One of the most significant advantages of laser cutting technology is its ability to perform high-precision cutting for a wide range of materials, making it a popular and versatile manufacturing process in several industries like aerospace, defense, marine, and commercial sectors.
At Shoemaker MFG Solutions, Inc., we offer laser cutting services and technology capable of meeting many project specifications. Some of the laser cutting materials we work with include aluminum, carbon, and stainless steel.
If you are a neophyte in using laser cutting and thinking of what types of objects you can create with it, or you are a more knowledgeable manufacturer who wants to experience a new way to develop laser-cut parts, this article is for you! We compiled a list and overview of different laser cutting materials you can use on your manufacturing projects.
Metal
Metal is the most common material for laser cutting. A CO₂ laser cutter performs high cutting speed that can cut carbon steels as thick as 3/4″ in., and aluminum and stainless steels with up to 3/8″ in. thickness. Laser-cutting metal materials allow you to drill, engrave, weld, or ablate laser-cut parts. A CO2 laser cutter emits a beam that vaporizes metal and uses gas to assist in heating the material or blowing away debris. It also employs software programs to cut out precise and accurate dimensions.
The fiber laser cutter is a better option for cutting through thinner metal sheets and is also ideal for marking and engraving metals like brass, copper, aluminum, and stainless steel.
Shoemaker MFG Solutions, Inc. uses the latest laser cutting technology, including SolidWorks and RADAN Estimating and Nesting, to deliver our customers’ unique designs and project specifications.
Plastic
The energy of a CO₂ laser beam is easily absorbed by most plastics causing it to heat up and vaporize rapidly, resulting in smooth and straight edges with zero to minimal burn marks. Some examples of common plastic materials used for laser cutting include polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylic or synthetic polymer (PMMA), polyethylene (PE), polyester, and styrene. However, not all types of plastics