What Materials Can Fiber Laser Cutting Machines Cut? And What Can’t They Cut? - Applications

What Materials Can Fiber Laser Cutting Machines Cut? And What Can't They Cut?

Fiber laser cutting machines have gained popularity due to their versatility. They can cut a wide range of materials, from paper, wood, cork, acrylic, foam to various metals. When using fiber laser cutting, it's important to understand the characteristics of each material and take extra precautions during actual use.

Materials Suitable for Fiber Laser Cutting

Various Metals

Fiber laser cutting machines can cut all types of metals, from low carbon steel, stainless steel to non-ferrous metals. Metals with high reflectivity like aluminum are more challenging to cut, in which case, fiber lasers are a better choice. Nowadays, the cutting thickness of metals can even reach 100 millimeters, varying based on the power of the laser.

Wood

All types of wood (including plywood and MDF) can be cut with a fiber laser. However, some oily woods pose a risk of ignition and should be handled with care.

Paper and Cardboard

Paper is also suitable for fiber laser cutting. Some of the intricate and beautiful invitations we see are likely made with fiber laser cutting.

Plastic Products

Acrylic, PMMA, and Lucite are transparent plastics. Fiber laser cutting ensures the edges have a good smoothness, looking as if it's been cut with a knife through butter.

Polyoxymethylene

Polyoxymethylene is a widely used plastic in the engineering field, used for gears, guides and sliding elements, medical devices, food packaging, etc. The ability to perform complex cuts with a laser helps polyoxymethylene find broader use in many fields.

Glass

Despite its fragility and reflective properties, fiber laser cutting machines can cut glass.

What Can't Be Cut?

While it seems like lasers can cut almost anything, there are some exceptions, most of which are various plastics.

Polyvinyl Chloride

Cutting PVC emits acid and toxic smoke, which is harmful to both the machine operators and the fiber laser cutting machine itself. Therefore, PVC cutting should be left to mechanical methods.

Polycarbonate Fiber

Polycarbonate less than 1 millimeter can be attempted with a fiber laser cutting machine, but it will cause the material to discolor. If the material is thicker, laser cutting is not feasible, not only is it inefficient, the material severely discolors, and it may also cause combustion.

ABS, High-Density Polyethylene

Typically, the temperature of the laser beam is enough to vaporize the material, but it does not support materials like ABS, high-density polyethylene. Compared to vaporization, they tend to melt, leaving a messy workbench and poor quality cuts.

Polystyrene and Polypropylene Foam

Both are highly flammable.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is a mixture of two materials - glass and epoxy resin. As we know, cutting glass alone is relatively difficult, adding a resin that can cause smoke into the mix in a composite is a nightmare.