Laser cutting & engraving FAQs - Canada Printing On Canvas & Fine Art Prints, Custom Picture Framing, Plaque Mounting, Metal, Wood & Fabric Dye-sublimation

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1 : What should you not laser cut with?
Materials you should not process with a laser

Artificial leather that contains chromium (VI)

Carbon fibers (Carbon)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl butyrale (PVB)

Polytetrafluoroethylenes (PTFE /Teflon)

Beryllium oxide.

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Q2 : Can a laser cut everything?
No, a laser cannot cut everything. The ability of a laser to cut through a material depends on several factors, including the type of laser, the power of the laser, and the properties of the material being cut. Some materials, such as wood, acrylic, and certain types of metal, can be easily cut with a laser, while other materials, such as thick metals, glass, and stone, are much more difficult to cut with a laser. Some materials, such as PVC and other plastics, can release toxic fumes when cut with a laser and should not be cut with a laser unless appropriate ventilation is in place.

In addition, some materials have reflective surfaces that can deflect the laser beam, making it difficult or impossible to cut. And some materials, such as fabrics and some types of paper, can be easily burned or melted by the laser.

Therefore, while a laser is a versatile cutting tool that can be used on many different materials, it cannot cut everything, and it's important to carefully consider the properties of the material and the capabilities of the laser before attempting to cut it.

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Q3 : What is the best wood to laser cut?
When it comes to laser cutting wood, the best types of wood to use are those that are dense and have a tight grain. This is because these types of wood tend to produce the most consistent and precise cuts, and they also tend to burn less during the laser cutting process.

Some of the best types of wood for laser cutting include:

Birch - Birch is a light-colored hardwood that is popular for laser cutting because it is relatively dense and has a tight grain. It is also widely available and relatively inexpensive.
Maple - Maple is another hardwood that is popular for laser cutting because of its density and tight grain. It is also a good choice for laser engraving because it has a smooth and even surface.
Cherry - Cherry is a hardwood that is known for its rich, warm color and attractive grain pattern. It is a good choice for laser cutting because it is dense and has a fine, even grain.
Walnut - Walnut is a dark-colored hardwood that is popular for its rich color and attractive grain pattern. It is also a good choice for laser cutting because it is dense and has a tight, even grain.
Mahogany
Oak
MDF (medium-density fiberboard) - While not technically a type of wood, MDF is a popular material for laser cutting because it is dense, smooth, and has a uniform texture. It is also relatively inexpensive and widely available.

Overall, the best type of wood for laser cutting depends on the specific project requirements and the desired outcome, but these types of wood are a good starting point for most laser cutting applications.

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Q4 : What are the three main types of laser cutters?
The three main types of laser cutters are CO2 laser cutters, fiber laser cutters, and neodymium (Nd) YAG laser cutters.

CO2 Laser Cutters: These are the most common type of laser cutters, which use a carbon dioxide gas mixture as the laser medium. They are typically used for cutting non-metallic materials such as wood, acrylic, and plastic. CO2 lasers are known for their versatility, affordability, and ease of use.
Fiber Laser Cutters: These use a fiber optic cable to deliver the laser beam, and they are typically used for cutting metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, and brass. Fiber laser cutters are known for their speed and precision, and they are becoming increasingly popular in industrial applications.
Semiconductor Lasers (Laser Diodes):

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Q5 : What are the wavelengths of the laser sources?
There are several different wavelengths of laser sources that are commonly used in laser cutting and engraving, and the specific wavelength used depends on the type of material being processed and the desired outcome. Here are some of the most common laser wavelengths and their applications:

CO2 Laser: The wavelength of a CO2 laser is typically around 10.6 microns, and it is used for cutting and engraving non-metallic materials such as wood, acrylic, and plastic.

Fiber Laser: The wavelength of a fiber laser is typically around 1.06 microns, and it is used for cutting and engraving metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, and brass.

Nd YAG Laser: The wavelength of a Nd YAG laser is typically around 1.064 microns, and it is used for cutting thick metals and ceramics.

UV Laser: The wavelength of a UV laser is typically between 200 and 400 nanometers, and it is used for marking and engraving materials such as glass, ceramics, and some metals.

Green Laser: The wavelength of a green laser is typically around 532 nanometers, and it is used for marking and engraving materials such as plastics, metals, and ceramics.

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Q6 : What are the pros and cons of laser cut?
Laser cutting is a technology that uses a laser beam to cut materials, such as metal, wood, acrylic, and more. Here are some pros and cons of laser cutting:

Pros:

High precision: Laser cutting is highly accurate and can produce intricate designs with high precision, making it ideal for producing detailed parts and components.
Versatility: Laser cutting can be used to cut a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, wood, and even fabrics. This makes it a versatile technology for a variety of applications.
Speed: Laser cutting is a fast process, allowing for quick production of parts and components.
Clean cuts: Laser cutting produces clean cuts with minimal debris, reducing the need for post-processing and improving the overall quality of the finished product.
Low material waste: Laser cutting is a highly efficient process that minimizes material waste, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Cons:

Cost: Laser cutting equipment can be expensive, which may be a barrier to entry for small businesses or individuals.
Limited thickness: Laser cutting is not ideal for cutting thick materials, as the laser may struggle to penetrate the material.
Hazardous: The use of lasers can be hazardous, and appropriate safety measures need to be taken to avoid accidents.
Burn marks: Laser cutting can leave burn marks on some materials, which may require additional post-processing.
Maintenance: Laser cutting equipment requires regular maintenance and calibration to ensure accurate cuts and optimal performance.

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Q7 : How large can you laser cut / engrave?
Our maximum bed size is 1300mm x 2500mm or 51x98".

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Q8 : What is the width of a CO2 laser beam cut?
In general, CO2 laser beams have a small focal spot size, typically between 0.2 and 0.5 mm, which allows for high precision cutting and fine details. However, the actual width of the cut can vary depending on the specific conditions and settings used for the cutting process. For example, if the laser power is too high or the lens is out of focus, the beam may cause more material to be vaporized and create a wider cut. On the other hand, if the laser power is too low, the cut may be too narrow and require multiple passes to achieve the desired width.

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