Laser Cutting Foam?! You Need to Know About |

About cutting foam, you may be familiar with hot wire(hot knife), water jet, and some traditional processing methods. But if you want to get higher precise and customized foam products like toolboxes, sound-absorbing lampshades, and foam interior decoration, the laser cutter must be the best tool. Laser cutting foam provides more convenience and flexible processing on a changeable production scale. What is a foam laser cutter? What is laser cutting foam? Why you should choose a laser cutter to cut foam?

Let's reveal the magic of LASER!

from

Laser Cut Foam Lab

CONTENT GLANCE

⇨ Cut Foam: Knife vs. Laser vs. Waterjet?

⇨ What is Laser Cutting Foam?

⇨ How to Laser Cut Foam?

⇨ Popular Foam Laser Cutters

⇨ FAQ: Laser Cutting & Engraving Foam

3 Main Tools for Cutting Foam

Hot Wire (Knife)

Hot wire foam cutting is a portable and convenient method used to shape and sculpt foam materials. It involves the use of a heated wire that is precisely controlled to cut through foam with precision and ease. Usually, hot wire cutting foam is used in crafting, handwoking, etc.

Water Jet

Water jet cutting for foam is a dynamic and versatile method that utilizes a high-pressure stream of water to precisely cut and shape foam materials. This process is renowned for its ability to handle various foam types, thicknesses, and shapes. Suitable for thick foam cutting especially for mass production.

Laser Cutter

Laser cutting foam is a cutting-edge technology that uses the power of highly focused laser beams to precisely cut and shape foam materials. This method is known for its ability to create intricate and detailed designs in foam with exceptional accuracy and speed. Laser cutting foam is widely utilized in industries such as packaging, arts and crafts, and industrial manufacturing.

▶ How to Choose? Laser VS. Knife VS. Water Jet

Talk about the cutting quality

According to the cutting principle, you can see that both hot wire cutter and laser cutter adopt the heat treatment to cut through the foam. Why? The clean and smooth cutting edge is the critical factor manufacturers always care about. Because of heat energy, the foam can be timely sealed on the edge, which guarantees the edge is intact while keeping scrip chipping from flying everywhere. That is not what a water jet cutter can reach. For cutting precision, there is no doubt laser is NO.1. Thanks to its fine and thin but powerful laser beam, the laser cutter for foam can get intricate design and more details accomplished. This is significant for some applications having high standards in cutting precision, like medical instruments, industrial parts, gaskets, and protective devices.

Focus on cutting speed and efficiency

You have to admit water jet cutting machine is superior in both cutting thick material and cutting speed. As a veteran industrial machinery equipment, the waterjet has a super large machine size and high cost. But if you are engaged in general thick foam, cnc hot knife cutter and cnc laser cutter are optional. They are more convenient and simple to operate and have great performance. If you have a changeable production scale, the laser cutter is more flexible and has the fastest cutting speed among the three tools.

In terms of pricing

The water jet cutter is the most expensive, followed by the CNC laser and CNC hot knife cutter, with the handheld hot wire cutter being the most affordable. Unless you have deep pockets and technician support, we are not gonna recommend investing in a water jet cutter. Because of its high price, and a lot of water usage, abrasive materials consumption. To get a higher automation and cost-effective investment, a CNC laser and CNC knife are preferable.

Here is a summary table, help you get a rough idea

▷ Already Know Which One Suits You?

All Right,

☻ Let's Talk About the Favored New Guy!

" LASER CUTTER for foam"

Foam:

What is Laser Cutting?

Answer: For laser cutting foam, the laser is the primary trendsetter, a highly efficient method that relies on the principles of precision and focused energy. This innovative technology employs the power of laser beams, which are concentrated and controlled to create intricate, detailed designs in foam with unparalleled accuracy. The laser's high energy density allows it to either melt, vaporize, or burn through the foam, resulting in precise cuts and polished edges. This non-contact process minimizes the risk of material distortion and ensures a clean finish. Laser cutting has become the prevailing choice for foam applications, revolutionizing the industry by offering unparalleled precision, speed, and versatility in transforming foam materials into a wide range of products and designs.

▶ What Can You Get from Laser Cutting Foam?

CO2 laser cutting foam presents a multifaceted array of benefits and advantages. It stands out for its impeccable cutting quality, delivering high precision and clean edges, enabling the realization of intricate designs and fine details. The process is characterized by its high efficiency and automation, resulting in substantial time and labor savings, while achieving significantly higher yields compared to traditional methods. The inherent flexibility of laser cutting adds value through customized designs, shortening the workflow, and eliminating tool changeovers. Additionally, this method is environmentally friendly due to reduced material waste. With its ability to handle various foam types and applications, CO2 laser cutting emerges as a versatile and efficient solution for foam processing, meeting diverse industry needs.

Crisp & Clean Edge

Flexible Multi-shapes Cutting

Vertical Cutting

✔ Excellent Precision

CO2 lasers offer exceptional precision, enabling intricate and detailed designs to be cut with high accuracy. This is particularly valuable for applications that require fine details.

✔ Fast Speed

Lasers are known for their swift cutting process, leading to faster production and shorter turnaround times for projects.

