Materials not suited for laser processing (2024)

FAQs

What materials Cannot be used in a laser cutter? ›

Polycarbonate is so durable that it's even used in the safety window of laser cutting machines!

The materials that the laser can cut materials like wood, paper, cork, and some kinds of plastics. Etching can be done on almost anything, wood, cardboard, aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, marble, stone, tile, and glass.

The window of the laser cutter is made of Polycarbonate because polycarbonate strongly absorbs infrared radiation! This is the frequency of light the laser cutter uses to cut materials, so it is very ineffective at cutting polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a poor choice for laser cutting.

Polyester Overview

Laser cutting of polyesters with a CO₂ laser results in clean edges free of discoloration and limited melting. Laser engraving of polyesters with a CO₂ laser results in depth, high contrast, and limited melt back at the point of ablation.

Cutting of polypropylene can be performed with a CO₂ laser to produce a clean non-discolored cut with a slight raised edge near the point of ablation. Laser engraving and laser marking of polypropylene are possible using a CO₂ laser.

Is MDF safe to use for laser cutting? Yes, you can cut MDF boards safely using the laser machine. Trotec MDF boards are particularly suitable for laser processing.

Cutting aramids and Kevlar with a laser can win you over with some significant benefits: No fraying: while the cut edges of fibrous materials usually fray when cut mechanically, the structural fibres are sealed by lasers. The result: clean, precise cuts without unwanted fraying.

Can you laser cut PVC? ›

Although polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can in fact be cut with laser, the thermal process produces hydrochloric acid and toxic fumes. For this reason, we advise you not to use laser for cutting PVC in order to prevent corrosion of your laser system and to ensure the safety of the machine operator.

In the case of Teflon, the processes of laser cutting, laser engraving and laser marking can be applied. The laser energy can ablate material to cut, engrave or mark the material, or it can change the surface properties to create a visible mark.

A laser will typically be unable to cut through anything thicker than around 2.5 centimetres. By way of contrast, a water jet can cut through 10 times this depth, 25 cm of virtually any material. If you need to cut through thick metal, plastic or other dense material then laser is going to be an unsuitable option.

Laser processing of fiberglass sheet is possible with a 9.3 or 10.6 micron CO₂ laser, with no significant difference in quality produced by the two wavelengths. The 1.06 micron fiber laser is not used for processing this material as the wavelength is not readily absorbed.

Laser cutting disadvantages include: limitations on material thickness, harmful gases and fumes, high energy consumption, and upfront costs.

Although polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can in fact be cut with laser, the thermal process produces hydrochloric acid and toxic fumes. For this reason, we advise you not to use laser for cutting PVC in order to prevent corrosion of your laser system and to ensure the safety of the machine operator.

Laser cutters can cut all types of metals, which is why they are a top solution for sheet metal fabricators like us at Salamander Fabrications. They can cut anything from mild steel and carbon steel to stainless steel and nonferrous metals.