Laser Cutting Materials: All You Need to Know
Laser cutting is a common process, and many components for industrial applications are manufactured using it. However, the compatibility of material plays a vital role as some materials are suitable for laser cutting and some aren't.
If you are looking to find the right laser cutting materials, the guide below can help you.
What Materials Are Used for Laser Cutting?
Metals Used as Laser Cutting Materials
Metals are suitable for the laser cutting process, and most of the metal components are manufactured by it. This section highlights the different types of metals that can be cut through laser cutting.
Aluminum
Aluminum has corrosion resistance and less weight. Hence, laser-cut aluminum is used in many components, which makes durable and lightweight parts with high strength.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is also a strong material and has resistance against corrosion. It is opted for manufacturing decorative items and many industrial components. The best part is that it can withstand harsh conditions and hence is suitable for outdoor applications.
Mild Steel (Carbon Steel)
Mild steel, also known as carbon steel, has strength and, at the same time, is easy to cut through laser cutting. It is used in construction beams, automobile parts, and many other structural components due to its durability.
Brass
Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper, and it has a very appealing look and outstanding electrical conductivity. It is used in electronics and is also opted for decorative items.
Copper
Copper has excellent conductivity and is also known for excellent thermal properties. It is used for components in heat exchangers, decorative items, and even electronic parts. It has a very attractive appearance too, and hence, many manufacturers choose it.
Titanium
Titanium has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and is therefore chosen for sensitive industries like automobile, medical, and aerospace. It is lightweight and is compatible for such applications where weight is a concern. It also offers biocompatible and can be opted for medical implants through laser cutting.
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel has a layer of zinc and is used for outdoor applications. It can be chosen for laser cutting and use in automobile and HVAC components. It is very strong and has a longer lifespan.
Nickel Alloys
Nickel alloys can be exposed to high temperatures, and they stay stable. Hence, laser-cut nickel is used in the chemical and aerospace industry. They can endure high stress, and therefore, turbines, engines, and chemical reactors perform very well when made using nickel.
Precious Metals (Silver, Gold, Platinum)
Precious metals like platinum, gold, and silver have a high intrinsic value, but they also offer aesthetic appeal and are hence chosen for laser cutting. These metals are used to make jewelry pieces and need precise cutting and engraving.
What Non-Metals Are Used for Laser Cutting?
Apart from metals, non-metals also opt for laser cutting and making components. The commonly suitable non-metals used in laser cutting are as follows:
Acrylic (Plexiglass)
Acrylic is preferred in many laser-cutting applications because it is highly versatile and offers clarity. It can be cut into polished and smooth edges and hence is used in many display and artistic items. The glossy finish of acrylic makes it look like glass and is also not brittle; hence, it is highly demanded.
Wood
Wood has many forms, and laser-cutting processes can precisely cut wood to achieve the required shapes and features, as described in the components. It is used to add detailed cuts to the furniture. Laser cutting works well with hardwoods as well as lightwoods like Balsa.
Plastic
Plastics like ABS, PC, and POM are mostly selected for the laser cutting process to be used in different applications. POM has a high resistance against wear, whereas ABS has a tough and heat-resistant nature. By choosing them for laser cutting, different models, signs, and components can be manufactured.
What Other Materials Are Suitable for Laser Cutting?
Laser cutting is also suitable for materials other than metals and nonmetals, and these materials are the following:
Plywood
Plywood is a material that has bonded wood veneers. There are many forms of plywood, and each one is compatible with laser cutting. However, it is suggested to use ventilated spaces when cutting it as it releases toxic gasses. Plywood can be cut at a fast speed and with high power to achieve the required finish, and this is attained through CO2 or fiber laser.
MDF
MDF for laser cutting is a very suitable material that has residuals of softwoods and hardwood. It is, however, challenging to cut as it has a high adhesive content and density. When cutting MDF through laser cutting, make sure to cut at a low speed.
Foams
Foam is also compatible with laser cutting. When choosing to cut it through a laser, it is suggested that you maintain a high feed rate, ample ventilation, and low power.
Paper and Cardboard
Paper and cardboard are versatile and, hence, can be selected for laser cutting to create intricate designs. Laser beam, can very delicately cut these and create precise and clean cuts, adding details to the models.
Fabric and Textiles
Fabric and textiles like silk and cotton can create creative designs through laser cutting. It helps to achieve clean and precise cuts which have details and unique designs.
Leather
Leather is a highly opted material when it comes to laser cutting. Many types of customized items and bags of leather are subjected to laser cutting, which helps to add a luxurious touch to the products.
Rubber
Rubber is suitable for laser cutting when used for seals, gaskets, and stamps. The laser cutting helps to cut rubber parts using laser cutting, creating a professional finish. The rubber components have accurate edges and shapes.
What Materials Cannot Be Cut with Laser Cutting?
As there is a wide range of materials that can be cut using laser cutting, some materials cannot be cut. These materials that you cannot cut through laser cutting are as follows:
PVC
PVC is a very dangerous material when cutting with lasers. It can release chlorine gas, which can be harmful to the machine and people.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is used in many applications but is not suitable for laser cutting. It can discolor, and the edges may appear yellow. Hence, if you think of cutting the polycarbonate using a laser, you will come across poor-quality edges and molten plastic build-up on the edges.
Polystyrene and Polypropylene Foam
Polystyrene foam is flammable, hence the risk of catching fire in this material is very high. Polypropylene foam is also a material that has significant risks when it comes to laser cutting because it can melt, causing damage to the laser cutting machine and its material.
HDPE
HDPE is used in many applications, but has a tendency to catch fire and also emit fumes that are harmful to humans as well as laser machines.
Coated Carbon Fiber
Coated carbon fiber has the tendency to release noxious fumes and has a high reflectivity. Hence, the fumes cause health risks, whereas the reflectivity of the material leads the beam of the laser to reflect back, causing damage to the machine.
Is It Safe To Laser Cut Flammable Materials?
No, flammable materials must never be cut using laser cutting machines because the risk of fire prevails. Due to the risk of fire and ignition, the process can become dangerous and damaging for people, the material, and the laser machine.
What is the Thickest Material a Laser Cutter Can Cut?
The maximum thickness for a material to be able to be laser cut is carbon steel, with a maximum thickness of 10mm, and stainless steel, with a maximum thickness of 5 mm. While aluminum and copper can have a thickness of 3 mm, which can also be cut through lasers.
Conclusion
Laser cutting is a very common method for cutting materials, but selecting the right material is crucial. The guide above must have provided you with insight into which material you should choose. We at DEK can help you manufacture components using suitable materials through laser cutting.
