses a laser to vaporize material to create a cut edge. The application of laser-cutting technology has promoted the development of the industrial field, besides, laser cutting technology is also widely used by schools, small businesses, and hobbyists. With the development of laser technology, there are currently many types of laser-cutting equipment for users to choose from, and you need to choose the appropriate laser-cutting machine according to the material to be processed. This article introduces you to the application of laser cutting technology from various aspects so that you can fully understand what types of materials laser cutting can cut.

What Types of Laser Cutting Machines Are There?

Laser-cutting machines have revolutionized various industries by providing precise, efficient, and versatile cutting solutions. There are three main types of laser cutting machines: fiber laser cutting machines, CO2 laser cutting machines, and YAG laser cutting machines. Each type of laser-cutting machine utilizes a different type of laser media to generate the laser beam used for cutting.

Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

Fiber laser cutting machines are widely popular for their excellent performance in metal cutting applications. It uses fiber optic cables as the laser medium, usually doped with rare earth elements such as erbium, ytterbium, or thulium. The laser beam generated by the fiber laser generator is highly concentrated and can be focused on a small spot, which is very suitable for complex and delicate cutting tasks. Fiber laser generators provide high power density for fast and precise cutting of a wide variety of metals, including stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and copper. It provides excellent beam quality resulting in smooth cuts, minimum kerf widths, and high cutting speeds. Fiber lasers are known for their efficiency and reliability, making them the first choice for industrial metal-cutting operations.

CO2 Laser Cutting Machine

CO2 laser cutting machines are highly versatile cutting tools that have been a staple in many manufacturing environments for decades. It is designed to generate a laser beam using a gas mixture consisting primarily of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium, and sometimes hydrogen. It is known for its versatility and ability to produce high-quality cuts in a variety of materials. CO2 laser generators are especially popular for their effectiveness in cutting non-metallic materials such as wood, acrylics, plastics, leather, fabric, and paper. It provides excellent control over the cutting process and can produce intricate designs with smooth edges.

YAG Laser Cutting Machine

YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) laser cutting machines use solid crystals as the laser medium, usually doped with neodymium (Nd: YAG). While it was once frequently used in metal-cutting applications, its popularity has waned with the advent of more advanced fiber laser technology. Still, YAG laser generators are used for specific metal-cutting tasks, especially when dealing with thicker materials or certain alloys. These machines are known for their durability and ability to cut tough metals but are often slower and less efficient than fiber laser cutting machines.

Each type of laser-cutting machine has its advantages and limitations, and the selection of the right machine depends on the specific cutting requirements and the material being processed. Technological advancements continue to improve the performance and capabilities of laser-cutting machines, opening up new possibilities in various industries. Next, let’s take a look at which materials these laser cutting machines are suitable for cutting.

What Materials Can A Laser Cutting Machine Cut?

Laser cutting machines are essential tools in modern manufacturing, providing precise and efficient cutting solutions for a variety of materials. Different types of laser cutters utilize different laser generators to meet specific material cutting needs. The following is a detailed breakdown of the materials that various types of laser cutters can typically cut:

Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

Fiber laser cutting machines are known for their high efficiency and versatility, especially in cutting various metal materials. The high power density of fiber lasers can cut these metals precisely and quickly:

Stainless Steel: Fiber laser generators can cut various grades of stainless steel with excellent edge quality and minimal thermal distortion and are commonly used in the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries.
Mild Steel: Fiber laser generators are ideal for cutting mild steel sheets and plates of various thicknesses, commonly used in a variety of structural applications and general manufacturing.
Aluminum: Fiber laser generators are ideal for cutting aluminum sheets and alloys, often used in aerospace and automotive applications.
Copper: Copper is a highly conductive metal that can be effectively cut with a fiber laser generator, making it suitable for the production of electrical components, plumbing, and decorative elements.
Brass: Fiber lasers can precisely cut brass, a metal alloy known for its decorative applications.
Galvanized Steel: Fiber laser generators can cut galvanized steel commonly used in construction and manufacturing.
Titanium: Fiber laser generators can cut titanium, a lightweight yet strong metal used in the aerospace and medical industries.
Other Metal Alloys: Fiber laser generators are capable of cutting a wide variety of metal alloys used in specialized applications, expanding their use across industries.

CO2 Laser Cutting Machine

CO2 laser cutting machines are known for their versatility in cutting a wide variety of non-metallic materials with precision and detail. Materials suitable for cutting with a CO2 laser generator include:

Wood And Plywood: It cuts wood and plywood, making it popular in the woodworking and crafting trades.
Acrylic: It produces a clean, polished cut on acrylic sheets, often used for signage, displays, and art applications.
Plastics: It can cut a variety of plastics including polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and more for sign-making, packaging, and manufacturing.
Leather: It enables intricate cuts in leather for craft, fashion, and upholstery purposes.
Fabrics And Textiles: It is used in the textile industry to cut intricate patterns and designs on fabrics and other textiles.
Paper And Board: It is ideal for fine cutting on paper and board for packaging, cardmaking, and other applications.
Rubber: It is capable of cutting rubber material used for gaskets, seals, and other industrial components for a variety of industrial and manufacturing applications.
Thin Metal: It can also cut thin metal sheets, but may have limitations compared to fiber laser generators and is more commonly used in low-power metal cutting applications.

