The Ultimate Laser Cutter Buying Guide

23 Sep.,2024

 

The Ultimate Laser Cutter Buying Guide

The power of the laser

When we talk about the power of a laser machine, we're talking about the laser tube, which is measured in watts, with higher-wattage tubes having the ability to cut or engrave materials faster and with greater precision than lower-wattage tubes. And equally the more powerful the laser tube, the thicker the materials you are able to process.

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For example, if you're working with thin materials like paper or cardboard, a lower-wattage laser tube around 40 watts would be a great choice. However, if you want to cut through thicker materials like 2mm - 6mm wood or acrylics, we recommend a higher-wattage laser tube around 60w - 100w. And for those really thick pieces around 10mm - 20mm you would need to go for the larger wattage laser tubes around 130w - 150w.

Higher-wattage laser tubes can also help increase cutting speed and efficiency, thus reducing production time and costs. However, it's important to note that higher-wattage laser tubes require stronger cooling systems, which can affect the overall setup and maintenance costs, not to mention the replacement laser tube cost further down the line in a few years time.

Ultimately, the power level of your Co2 laser tube should match the specific needs of your project and business, which can be determined when you consult with a laser machine expert to determine the best option for you.

Size and weight of the machine

Co2 lasers come in various shapes and sizes, from small desktop laser cutters to large industrial-sized machines.

Firstly, consider the space you have available. Depending on the laser system, you'll need to factor in any additional equipment, like the cooling and extraction systems, along with the computer and space for users to operate the machine safely. Also, don&#;t forget about space to put your materials and products that you will be lasering !

Additionally, is there sufficient space to move the machine through the building to the designated area? Due to the size and weight of these systems, larger machines may need to be professionally dismantled and reassembled within the space or require specialised transportation equipment. So when buying a laser cutter, it's important to clarify if it includes professional installation.

Training

When purchasing a CO2 laser, it's essential to consider the training requirements for operating the machine. Here are a few reasons why:

Safety: CO2 lasers can be dangerous if not used properly. They emit high-powered beams of light that can cause severe injury or even blindness. Proper training is necessary to ensure you and your staff know how to operate the machine safely and avoid accidents.

Efficiency: Learning how to use your CO2 laser properly can help you improve efficiency and productivity in your workflow. With proper training, you can optimise your settings for different materials and create higher-quality products in less time.

Maintenance: CO2 lasers require regular maintenance to keep them in tip-top working condition. Proper training will teach you how to identify and address common issues with the machine and how to clean and replace parts as needed, which can help you extend the life of your laser and minimise downtime due to repairs.

Be sure to factor in any necessary training expenses. More often than not, when you purchase from a reputable laser machine supplier, this can all be included upon delivery.

Safety features

When you purchase a laser system from a supplier in the UK, laser machines are classified, according to their safety levels, with a class range of 1-4. Class 1 is the safest and the perfect choice for schools, hospitals, and businesses looking for peace of mind. These features would include independent safety sensors on all doors, a laser tube protection circuit, a machine axis and laser power cut-off upon lid opening during operation or keys for hatch openings to negate accidental opening. 

On the other hand, a class 4 laser system wouldn't have these safety features in place and require additional precautionary measures to protect the user, such as supervision or protective eyewear. 

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At Focused Laser Systems, all our Vision laser machines are class 1 and have an impressive suite of safety features.

Software

Control software is essential for operating a laser cutter, as this will allow you to tell the machine what part of your design to cut, engrave or score and at what speed and power settings to produce the desired result. 

How to Choose the Right Laser Cutting Machine? Ultimate ...

Let&#;s discuss the types of laser cutting machines being used in the industry!

Laser cutting machines are differentiated based on the types of lasers being used. Consequently, the type of laser determines the type of substrate and thickness of the material.

The three main types of laser cutters are as follows:

CO2 Laser Cutters

CO2 laser cutting machines consist of CO2 gas along with a mixture of other gases like helium and nitrogen. This type of gas mixture is charged up by electric discharge which then produces the laser beam. The wavelength of such cutters is 10.6mm.

CO2 laser cutters are the most common and well-reputed because of their efficiency and cheaper prices.

Materials: Glass, plastics, leather, wood, and acrylic.

Crystal Laser Cutters

Crystal laser cutters generate beams from Neodymium doped yttrium ortho vanadate. The wavelengths of these cutters are smaller as compared to CO2 laser cutters hence they can cut through some thicker materials.

Smaller wavelength also contributes to better focus and higher intensity as well. One drawback of these cutters is that their parts wear out because of the high power functionality.

Materials: Plastics, Metals, and Ceramics.

Fiber Laser Cutters

The origin of fiber laser is seed laser which is amplified and magnified using special optical fibers. The more common name for fiber laser cutters is a solid-state laser.

The remarkable benefits of this laser cutter include cutting of reflective and conductive metals, thrice the times of efficiency as compared to CO2 laser cutters, and the absence of movable parts.

Fiber lasers can work on metals as well as organic materials. Although fiber laser cutters are very similar to crystal lasers they are more efficient and low maintenance.

Materials: Metals and Organic materials.

The company is the world’s best Industrial Laser Cutter For Sale supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.