Introduction
Laser cutters have revolutionized the precision and speed of cutting materials in manufacturing. However, not all materials are suitable for laser cutting. You risk damaging the laser cutter, causing fires, and putting yourself in danger by attempting to cut unsuitable materials. This article covers what you must never try and cut on laser cutters to ensure safety, efficiency, and longevity.
Metals with High Reflectivity
The working principle of laser cutters involves focusing a high-energy beam of light on the material to generate the intense heat required for cutting. This process involves the absorption of the laser beam by the material. Metals that have high reflectivity like aluminum, copper, and brass reflect the laser beam instead of absorbing it, making it impossible to cut them. Attempting to cut these metals can damage the laser cutter by reflecting the beam back to the laser's optics and cause permanent damage.
Plastics with Chlorinated Compounds
Chlorinated plastics such as PVC and vinyl plastics should never be laser cut as they release toxic fumes when heated. The heat from the laser beam decomposes the chlorine molecules in these materials, releasing chlorine gas, which is dangerous and harmful to the machine operators. Additionally, this gas can corrode the internal components of the laser cutter and cause significant damage, leading to costly repairs and potential health hazards.
Stone and Glass
Stone and glass have a high capacity for absorbing energy, but this makes them challenging to cut by laser. The heat energy from the laser beam does not disperse well on these materials, leading to cracking and shattering. Attempting to cut stone and glass on a laser cutter can result in damaged materials, lenses, and internal components of the machine.
High-Density Foam
High-density foam contains a lot of trapped air, which can be heated rapidly by the laser beam, expanding and releasing hot air. This process can cause fires and damage the internal components of the laser cutter. The heat also melts and deforms the foam rather than cutting it, resulting in an uneven, jagged edge on the foam material.
Materials with Coatings
Materials with coatings such as Teflon or powder coats should not be laser cut as the coatings may contain hazardous chemicals. When heated by the laser beam, these coatings can produce toxic fumes and cause health hazards to the machine operators. Additionally, the coatings may clog the laser cutting nozzle or flake off, damaging the internal components of the laser cutter.
Reflective Surfaces
Reflective materials like mirrors must never be cut on laser cutters. Not only will the laser beam reflect back and damage the machine, but it will also pose a danger to the machine operators and anyone nearby. The reflected laser beam can cause severe burns, vision damage, and fire hazards.
Hardened Materials
Hardened materials like steel are challenging to cut on laser cutters. The heat required to cut through steel can cause burns and damage to the laser cutting nozzle, the machine's lenses, and the machine operator's health. If you're ever unsure whether a material is too tough to cut, contact the manufacturer of the laser cutter for guidance.
Materials with Uneven Surfaces
Uneven surfaces on materials can cause the laser beam to deflect, making it difficult to achieve clean cuts. The surface irregularities can also cause the material to move during cutting, leading to inaccurate cuts and damaged materials. If you need to cut materials with uneven surfaces, consider flattening the materials first to achieve clean and precise cuts.
Materials with Thick Layers
If you're working with materials with thick layers like multiple sheets of plywood, cardboard, or fabric, you risk causing fires and damage to the laser cutter by attempting to cut through the entire thickness in a single pass. The heat generated by the laser beam can ignite the layers, causing fires, or melt and deform the materials and damage the machine.
Conclusion
While laser cutting is an efficient and precise technology for material cutting, not all materials are suitable for laser cutting. Attempting to cut unsuitable materials can damage the laser cutter, cause fires, and pose health hazards to the machine operators and anyone nearby. It is essential to understand what you must never try and cut on laser cutters, follow manufacturer guidelines, and use proper protective gear to ensure safety, efficiency, and longevity.