Laser Cutting Settings for Different Materials

The precision cutting industry focuses on accurately cutting complex patterns or logos from various materials such as metal, wood, and fabric. In the past, traditional cutting techniques often left room for inconsistency or errors. Now, thanks to the innovative technology of laser cutting machines, precision cutting has undergone significant improvements.



Laser cutting has completely changed the industry, allowing for more advanced, efficient, and precise cutting of hard materials like metals. But do you know how laser cutting works on different types of metals? Yes, that's right. Adjusting the laser beam according to the metal type and thickness is the key to achieving optimal cutting.



We have prepared a detailed guide for you to navigate through the complex waters of metal laser cutting. Continue reading to refine your skills and become an expert in laser engraving.

How does laser cutting work on different metal types
Laser is like a high-power scissor that can cut various metals with high precision and speed. The technology behind laser cutting is to use a focused beam of light to melt or vaporize the material, thereby removing it from the path of the laser beam. This process is particularly effective on materials with high melting points, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and copper.

The precise positioning of lasers enables users to easily cut complex designs and patterns, making them popular in industries such as automotive and aviation. In addition, laser cutting reduces material waste and produces cleaner cuts than traditional methods, making it a more environmentally friendly option. You only need to have professional operating skills and appropriate machine calibration to enjoy a wide range of precision laser cutting capabilities on any metal type.

Key parameters: laser power, speed, frequency, etc.
People who want to cut metal first need to determine which laser is needed. Different machines have different wavelengths. The wavelength determines the accuracy and depth of material penetration in laser cutting machines.
Select the correct laser based on material parameters. The wavelength of carbon dioxide laser is longer, making it more suitable for cutting organic materials. Fiber lasers have shorter wavelengths and are more suitable for cutting metals.

According to the type of metal you want to cut, you also need to ensure the optimal settings of the laser cutting machine:
The laser power determines the cutting ability of the machine. The higher the power, the faster the cutting speed, but it may lead to more thermal deformation. Lowering this setting is a better choice for precise and complex cutting as well as fine tasks such as carving and etching.
Laser speed refers to the speed at which a laser beam moves on a material. Lower speed settings are more suitable for thicker materials as you may need more time to penetrate dense layers. A higher speed setting is more suitable for thinner materials as you do not need to deal with additional materials along the way.
Laser frequency refers to the number of laser pulses per second. Adjusting this setting is crucial as different materials have varying absorption rates of laser energy. Higher frequencies are suitable for thinner materials, while lower frequencies are suitable for thicker materials. By taking the time to ensure that the laser cutting parameters are suitable for specific materials, you can achieve optimal results and extend the lifespan of the laser cutting machine.

Common metal materials for optimizing laser cutting settings
Optimizing laser cutting machine settings for different types of materials can be a confusing task due to the need to consider multiple optimal parameters. The following tips will help you get started:

Carbon Steel: Thickness Considerations and Cutting Speed
If you use a laser cutting machine to cut carbon steel, please consider the thickness of the material used. laser machines are typically suitable for thin to medium thickness carbon steel, equivalent to approximately 25 millimeters. If you have thicker steel, it is best to use a plasma machine specifically designed for cutting thick and hard materials.

Regarding cutting speed, carbon steel has a high melting point and requires a slower cutting speed to achieve clean and precise cutting without distorting or deforming the metal. You need to use a high-frequency laser for this operation. Usually, a CO2 laser of at least 1000 watts can complete the task.

Stainless steel: achieving clean and precise cutting
When using a laser cutting machine to cut stainless steel, due to its high hardness and strength, a slower speed needs to be set compared to cutting other materials. Due to its reflective properties, stainless steel also requires laser cutting machines to set high frequencies for optimal results. This setting can achieve more precise and controllable cutting while reducing the possibility of unnecessary reflections and thermal damage.

Generally speaking, the recommended speed for cutting stainless steel with a laser cutting machine is between 10 and 20 mm/s. The frequency should be around 1000 Hz, and the recommended laser power is 1-4 kW, depending on the thickness of the material.

Aluminum: Navigation Reflectance and Thermal Conductivity
Aluminum has high reflectivity, which means that the laser beam may bounce off the surface and cause damage to the machine. To prevent this situation, please use a laser with a shorter wavelength, such as a fiber laser. This type of machine will penetrate the aluminum surface better without causing too much reflection.

When laser cutting aluminum, thermal conductivity can also pose challenges. The heat generated by the laser can quickly dissipate throughout the material, making it difficult to achieve clean cutting. To solve this problem, a high-power laser is used with a power setting of 60-80% and a speed setting of 10-20mm/s.

You may also want to use cutting gases such as nitrogen or oxygen to help create a more uniform cut by blowing away any molten metal. With some practice and appropriate fiber laser engraving settings, you will be able to perform precise cutting on aluminum and other materials.

Fine tuning technology for special metal cutting
Here is how to improve the technique of using laser cutting machines to set different materials to achieve the desired results.

Copper, brass, and other alloys: addressing challenges
Brass, copper, and other alloys are difficult to cut due to their thermal conductivity, which can cause melting and deformation at the cutting site. To solve this problem, laser cutting machines usually have specialized nozzles or gases such as nitrogen to assist in cooling. It is crucial to adjust these parameters to achieve clean and precise cutting without compromising the structural integrity of the metal.

Coated metal: Adjust settings to achieve consistent results
High laser power is necessary for coating metals to penetrate hard coatings and perform deeper engraving, but it should not be excessive. Running in high constant laser power mode can also damage the surface.

Remember to use a slower cutting speed for coated metals to prevent damage to the coating. A higher frequency will also ensure that you achieve smooth cutting edges.