If you’re considering investing in a laser cutting machine, you’ll want to choose one that works with non-metals. There are several advantages to using non-metal lasers. For example, they use minimal water and energy, are environmentally friendly, and require no gas or electricity. This makes them a good choice for homes, as well as small businesses and hobbyists. Read on to learn more.
CO2 lasers
In order to cut and engrave different materials, you need to know the right parameters for CO2 laser cutting machines. Depending on the material, you can choose between fiber and CO2 lasers. Fiber lasers are better suited for marking metals, but CO2 lasers are better suited for non-metallic materials. When it comes to power, CO2 lasers have higher output power and can cut through thicker sheets.
CO2 lasers are also better suited for thicker materials such as copper and brass. This is because fiber lasers have a smaller wavelength than CO2 lasers, which means that the energy absorbed by the material is less likely to be reflected. This leads to higher precision cutting and better optical density. CO2 lasers have large spot sizes, up to ninety times bigger than their fiber-laser equivalent.
Laser etching
https://www.angelo-home.com/product-category/furniture-panel/ is the process of applying high-powered beams to various types of materials, including wood, glass, plastic, and other non-metal objects. Wood is a popular material for cutting, as it is more durable than other materials. This type of laser cutting is also used to create intricate designs on wood, such as furniture and signs. Unlike metal, non-metals do not require special settings, but they do require certain adjustments, such as the frequency of laser beams.
The process is more complex than simple engraving, and it requires a deeper recess to create a detailed image. For engraving non-metals, you need to create a 0.125″ deep recess in the material. In addition to a deep engraving surface, you can also use a fiber laser for engraving purposes. A fiber laser emits a wavelength that reacts well with metals. https://www.hmlasercutter.com/product/custom-series/ tools are a great choice for businesses, as they are much faster than markers.
Costs little water and energy
The cost of a laser cutting service is affected by the amount of work it needs to complete a project and the rate charged per minute. Service providers set rates based on the type and complexity of a given project and multiply this number by the number of hours it will take to complete the project. To estimate the overall cost of a laser cutting service, use a laser cutter time calculator.
A home laser cutter machine may cost a few hundred dollars, but metal laser tube cutting machines are available in large sizes. They can process large sheets of metal and can cost up to $20,000 if not more. A custom CO2 laser engraver will cost more than a standard one, so research the cost of a machine before making the final purchase. However, the benefits far outweigh the cost.
Requires no gas
There are some fundamental differences between metal and non-metal laser cutting and engraving. Typically, metal cutting and engraving require additional settings, including a finer focus and assist gas. Both processes require a dry, clean shop atmosphere and a specific cutting head. Non-metal laser cutting and engraving use a gasless cutting process that takes anywhere from five to fifteen seconds to burn through a 0.5-inch stainless steel sheet.
When cutting metal, using an inert gas is an excellent choice. While traditional laser cutting requires the use of an assist gas, nitrogen has several benefits. This gas is non-reactive to the molten metal, which prevents oxidation and discoloration. Additionally, nitrogen cutting does not need to be cleaned afterward. In addition to eliminating the need for auxiliary gas, laser cutting and engraving requires less electricity.
