Laser cutting has become a widely recognised and established way of cutting materials due to its accuracy, versatility, speed, and ability to process large quantities of materials at one time.
But, what materials are best suited to laser cutting and why?
In this article, we explore the different types of materials that are well matched to laser cutting such as aluminium laser cutting, and those that should be avoided.
How does a laser cutter work?
A laser cutter works by emitting a high-energy laser onto the surface of the chosen material to burn and vaporise it to produce a cut.
CO2 lasers and fiber lasers are generally used for cutting applications.
CO2 lasers carry a wavelength of approximately 10600nm and are best suited to cutting non-metals. However, a high-powered CO2 laser cutter could also cut metal materials.
Fiber laser cutting machines such as our Bystronic Bystar 10kW and 12kW machines usually have a wavelength of approximately 1060nm, making them ideal for sheet metal laser cutting.
What materials can be cut with a laser?
Lasers are capable of cutting a large variety of materials, but not all materials are considered safe to cut with a laser.
Different materials behave differently when being processed by a laser cutter; it’s essential to recognise the potential dangers. For example, some materials may catch fire and some others may release toxic or harmful fumes.
Laser cutting machines have different abilities to allow for clean cuts through almost any material with pinpoint accuracy, such as metal, wood, paper, cork, glass, and some plastics.
Metal cutting:
From steel cutting to aluminium cutting, there is a broad range of metals that can be cut by a laser, however, there are some limitations with the metal thickness depending on the capability and power of the machine.
Laser 24 can laser cut and fold most metals to a high quality up to 30mm thickness, visit our materials page to find out more.
Wood:
Laser cutting both soft and hard wood types is often a safer and more precise exercise than using other tools such as a saw.
Laser operators are able to create smoother cuts, designs, and tighter curves in the wood at a faster and more accurate rate than products crafted with handheld tools.
Plastic:
Stronger plastics are often preferable when it comes to laser cutting, materials such as acrylic, polyester film, and polypropylene tend to work best.
Much like laser cutting wood, laser cutting plastic can produce a cleaner and safer cut than that of handheld tools. Unlike laser cutting metal, some plastics such as polypropylene can be difficult to implement intricate designs or detail with a laser.
What materials can Laser 24 cut?
At Laser 24, we offer precision laser cutting, metal folding and finishing of the highest quality metal parts at rapid speeds.
Our capabilities include sheet metal laser cutting for:
- S275/ S355 Mild Steel (3mm to 30mm)
- CR4 Mild Steel (0.5mm to 3mm)
- Stainless Steel (0.5mm to 30mm)
- Aluminium (0.5mm to 30mm)
- Brass (1mm to 15mm)
- Copper (1mm to 12mm)
- Zintec (0.7mm to 3mm)
- Galvanised (0.7mm to 5mm)
Find out more about the materials we work with and their properties.
What materials are not suitable for laser cutting?
Although laser cutting is great for a lot of materials, they can’t cut everything!
Some materials which should be avoided when using laser cutters are:
PVC
Laser cutting PVC could lead to the emission of acids and toxic fumes
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and HDPE
Using laser cutting methods would melt the material
Fibreglass
Fibreglass causes a fume-inducing resin when cut with a laser
Polystyrene & Polypropylene Foam
One of many issues is that both materials can catch fire very easily
Why choose Laser 24?
Our laser cutting and press braking services are unrivalled when it comes to precision, power, and cost-efficiency per cut.
Thanks to our continued investment in cutting-edge laser technology, we’re able to complete more jobs better and faster than ever before making us one of the top laser companies in the UK.
Our machines make light work of high-volume jobs, with our brand new Bystronic ByStar 12kW Fiber Laser cutter being one of the only machines in the country that can cut up to 30mm mild steel with ease. In fact, we cut 150,000 parts per month!
Plus, our smart factory automation, assisted by the ByTrans Extended, allows production to run 24 hours per day for a cost-efficient and reliable service with rapid turnaround times. Whatever your requirements, we’re stocked up and ready to work.
Metal cutting service near me:
For more information on the laser cutting and folding services we provide across Essex, Kent, London, and surrounding areas, or to find out how we can help you with your next project, contact our team on 01268 733 883, email [email protected], or fill out a contact form here.
Please note, Laser 24 only cuts metal materials. Please contact us with any queries.
