For a Co2 Laser Cutter,
What are the most suitable types of plastics?
Plastic processing is one of the earliest and most acclaimed fields, in which CO2 lasers have played a significant role. Laser technology offers faster, more precise, and waste-reducing processing, while also providing flexibility to support innovative methods and expand the applications of plastic processing.
CO2 lasers can be used for cutting, drilling, and marking plastics. By gradually removing material, the laser beam penetrates the entire thickness of the plastic object, enabling precise cutting. Different plastics exhibit varying performance in terms of cutting. For plastics such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polypropylene (PP), CO2 laser cutting yields the best results with smooth, shiny cutting edges and no burn marks.
The function of Co2 laser cutters：
They can be used for engraving, marking, and other processes. The principles of CO2 laser marking on plastics are similar to cutting, but in this case, the laser only removes the surface layer, leaving a permanent, indelible mark. Theoretically, lasers can mark any type of symbol, code, or graphic on plastics, but the feasibility of specific applications depends on the materials used. Different materials have varying suitability for cutting or marking operations.
what you can learn from this vodeo:
The plastic CO2 laser cutting machine will help you. Equipped with a dynamic auto-focus sensor (Laser Displacement Sensor), the real time auto focus co2 laser cutter can realize laser cutting car parts. With the plastic laser cutter, you can complete high-quality laser cutting automotive parts, car panels, instruments, and more due to the flexibility and high accuracy of dynamic auto focusing laser cutting. Featuring auto adjusting the height of the laser head, you can get cost-timing and high-efficiency production. Automatic production is important for laser cutting plastic, laser cutting polymer parts, laser cutting sprue gate, especially for the automotive industry.
Why is there variability in behavior among different plastics?
This is determined by the different arrangements of monomers, which are the repeating molecular units in polymers. Temperature changes can affect the properties and behavior of materials. In fact, all plastics undergo processing under heat treatment. Based on their response to heat treatment, plastics can be classified into two categories: thermosetting and thermoplastic.
Examples of thermosetting polymers include:
- Polyimide
- Polyurethane
- Bakelite
The main thermoplastic polymers include:
- Polyethylene - Polystyrene
- Polypropylene - Polyacrylic acid
- Polyamide - Nylon - ABS
The most suitable types of plastics for Co2 Laser Cutter: Acrylics.
Acrylic is a thermoplastic material widely used in laser cutting applications. It offers excellent cutting results with clean edges and high precision. Acrylic is known for its transparency, durability, and versatility, making it a popular choice for various industries and creative projects. When laser cut, acrylic produces polished edges without the need for additional post-processing. It also has the advantage of producing flame-polished edges without harmful smoke or residue.
With its favorable characteristics, acrylic is considered the best plastic for laser cutting. Its compatibility with CO2 lasers allows for efficient and precise cutting operations. Whether you need to cut intricate designs, shapes, or even detailed engravings, acrylic provides the optimal material for laser cutting machines.
How to choose a suitable laser cutting machine for plastics？
The application of lasers in plastic processing has paved the way for new possibilities. Laser processing of plastics is highly convenient, and most common polymers are fully compatible with CO2 lasers. However, selecting the right laser cutting machine for plastics requires consideration of multiple factors. First, you need to determine the type of cutting application you require, whether it's batch production or custom processing. Secondly, you need to understand the types of plastic materials and the range of thicknesses you'll be working with, as different plastics have varying adaptability to laser cutting. Next, consider production requirements, including cutting speed, cutting quality, and production efficiency. Finally, budget is also an important factor to consider, as laser cutting machines vary in price and performance.
Other materials which are well-suited for CO2 laser cutters：
- Polypropylene:
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic material that can melt and create a messy residue on the worktable. However, optimizing parameters and ensuring appropriate settings will help overcome these challenges and achieve clean cutting with high surface smoothness. For industrial applications requiring fast cutting speeds, CO2 lasers with an output power of 40W or higher are recommended.
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- Delrin:
Delrin, also known as polyoxymethylene, is a thermoplastic material commonly used for manufacturing seals and high-load mechanical components. Clean cutting of Delrin with a high surface finish requires a CO2 laser of approximately 80W. Low-power laser cutting results in slower speeds but can still achieve successful cutting at the expense of quality.
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- Polyester Film:
Polyester film is a polymer made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is a durable material often used to make thin, flexible sheets ideal for creating templates. These thin polyester film sheets are easily cut with a laser, and an economical K40 laser cutting machine can be used for cutting, marking, or engraving them. However, when cutting templates from very thin polyester film sheets, high-power lasers can cause material overheating, resulting in dimensional accuracy issues due to melting. It is therefore recommended to use raster engraving techniques and perform multiple passes until you achieve the desired cutting with minimal
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Mimowork is a results-oriented laser manufacturer, based in Shanghai and Dongguan China, bringing 20-year deep operational expertise to produce laser systems and offer comprehensive processing and production solutions to SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in a wide array of industries.
Our rich experience of laser solutions for metal and non-metal material processing is deeply rooted in worldwide advertisement, automotive & aviation, metalware, dye sublimation applications, fabric and textiles industry.
Rather than offering an uncertain solution that requires purchase from unqualified manufacturers, MimoWork controls every single part of the production chain to make sure our products have constant excellent performance.
MimoWork has been committed to the creation and upgrade of laser production and developed dozens of advanced laser technology to further improve clients' production capacity as well as great efficiency. Gaining many laser technology patents, we are always concentrating on the quality and safety of laser machine systems to ensure consistent and reliable processing production. The laser machine quality is certificated by CE and FDA.
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Post time: Jul-17-2023