YAG Laser Cutting Machine

YAG laser cutting machines are less common these days due to the rise of more efficient fiber laser generators, but they still have specific applications for cutting certain metallic materials. Materials that can be cut with a YAG laser cutting machine include:

Stainless Steel: It can cut stainless steel with acceptable results, but fiber laser generators are usually more effective for this material.
Mild Steel: YAG laser generators can cut mild steel, especially where fiber laser generators are not available or practical.
Aluminum: It can cut aluminum, but it is generally less efficient and cuts more slowly than fiber laser generators.
Copper: It cuts copper, especially thinner sheets, and is mainly used for electrical components, plumbing, and artistic applications.
Brass: It can cut brass plates, but like copper is better for cutting thinner materials, often used for decorative purposes and electrical components.
Certain Alloys: It can also treat certain metal alloys, depending on their composition and thickness.

It is worth noting that these factors interact with each other and interact with laser welding process parameters (such as laser power, beam diameter, and welding speed). Therefore, optimizing the laser welding process for specific materials needs to be considered, and balanced these materials to achieve the required welding thickness and quality. In addition, the specific laser welding process (such as small holes welding or conduction welding) can also affect the relationship between material characteristics and weld thickness.

Which Characteristics of The Material Affect The Laser-Cutting Effect?

There are several properties associated with laser cutting materials. These characteristics affect the efficiency, precision, and overall success of the laser cutting process. Understanding and optimizing these characteristics can help achieve high-quality cuts in a variety of materials. The following are the key properties associated with laser-cutting materials:

Material Stability: Certain materials may exhibit erratic or unpredictable behavior during laser cutting, resulting in variations in cut quality.
Absorption Coefficient: The absorption coefficient of a material at the laser wavelength affects how much laser energy the material absorbs. Materials with high absorption coefficients are more easily cut by lasers of specific wavelengths.
Material Thickness: The thickness of the material being cut affects the required laser power, cutting speed, and the type of laser (fiber optic, CO2, YAG) chosen for best results. Thicker materials may require higher laser power and slower cutting speeds.
Material Reflectivity: The reflectivity of a material affects its interaction with the laser beam. Highly reflective materials such as copper or aluminum may require special techniques or higher laser power to overcome reflective properties and achieve a clean cut.
Material Melting Point: The melting point of a material is an important consideration. Laser cutting involves localized heating of the material, and if the melting point is too low, the material may melt rather than cut cleanly. Higher melting point materials are generally better suited for laser cutting.
Material Thermal Conductivity: The thermal conductivity of the material affects heat dissipation during the cutting process. Materials with high thermal conductivity, such as copper, can dissipate heat quickly, requiring higher laser power or specialized techniques to cut effectively.
Surface Finish: The condition of the material surface, such as roughness or contamination, can affect laser cutting results. Smooth and clean surfaces generally provide better cutting results, while rough or contaminated surfaces may result in inconsistent cuts or require additional measures to achieve the desired result.
Material Reaction To Heat: Certain materials may react adversely to the heat generated during laser cutting, such as discoloration, charring, or chemical changes. Understanding how materials respond to heat can help achieve desired cutting results.
Material Handling: The ease with which materials are handled during the cutting process can affect the overall efficiency and safety of laser cutting. Factors such as stiffness, flexibility, and brittleness of the material need to be considered when choosing a laser-cutting material.
Material Composition: The composition of the material, including its chemical composition and any additives, also affects the laser’s interaction with the material and the cutting process. Different compositions may require adjusting laser parameters for optimal cutting results.
Transparency: Transparent materials, such as some plastics and glass, may not absorb laser energy effectively. Cutting transparent materials requires special laser systems or techniques, for example, using a UV laser.
Response To Assist Gas: The interaction between material and assist gas during laser cutting can affect cut quality. Different materials react differently to oxygen, nitrogen, or other assist gases, which can affect the cutting process and edge quality.
Material Structure: Crystalline and amorphous structures may respond differently to laser cutting due to changes in energy absorption and thermal conductivity.

Understanding these material properties can help in selecting the proper laser type, power, focusing optics, and cutting parameters to achieve the desired cut. In addition, adjusting the assist gas type and flow rate, as well as considering pre- and post-processing techniques, can further optimize the laser cutting process for specific materials and applications.

Summarize

Different cutting materials have different light absorption rates for different wavelengths, so when cutting workpieces, it is necessary to choose a suitable laser cutting machine according to the type of material. In this way, better cutting results can be obtained at a lower cost. Compared with mechanical cutting, laser cutting adopts a non-contact processing method, which will not cause wear and pollution to the workpiece, and greatly improve the qualification rate of the product. Since the heat-affected zone of the laser system is small, the possibility of deformation of the material being cut is also reduced. At present, laser cutting technology has been widely used in various production fields.
By reading this article, you can fully understand the types of materials that different laser-cutting machines can cut and the influence of material properties on laser cutting. I hope it can provide you with reference value when you choose a laser cutting machine. If you want to get more information about laser cutting machines, you can contact us at any time. AccTek Laser engineers will provide perfect solutions according to your specific application, and provide you with detailed price information.

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