✔ Minimal Material Waste

The non-contact nature of laser cutting minimizes material waste, reducing costs and environmental impact.

✔ Clean Cuts

Laser cutting foam creates clean and sealed edges, preventing fraying or material distortion, resulting in a professional and polished appearance.

✔ Versatility

Foam laser cutter can be used with various foam types, such as polyurethane, polystyrene, foam core board, and more, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

✔ Consistency

Laser cutting maintains consistency throughout the cutting process, ensuring that each piece is identical to the last.

>> More about laser cutting foam

Boost Your Production with Laser Now!

Get A Suitable Laser Machine

▶ Versatility of Laser Cut Foam (Engrave)

co2 laser cutting and engraving foam applications

What can you do with laser foam?

Laserable Foam Applications

• Toolbox Insert

• Foam Gasket

• Foam Pad

• Car Seat Cushion

• Medical Supplies

• Acoustic Panel

• Insulation

• Foam Sealing

• Photo Frame

• Prototyping

• Architects Model

• Packaging

• Interior designs

• Footwear Insole

Laserable Foam Applications

What type of foam can be laser cut?

Laser cutting can be applied to various foams:

• Polyurethane Foam (PU): This is a common choice for laser cutting due to its versatility and use in applications like packaging, cushioning, and upholstery.

• Polystyrene Foam (PS): Expanded and extruded polystyrene foams are suitable for laser cutting. They are used in insulation, modeling, and crafting.

• Polyethylene Foam (PE): This foam is used for packaging, cushioning, and buoyancy aids.

• Polypropylene Foam (PP): It's often used in the automotive industry for noise and vibration control.

• Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Foam: EVA foam is widely used for crafting, padding, and footwear, and it's compatible with laser cutting and engraving.

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Foam: PVC foam is used for signage, displays, and model making and can be laser cut.

What is Your Foam Type?

What is Your Application?

Send Your Material to Test

Talk to Our Laser Expert

>> Check out the videos: Laser Cutting PU Foam

♡ We Used

Material: Memory Foam (PU foam)

Material Thickness: 10mm, 20mm

Laser Machine: Foam Laser Cutter 130

♡ You Can Make

Wide Application: Foam Core, Padding, Car Seat Cushion, Insulation, Acoustic Panel, Interior Decor, Crats, Toolbox and Insert, etc.

Still exploring, please continue...

How to Laser Cut Foam?

Laser cutting foam is a seamless and automated process. Using the CNC system, your imported cutting file guides the laser head along the designated cutting path with precision. Simply place your foam on the worktable, import the cutting file, and let the laser take it from there.

Step 1. prepare machine and foam

Foam Preparation: keep the foam flat and intact on the table.

Laser Machine: choose laser power and machine size according to foam thickness and size.

▶

Step 2. set software

Design File: import the cutting file to the software.

Laser Setting: test to cut foam by setting different speeds and powers

▶

Step 3. laser cut foam

Start Laser Cutting: laser cutting foam is automatic and highly precise, creating constant high-quality foam products.

Check out the video demo to learn more

Cut Seat Cushion with Foam Laser Cutter

Any questions about how the lase cutting foam work, Contact Us!

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✦ Learn more about the machine, review the following:

Popular Laser Foam Cutter Types

MimoWork Laser Series

Flatbed Laser Cutter 130 from MimoWork Laser

STANDARD LASER FOAM CUTTER

Working Table Size: 1300mm * 900mm (51.2” * 35.4 ”)

Laser Power Options: 100W/150W/300W

Overview of Flatbed Laser Cutter 130

For regular foam products like toolboxs, decorations, and crafts, the Flatbed Laser Cutter 130 is the most popular choice for foam cutting and engraving. The size and power satisfy most requirements, and the price is affordable. Pass through design, upgraded camera system, optional working table, and more machine configurations you can choose.

1390 laser cutter for cutting and engraving foam applications

Learn more

1610 flatbed laser cutting machine from MimoWork Laser

AUTOFEED FOAM LASER CUTTER

Working Table Size: 1600mm * 1000mm (62.9” * 39.3 ”)

Laser Power Options: 100W/150W/300W

Overview of Flatbed Laser Cutter 160

The Flatbed Laser Cutter 160 is a large-format machine. With the auto feeder and conveyor table, you can accomplish auto-processing roll materials. 1600mm *1000mm of working area is suitable for most yoga mat, marine mat, seat cushion, industrial gasket and more. Multiple laser heads are optional to enhance productivity.

1610 laser cutter for cutting and engraving foam applications

Learn more

Craft

Your Own Machine

>> More Machines

>> Machine Options

customized laser cutter for cutting foam

fume extractor for laser cutting foam, felt

laser cutting machine with multiple heads

Send Your Requirements to Us, We will Offer A Professional Laser Solution

Inquire us for advice

Start A Laser Consultant Now!

> What information you need to provide?

✔	Specific Material (such as EVA, PE foam)
✔	Material Size and Thickness
✔	What You Want to Laser To Do? (cut, perforate, or engrave)
✔	Maximum Format to be processed

> Our contact information

info@mimowork.com

+86 173 0175 0898

You can find us via Facebook, YouTube, and Linkedin.

