CNC laser cutting machine has many items that cannot be cut, such as glass fiber, foam material, polycarbonate fiber, etc. these materials are cut due to light reflection and the heat-resistant nature of the material itself. In this paper, we provide you with materials that can be cut and materials that cannot be cut by laser cutting for reference only. The specific analysis should be based on the model of the machine and the nature of the material itself.

Materials that can be cut by laser cutting machine

Different metals

A laser cutting machine can cut all kinds of metals from low carbon steel, and stainless steel to non-ferrous metals. Aluminum and other reflective metals are difficult to cut, so fiber lasers are a better choice. Now, the cutting thickness of metal can even reach 100 mm, and the cutting thickness changes with the change of laser power.

Wood

All kinds of wood (including plywood and MDF) can be cut by laser, but some oily Wood is in danger of being ignited, so special attention should be paid when using it.

Paper and paperboard

Paper is also suitable for laser cutting. We see some complicated and exquisite wedding invitations, which are probably made by laser cutting.

Plastic

Acrylic, PMMA, and Lucite are all transparent plastics. When using laser cutting, it can ensure that the edge has a good finish, which looks like butter cut with a knife.

Polyformaldehyde

Polyoxyethylene (POM) is a kind of plastic with a high utilization rate in the engineering field, which can be used in gears, guiding and sliding components, medical equipment, food packaging, etc. The ability of complex cutting with laser is conducive to the wide application of POM in many fields.

Glass

Due to the fragile and reflective properties of glass, laser cutting glass seems to be an impossible task. However, laser cutting machines can cut glass.

Materials that cannot be cut by laser cutting machine

It seems that a laser can cut almost anything, but it is not the case. In the "can't cut" list, most of the materials are all kinds of plastics.

Polyvinyl chloride

Cutting PVC will release acidic substances and toxic smoke, which is harmful to machine operators and the laser cutting machine itself. Therefore, PVC cutting should adopt a mechanical method.

Polycarbonate fiber

Polycarbonate less than 1 mm can be cut by laser, but it will cause material discoloration.

If the material is thick, there is no way to use laser cutting, which is not only inefficient but also may cause burns.

ABS, high-density polyethylene

Generally speaking, the temperature of the laser beam is enough to vaporize the material, but it does not support materials such as ABS and high-density polyethylene. Compared with vaporization, they are easy to melt, leaving messy worktops and poor cutting quality.

Polystyrene and polypropylene foam

Both are easy to catch fire.

Glass fiber

Glass fiber is a mixture of two materials -- glass and epoxy resin. As we all know, it is difficult to cut glass alone. It would be a nightmare to add smoke-producing resins to the mixture.

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