What kind of laser engraving machine is capable of cutting?

In the Facebook group, I saw someone asking what kind of diode can be used for cutting. Regarding this question, I will give you a brief introduction.

Can Diode Lasers Cut and Engrave Plexiglass? What You Need to Know

If you’re exploring the world of laser cutting and engraving, you might be wondering whether diode lasers can handle materials like plexiglass (acrylic). The short answer is yes, but with some important caveats. While diode lasers can cut and engrave opaque acrylic, they struggle with transparent materials. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about using diode lasers for plexiglass, including the key factors to consider and recommended models from Ortur and Aufero.

What Can Diode Lasers Do with Plexiglass?

Diode lasers are versatile tools for hobbyists and small businesses, but their ability to cut or engrave plexiglass depends on several factors:

1. Material Type: Diode lasers work well on opaque acrylic but cannot effectively cut or engrave transparent acrylic or glass. This is because the laser beam passes through transparent materials instead of being absorbed.

2. Laser Power: Higher-power diode lasers (10W or more) are better suited for cutting thicker materials, while lower-power models (5W or less) are limited to engraving and light cutting.

3. Wavelength: Diode lasers with a 450nm (blue light) wavelength are ideal for acrylic, as this wavelength is well-absorbed by the material.

If you need to work with transparent materials, you’ll need a CO2 laser, which operates at a wavelength of 10.6μm and is specifically designed for such tasks.

Key Factors for Cutting and Engraving Plexiglass with Diode Lasers

To achieve the best results with diode lasers, consider the following factors:

1. Laser Power

• Minimum Power: For cutting or engraving plexiglass, you’ll need a diode laser with at least 5W of optical power. However, 10W or higher is recommended for cutting thicker materials (up to 5mm).

• Note: Low-power diode lasers (1W to 5W) are better suited for engraving and light cutting of thin materials.

2. Wavelength

• Optimal Wavelength: Diode lasers with a 450nm (blue light) wavelength are the most effective for acrylic. This wavelength is well-absorbed by the material, making it ideal for cutting and engraving.

• Avoid Infrared Lasers: Lasers operating in the infrared range (e.g., 808nm or 1064nm) are less effective for acrylic.

3. Focus and Beam Quality

• Focusing Lens: A high-quality focusing lens is essential to concentrate the laser beam into a fine point, increasing energy density for precise cutting or engraving.

• Spot Size: A smaller spot size (e.g., 0.1mm or less) improves the laser’s ability to cut or engrave cleanly.

4. Speed and Air Assist

• Speed: Cutting plexiglass requires slower speeds compared to engraving. Look for a diode laser with adjustable speed settings.

• Air Assist: Some diode laser systems support air assist, which blows compressed air onto the cutting area to reduce melting and improve edge quality.

Recommended Diode Lasers for Plexiglass

If you’re looking for diode lasers that can handle opaque acrylic, here are some top models from Ortur and Aufero:

1. Ortur Laser Master 3 (10W or 15W)

• Power: 10W or 15W optical power.

• Wavelength: 450nm.

• Features: High power, good focus, and compatibility with air assist.

• Performance: Can cut opaque acrylic up to 3-5mm thick and engrave effectively.

• Limitation: Cannot cut transparent acrylic or glass.

2. Ortur Laser Master 2 Pro (5W or 10W)

• Power: 5W or 10W optical power.

• Wavelength: 450nm.

• Features: Affordable and reliable for hobbyists.

• Performance: Suitable for engraving and light cutting of thin opaque acrylic (up to 3mm).

• Limitation: Lower power means thicker materials may require multiple passes.

3. Aufero Laser 1 (10W or 20W)

• Power: 10W or 20W optical power.

• Wavelength: 450nm.

• Features: High power, modular design, and optional air assist.

• Performance: Can cut opaque acrylic up to 5mm thick and engrave with precision.

• Limitation: Cannot cut transparent materials.

4. Aufero Laser 2 (5W or 10W)

• Power: 5W or 10W optical power.

• Wavelength: 450nm.

• Features: Compact and portable.

• Performance: Good for engraving and light cutting of thin opaque acrylic (up to 3mm).

• Limitation: Lower power compared to Aufero Laser 1.

Tips for Cutting and Engraving Plexiglass

• Use Cast Acrylic: Cast acrylic cuts and engraves better than extruded acrylic.

• Multiple Passes: For thicker materials, you may need to make multiple passes to achieve a clean cut.

• Ventilation: Always use proper ventilation or an exhaust system to remove fumes generated during cutting or engraving.

• Test Settings: Experiment with speed, power, and focus settings to find the optimal configuration for your material.

Why CO2 Lasers Are Needed for Transparent Materials

While diode lasers are great for opaque acrylic, they cannot cut or engrave transparent materials like clear acrylic or glass. This is because the laser beam passes through the material instead of being absorbed. For transparent materials, a CO2 laser is required. CO2 lasers operate at a wavelength of 10.6μm, which is absorbed by transparent materials, making them ideal for cutting and engraving.

Conclusion

Diode lasers from brands like Ortur and Aufero can effectively cut and engrave opaque acrylic, provided they have sufficient power (10W or higher) and the right wavelength (450nm). However, if you need to work with transparent materials, you’ll need to invest in a CO2 laser.

Whether you’re a hobbyist or a small business owner, understanding the capabilities and limitations of your laser cutter is key to achieving the best results. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to leave a comment below!

Key Parameters Summary