FAQ: Laser Cutting Foam

▶ What is the best laser to cut foam?

The CO2 laser is the most popular choice for cutting foam due to its effectiveness, precision, and ability to produce clean cuts. The co2 laser has a wavelength of 10.6 micrometers that the foam can absorb well, so most foam materials can be co2 laser cut and get the excellent cutting effect. If you want to engrave on foam, a CO2 laser is a great option. Although fiber lasers and diode lasers have the ability to cut foam, their cutting performance and versatility are not as good as CO2 lasers. Combined with cost-effectiveness and cutting quality, we recommend you choose the CO2 laser.

▶ How thick can laser cut foam?

The maximum thickness of foam that a CO2 laser can cut depends on various factors, including the laser's power and the type of foam being processed. In general, CO2 lasers can cut foam materials with thicknesses ranging from a fraction of a millimeter (for very thin foams) to several centimeters (for thicker, low-density foams). We have made a test of laser cutting 20mm thick pu foam with 100W, and the effect is great. So if you have thicker foam and different foam types, we suggest you consult us or make a test, to determine the perfect cutting parameters and suitable laser machine configurations. inquire us >

▶ Can you laser cut eva foam?

Yes, CO2 lasers are commonly used to cut EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam. EVA foam is a popular material for various applications, including packaging, crafting, and cushioning, and CO2 lasers are well-suited for precise cutting of this material. The laser's ability to create clean edges and intricate designs makes it an ideal choice for EVA foam cutting.

▶ Can laser cutter engrave foam?

Yes, laser cutters can engrave foam. Laser engraving is a process that uses a laser beam to create shallow indentations or markings on the surface of foam materials. It's a versatile and precise method for adding text, patterns, or designs to foam surfaces, and it's commonly used for applications like custom signage, artwork, and branding on foam products. The depth and quality of the engraving can be controlled by adjusting the laser's power and speed settings.

>> Learn More about Laser Engraving

▶ Some tips when you are laser cutting foam

Material Fixation: Use tape, magnet, or vacuum table to keep your foam flat on the working table.

Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial to remove smoke and fumes generated during cutting.

Focusing: Ensure that the laser beam is properly focused.

Testing and Prototyping: Always conduct test cuts on the same foam material to fine-tune your settings before starting the actual project.

Any questions about that?

Consult a laser expert is the best choice!

We are here for you

✦ Purchase the Machie, you may want to know

# How much does a co2 laser cutter cost?

There are many factors determining the laser machine cost. For a laser foam cutter, you need to consider what size of the working area based on your foam size, laser power based on foam thickness and material features, and other options according to your special requirements like labeling on material, enhancing productivity and more. About the details of the difference, check out the page: How much does a laser machine cost? Interested in how to choose options, please check out our laser machine options.

# Is safe for laser cutting foam?

Laser cutting foam is safe, but it's important to take certain precautions. Here are some key safety considerations: you need to ensure your laser machine is equipped with a good ventilation system. And for some special foam types, fume extractor is required to clean the waste fume and smoke. We have served some clients who purchased the fume extractor for cutting industrial materials, and the feedback is great.

Consult Us

# How to find the right focal length for laser cutting foam?

The focus lens co2 laser concentrates the laser beam on the focus point which is the thinnest spot and has a powerful energy. Adjusting the focal length to the appropriate height has a significant impact on the quality and precision of laser cutting or engraving. Some tips and suggestions are mentioned in the video for you, I hope the video can help you. For more detailes check out the laser focus guide >>

# How to do nesting for your laser cutting foam?

Come to the video to get a basic and easy cnc nesting software guide to boost your production like laser cutting fabric, foam, leather, acrylic, and wood. The laser cut nesting software features high automation and saving cost, helping to improve production efficiency and output for mass production. Maximum material saving makes laser nesting software(automatic nesting software) a profitable and cost-effective investment.

• Import the File

• Click AutoNest

• Start Optimizing the Layout

• More Functions like co-linear

• Save the File

What is Laser Nesting Software

# What else material can laser cut?

Besides wood, CO2 lasers are versatile tools capable of cutting acrylic, fabric, leather, plastic, paper and cardboard, foam, felt, composites, rubber, and other non-metals. They offer precise, clean cuts and are widely used in various industries, including gifts, crafts, signage, apparel, medical items, industrial projects, and more.

Material Overview of laser cutting

Material Features: Foam

Foam, known for its versatility and wide range of applications, is a lightweight and flexible material prized for its cushioning and insulation properties. Whether it's polyurethane, polystyrene, polyethylene, or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, each type offers unique advantages. Laser cutting and engraving foam takes these material features to the next level, allowing for precise customization. CO2 laser technology enables clean, intricate cuts and detailed engraving, adding a touch of personalization to foam products. This combination of foam's adaptability and laser precision makes it a preferred choice for crafting, packaging, signage, and beyond.

Dive Deeper ▷

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Any confusion or questions for the foam laser cutter, just inquire us at any time

Post time: Oct-25-2023

Laser Cutting Foam?! You Need to Know About