What materials can laser cutting machines cut? And what can't they cut?

The reason why laser cutting is so popular is mainly because of its versatility. Laser cutting machines can cut materials from paper, wood, cork, acrylic, foam to various metals. When using laser cutting machines, we should understand the characteristics of each material and pay more attention to it during actual use.

What materials can laser cutting machines cut?

Different metals

Laser cutting machines can cut a variety of metals, from mild steel and stainless steel to non-ferrous metals. Aluminum alloys and other reflective metals are more difficult to cut, and fiber lasers are a better choice at this time. Today, metal cutting thickness can even reach 100 mm, depending on the power of the laser.

Wood

Laser cutting can be used on all types of wood (including plywood and MDF), but some oily woods are at risk of ignition and special care should be taken when using them.

Paper and Cardboard

We can see some intricate and delicate laser cut wedding invitations, which are likely made by laser cutting.

Plastics

PMMA and Lucite acrylic are both transparent plastics. Laser cutting can ensure a good edge finish, which looks like cream cut with a knife.

Polyoxymethylene

Polyoxymethylene is a highly utilized plastic used in engineering applications, and its ability to perform complex cutting using lasers can be used in gears, guide and sliding components, medical devices, food packaging, and more.

Glass

Laser cutting of glass and reflections Laser cutting of glass may seem like an impossible task. However, a laser cutting machine can cut glass.

What can't be cut?

It seems that laser can cut almost anything, but this is not the case. The materials are not on the cutting list, but various plastics.

Polyvinyl chloride

PVC cutting will emit sour and toxic fumes, which are harmful to both the machine operator and the laser cutter itself. Therefore, PVC cutting should be done by mechanical methods.

Polycarbonate

Laser cutting machines can try to use polycarbonate below 1mm, but it will cause discoloration of the material.

Cannot be cut with laser, if the material is thicker, not only the efficiency is low, but also the material fades seriously, and it will cause burning.

HDPEABS

In general, the laser is hot enough to vaporize materials, but it doesn't support ABS, HDPE, and other materials. It tends to melt more than vaporize, leaving a messy workbench and a poor cut.

Polystyrene and Polypropylene Foam

Both can catch fire easily.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is a mixture of two materials - glass and epoxy. Glass is notoriously difficult to cut on its own, and adding resin to the mix can cause haze, which can be a nightmare.