Archive for the ‘laser cutting machines’ Category
Is it possible to use it in your house?
How do you trace and cut the picture exactly?
Do you control it or does the machine do it by itself?
So many questions…
We have laser machines to engrave photos into crystals. It is not exactly cutting, but the principle is the same.
To have precise cutting or engraving, you need computer control. Without computer control, cutting is possible, but it will not be pretty. Engraving is impossible without computer control, since you need to arrange millions of dots together to form the photo.
For laser cutting, you essentially heat the metal (or whatever you are cutting) to vaporize it. For laser crystal engraving that we do, the laser beam is focused inside a crystal, where its intensity is strong enough to cause a structure change. The surface is not changed because the laser is not focused there.
I work at an engraving company. We have a Laser machine that can cut straight through 2 inch hardwood in two passes. I have been planning a build for a custom subwoofer box and just now thought of how easy it would be to draw the designs in C.A.D. and use the laser to precisely cut the pieces. How will the MDF handle the heat? Would I have to use low power and make multiple cuts? I do however foresee a problem cutting angles on the edge *The 3/4" side*. I can always at least use it to cut the circle perfectly!
Hi kyleryantoth,
We have a 60W laser and have cut a number of templates from MDF. The biggest problem in laser cutting MDF, and plywood for that matter, is the glue used to bond the material, not the wood itself. When laser cutting any of these materials I highly recommend using wood with an all natural bonding agent instead of the heavy chemical glues found in the MDF and plys you get at most hardware stores. Check with your local lumber yards for these better materials. When laser cutting thick MDF do not try to cut it in 2 passes like you would with 2" hardwoods since, again, it is not the wood that is the issue but the glue. I would suggest 5-7 passes at slightly faster speeds. The glue, like cutting thick acrylic, will re-bond if cut too hot too slowly. You will also get too much flare-up if not done properly.
Specifics:
How will the MDF handle the heat? Too much heat at a very slow speed will torch the wood. Plan on many passes at 100% power but faster speeds (start about 20%-25% speed).
Would I have to use low power and make multiple cuts? No and Yes. On 3/4" MDF aim for about 1/8" deep per pass (roughly 6 cuts) at full power.
I do however foresee a problem cutting angles on the edge *The 3/4" side. - instead of angle joints try dovetail or box joints. They will look better and make the box more sturdy if you plan on 10"+ sub woofers.
Always test your settings on scrap first.
Feel free to email me with any questions.
Mike Perrino
M&G LaserWorks
www.mglaserworks.com
Hi,
I’m looking at possibly buying a laser cutting machine. It’s going to be an expensive purchase for my business so I need to make sure we choose the right one - but I’m still doing my research at the minute…
I’m a bit confused about the machines using gas assist (CO2/N2?) - I’m looking for a machine that will cut wood/plastic/metal to a good quality, do all laser cutters use gas assist? I know there’s other options if you’re material specific (eg. just doing metal), but I really want that flexibility of different materials, and could really just do with some advice about what I need to look for, and if there are any laser cutters that don’t use perishables, or extra accessories I’ll need to keep buying?
I’m a bit lost in the woods with this one, so any advice is much appreciated! Don’t try and be smart though… Yahoo Answers isn’t gonna be what I base a potentially £10K decision on! I’m doing my research, just you guys have been helpful before so any points in the right direction would be great!
Thanks in advance 
Sorry, I’m talking Laser Cutters as in CNC, not handheld tools…
Thanks, any info on cutters for materials like wood and plastics though? Cheers!
No they dont all use gas our under water one for cutting steel plate dos not use gas . Out of water we use a plasma cutter for steel and stainless steel. Both of these would be no use to you. I know Dorset Glass have two for cutting plate glass.