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When selecting a laser machine for cutting plastic, it is essential to understand the different types of plastic, the machine specifications required for optimal processing, and the key factors that influence cutting and engraving quality. This article will guide you through the selection process by exploring the various plastic types compatible with CO2 laser machines and the critical aspects to consider when making your choice.
What types of plastic can CO2 laser machines process?
Plastic is a broad category of polymer materials that includes PET, polystyrene, double-layer plastics, acrylic, and plexiglass. These materials can be both cut and engraved with a CO2 laser machine. Plastics are widely used in everyday products such as souvenirs, toys, menu holders, POS materials, and outdoor advertising displays. Choosing the right laser machine depends on the specific plastic type and the desired application.
How to choose a laser machine for plastic processing
To select the most suitable laser machine, consider the following four key questions:
- What do I plan to produce, and at what scale?
- What materials will I be processing?
- What are the maximum and minimum sizes of the workpieces?
- What is the thickness of the material I will be working with?
CO2 laser machines are relatively easy to operate, offer high-speed precision cutting, and generate minimal production waste. Addressing these questions will help determine the optimal machine configuration for your needs.
What do I plan to produce, and at what scale?
Are you planning to use the machine for cutting or engraving? This decision significantly impacts the type of machine you should select. For engraving-focused applications, a large working area is not necessary, as engraving speed tends to be slower on larger surfaces. Additionally, high-power laser tubes are primarily designed for cutting rather than engraving.
The machine’s working field should be at least as large as the largest product you intend to create. Laser machines are categorized into desktop, medium-format, and large-format models. If laser processing is a hobby, a machine with a slightly larger working field than your workpieces should suffice. However, for mass production, consider machines with larger working areas and multiple laser heads (two or four) to increase productivity.
What materials will be processed?
Different plastics exhibit unique behaviors during cutting and engraving. Some materials require intensive air assist to prevent melting or discoloration, while others can be damaged by excessive airflow.
For example:
- Leather emits a strong and persistent odor when processed, necessitating a ventilation system or enhanced smoke removal.
- PET (thicker than 3 mm) is challenging to cut without intensive blowing, as insufficient airflow may cause an unsoldered or yellowed edge.
- Polystyrene tends to melt at the cut edges, making clean cuts difficult.
- Some plastics cannot be processed with a CO2 laser at all due to their composition and melting properties.
Understanding the behavior of each material will help you select the appropriate machine and accessories for optimal results.
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What are the maximum and minimum sizes of the workpieces?
The size of the workpieces you intend to process is a crucial factor when selecting a laser machine. While standard plastic sheets often measure 2,000 x 3,000 mm, purchasing a machine with an equivalent working area is not always necessary. Materials can be pre-cut using other tools, such as a jigsaw, before processing with a laser machine. Laser cutting is more economical due to its minimal kerf width, reducing material waste.
Additionally, the standard sheet sizes vary by country, depending on local manufacturing and cutting equipment standards. Ensuring that your machine can accommodate the materials available in your region will improve efficiency.
What thickness of material will I work with?
Material thickness is one of the most critical factors in choosing a laser machine. Knowing the exact thickness you plan to cut allows you to determine the necessary laser tube power.
Tip from Wattsan: For cutting plexiglass, allocate approximately 10W of laser power per 1.5 mm of material thickness. However, this rule does not apply universally to all materials. For instance:
- Rubber requires intensive air assist to prevent burning.
- Paronite must be cut in multiple passes due to its high-density composition.
Fortunately, laser tubes are replaceable components. On Wattsan machines (starting from model 6040), the laser tube can be swapped for a more or less powerful version depending on the required application.
Conclusion
Choosing the right CO2 laser machine for plastic processing requires careful consideration of production needs, material properties, workpiece sizes, and material thickness. By answering the four key questions outlined in this article, you can identify the most suitable laser machine for your specific applications. Whether you are an individual hobbyist or managing mass production, selecting the right machine will enhance efficiency, precision, and overall production quality.
