[Laser Processing] Why are your laser cuts always unsatisfactory? 6 key points revealed!

What to do when wood cannot be completely cut?
1) Increase power: Higher power levels allow the laser to cut thicker wood. If cutting thick wood is a primary requirement, consider using a laser with a higher power laser tube.

2) Slow down: A slower cutting speed allows more laser energy to be deposited on the wood over time, which is beneficial for deeper cuts. However, use high power and low speed with caution to avoid overheating and potential fire.

3) Multiple passes: For particularly thick timber, if increasing power and slowing down is not enough, try multiple passes. Hold the timber in place until you are sure it has been completely cut to ensure that subsequent cuts are properly aligned.

4) Use a longer focal length lens: If your machine allows for lens changes, using a 4.0-inch or 2.5-inch lens can help cut thicker wood. Adjust the laser focus to penetrate deeper into the wood for a smoother cut edge.

5) Avoid knots: Knots in wood are usually hard and can hinder cutting. When making cuts to define the design, try to avoid areas with knots.

Please note: Finding the right balance between cutting speed, power, and other settings may require some experimentation depending on the specific type and thickness of the wood being processed.


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3. Leather cutting techniques

Preventing burn marks when laser cutting leather
1) Adjusting the power setting: When using a laser cutting and engraving machine on leather, adjusting the power setting is crucial. Ensure that the laser power is not set too high, as excessive power can cause the leather to burn.

2) Adjusting the speed setting: While the high precision of laser cutting machines is beneficial for leather processing, there is still a risk of damaging the material due to the intense heat generated by the laser. Since different types of leather have varying thicknesses and hardness levels, it is crucial to adjust the speed setting before starting the cutting process.

3) Use the appropriate laser focal length: When cutting leather with a laser cutter, the laser focal length is crucial. It determines the distance between the laser head and the leather, affecting cutting accuracy. This principle applies not only to leather but also to cutting other materials. If the focal length is too long, the laser head will be too far from the leather, resulting in a shallow cut. Conversely, if the focal length is too short, the laser may cut too deep into the leather, potentially leaving burn marks. Therefore, controlling the laser focal length is very important. A typical focal length used is approximately 6mm.

4) Choosing the appropriate nozzle size: The size of the laser nozzle plays a crucial role when laser cutting leather. A nozzle that is too small may cause excessive laser heat and leave marks on the leather. On the other hand, a nozzle that is too large will negatively impact laser performance and result in poor cut quality. Therefore, choosing the appropriate nozzle size is essential.

By carefully adjusting these parameters and precautions, you can minimize the risk of burn marks and achieve clean, precise cuts when laser-cutting leather.

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4. Paper-cutting techniques

How to prevent fire when cutting paper?
Paper is highly flammable and must be handled with care to avoid ignition. Here are some tips to consider:

1) Make sure to select the correct frequency, high speed and appropriate power setting, as too high a power will cause the paper to burn.
2) It is recommended to use compressed air to achieve a flame-retardant effect.
3) Short focal length lenses produce a positive effect.

How to prevent paper deformation caused by air assistance during the cutting process?
We know that paper is highly flammable due to its low ignition point. To prevent combustion during the cutting process, compressed air is recommended for flame retardancy; however, blowing air onto the paper may cause it to deform. To prevent this, consider the following techniques:

1) Choose sturdier paper, such as cardstock or thick cardboard, when cutting. Avoid using softer paper types, such as A4 paper or Xuan paper.

2) If specific requirements necessitate using A4 paper for cutting, consider placing a piece of cardstock underneath. This helps prevent damage to the paper from blowing air.

Please note: These technologies can help you avoid the risks of fire and deformation during laser paper cutting, ensuring safe and high-quality cutting results.


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5. Plastic cutting techniques

How to avoid melting and deformation when cutting plastic sheets?
Plastic sheets have a low melting point, and when the laser power is too high, the edges of the plastic sheets are prone to melting and deformation. To prevent this, the following methods can be considered:

1) Select an appropriate laser power for engraving, avoiding excessive power to prevent melting marks. Adjust air assist to lower the material temperature at the cutting edge.

2) Pay attention to the cutting speed; avoid going too slowly and trying to break through in one go. Instead, cut in three or four steps. This method will result in smoother edges without melting marks.

3) After extensive carving, the plastic sheet itself may deform. You can gently heat the plastic sheet with hot water and then flatten it by hand.


How to clean plastic sheets?
After engraving on the plastic sheet, the surface can be cleaned with a damp cloth or alcohol. Please remember that if the laser power is set too high during engraving, a layer of stubborn fumes and dust residue may remain on the plastic sheet surface, making it difficult to remove.


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