Laser cutting power speed.
Minimum laser power to cut metal.
This video shows the laser cutting 100 1 8 holes in 18 gau.
The primary factor in determining cut speed at least in materials such as 1 4 inch and thinner steel is not laser power but the power density of the focused laser beam.
By far acrylic is the cheapest material to laser cut.
We have compiled this guide for the laser system that we sell which gives you a good idea of all kinds of materials that a laser can mark engrave drill and cut from the commercially available options that we provide.
You can buy low power machines less than 100 w fairly cheaply but these will hardly scratch a metal surface.
The relationship between laser wattage to cut speed is not linear for a number of technical reasons.
In this age of cnc machines laser cutters capable of cutting through metal are still too expensive for the average hobbyist.
30w 1 8 3 4mm 40w 5 6mm 50 60w 3 8 10mm 75 120w 13mm these values can vary significantly due to different types of materials different focal lenses alignment of optics etc.
The following are the minimum power ratings we recommend for cutting into materials like wood and plastic.
Generally speaking the larger the laser power the thicker the cutting board and the faster cutting speed.
Mike klos laser mechanisms converting to millimeters that s 1550 watts mm 2.
As aluminum contains high thermal conductivity and is reflective a higher concentration of laser power is needed to initiate cuts compared to steel s less.
The laser power has a great influence on cutting thickness cutting speed cutting width and cutting quality.
Sheet metal cutting requires a power density of 10 6 watts in 2 source.
