Materials PAGE 14
Materials for use with industrial Lasers
There are several types of industrial lasers, each suitable for different materials:
- CO2 Lasers: Ideal for cutting and engraving non-metallic materials like plastics, wood, and fabrics. They provide high power and precision.
- Fiber Lasers: Known for their efficiency, fiber lasers are versatile and commonly used for marking, engraving, and cutting metals such as stainless steel and aluminum.
- MOPA Lasers: These lasers offer greater control over laser parameters, making them suitable for marking and engraving various materials, including metals and plastics. MOPA lasers are commonly used for applications requiring variable pulse durations.
- UV Lasers: These lasers emit short-wavelength ultraviolet light and are valuable for high-precision micromachining of materials like polymers, ceramics, and glass.
- Green Lasers: Green lasers are often used in laser processing of thin films, silicon wafers, and organic materials. They are known for their high beam quality.
- Pico Lasers: These lasers are capable of delivering extremely short laser pulses, making them useful for high-precision micromachining of materials like metals, ceramics, and semiconductors.
- Femto Lasers: They produce ultrashort laser pulses, making them suitable for cutting, drilling, and machining applications, especially for delicate materials like glass and medical devices.
Keep in mind that this is a general overview, and the suitability of laser types can vary depending on specific materials and applications.
CO2 Lasers are for these materials:
Polymers including:
- Acrylic
- Delrin
- Polyester
- Polyimide
- Kapton
- Mylar
- Corian
- Nylon
- Styrene
- Polyethylene
- Polycarbonate
- ABS
- Rubber up to 1”; foam up to 2”
Fiber Products including:
- Fiberglass
- Carbon fiber
- Kevlar
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Leather
- Textiles
- Fabrics
- Cork
- Wood and wood composites up to 1“
Metals and Alloys including:
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Anodized aluminum
- Preprinted materials
- Adhesive-backed materials
- Coated metals
CO2 Lasers are for these materials:
Polymers including:
- Acrylic
- Delrin
- Polyester
- Polyimide
- Kapton
- Mylar
- Corian
- Nylon
- Styrene
- Polyethylene
- Polycarbonate
- ABS
- Rubber up to 1”; foam up to 2”
Metals and Alloys including:
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Anodized aluminum
- Preprinted materials
- Adhesive-backed materials
- Coated metals
Fiber Products including:
- Fiberglass
- Carbon fiber
- Kevlar
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Leather
- Textiles
- Fabrics
- Cork
- Wood and wood composites up to 1“
MOPA Lasers are for these materials:
- Plastics
- Aluminum
- Stainless Steel
- Gold
- Titanium
- Silver
- Precious Metals
- Brass
- Nickel
- Carbon Steel
- Chrome
- Carbide
- Tungsten
- Iron
- Silicon Plastic
- ABS Plastic
- PC Plastic
- PBT Plastic and more!
UV Lasers are for these materials:
- Acrylic
- Polyethylene
- PVC
- Wire insulation
- Nylon
- Food products
- Wood
- Glass
- Some metals
PICO Lasers are for these materials:
- Stainless steel medical instruments
- Stainless steel appliance panels
- Implantable medical devices
Green Lasers are for these materials:
- Plastics
- Gold
- Silver
- Copper
- Printed circuit boards
- Electrical components
- Integrated circuits
- Any material requiring “cold marking”
FEMTO Lasers are for these materials:
- Metals
- Ceramics
- Semiconductors
- Glass
- Polymer film cutting
- Battery and thin foil cutting
Fiber Lasers are for these materials:
- Plastics
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Carbide
- Inconel
- Titanium
- Bronze
If your material(s) isn’t listed please contact us and we will guide you to the appropriate system for your application(s).