It takes a lot of time and effort to engrave complicated patterns. What if you can slice through wood like butter? And that too with precision? Well, buckle up, because it’s completely possible with laser cutter machines. By learning how to use a laser cutter, you too can cut designs even in the hardest material. ‘
Laser cutters offer the possibility to create many different things. From simple designs to engraving detailed graphics, laser cutters do them neatly. If you are someone looking to do some laser cutting for the first time, then this is for you.
In this guide, I will explain the basics of how to use a laser cutter and how does a laser cutting machine works. So, are you ready to go into the fascinating world of laser cutting? Let’s fire up the machine and get started!
How CNC Laser Cutting Machine Works?
Before that, know that a CNC laser cutter is a part of computer numerical control (CNC) equipment that uses a focused, high-powered laser beam to mark, cut, or engrave a material to form preferred shapes.
CNC machines follow computer numerical control and computer instructions to move with accuracy. It doesn’t use any blades like those traditional cutters, but cuts with the use of super-focused beams of light. Inside its laser head, a powerful lens and nozzle team up to concentrate this high-intensity laser onto the workpiece, melting and vaporizing material in an instant. Meanwhile, compressed gas keeps things cool and clears away the debris for a crisp, clean cut.
Think of it like this: when a powerful light hits a metal surface, it creates intense heat, quickly melting or even vaporizing the material at that spot. The CNC system then guides the laser head, moving it precisely across the surface to cut out the desired shapes and designs.
Things to Consider When Laser Cutting
Find The Right Laser Cutter
Before knowing how to use a laser cutter, it is important to find the right machine. You can purchase fiber laser cutting machines from Cesar CNC to get one within your budget. We are committed to delivering top solutions with reliability, precision, and smooth production processes. We also offer customizable options like working area, colour, power, and voltage to suit your needs. Explore now and find the perfect machine configuration. What’s more? You get them at the best price possible.
Decide the Materials
Laser cutters have the ability to cut a wide range of materials. You can cut all types of metals from mild steel to stainless and also non-ferrous metals. The maximum thickness depends on the laser cutting service. Reflective metals like aluminium are more difficult to cut, so you can use fiber laser cutting machines to make them easier.
However, you need to be aware of the properties of each material because some of them need extra attention. Avoid cutting flammable materials and materials with toxic emissions. Some of the materials that are NOT suitable to cut,
- PVC
- VINYL
- Leather and Artificial leather
- Polycarbonate
- Fiberglas
- HDPE
- Foamed polystyrene
- Polypropylene foam
The Need for a Computer
A CNC laser cutter’s most important teammate is the computer. The computer is where it all begins! It runs the design software, translates your creative ideas into precise instructions (G-code), and sends them to the laser cutter.
Without a computer, there’s no way to control the laser’s movements, adjust power settings, or create complex designs. So before you start cutting, make sure you have a properly configured computer with the right software to bring your designs to life!
How to Use a Laser Cutter?
Step 1: Choose and Upload the Image
Choose any photo, text, or drawing to cut. Save the image file. Open the software and click “import” to upload the image to the programme. Find out what software to use. (Adobe Illustrater and CoreIDRAW)
Tip: Choose images that are not with many shadows.
Step 2: Work on the Settings
This is an important step in knowing how to use laser cutting machine – Settings!
- Size: The dimensions of your image should match the size of your material. Go to the setting of the image and change the dimensions. Measure your material and accordingly decide the height and width of the image.
- Power: It’s important to control how much power you can apply because more power will produce more heat resulting in a chance of catching fire. This depends on the materials. For example, glass cutting needs high power while painted brass needs low power
- Speed: This will decide how fast the laser will travel while cutting. If the speed is low, it will sit longer on each spot and this produces more heat and the cut or engraving will be deep. This depends on the materials. For example, painted brass needs high speed and Acrylic needs low speed.
- Frequency: This controls how many laser pulses are applied to the part you’re cutting. It can be set between 10 and 5000 pulses per inch.
Step 3: Place the Material
Now it’s time to place the material in the laser cutter machine. This is when you should know how to operate laser cutting machine. Open the case and place it on the cutting bed. If your machine has built-in rulers, they will help you position everything precisely. You’ll want to adjust if you’re placing your material in the upper left corner but the bed is too high.
Find the focus button on the front control panel to lower the bed, press it and then use the down arrow to create enough space. Most laser cutters won’t operate with the lid open, which makes this a great time to double-check your setup before hitting start. Once everything looks good, close the lid, and you’re ready to go!
Step 4: Choose the Printing Settings
Select the material: when you choose to print, select what kind of material you are going to cut. This is important because different materials require different laser settings. For example, cutting wood demands more power than cutting foam, as wood is denser and needs a stronger laser to slice through.
Select the type: When you click the print menu, a preference window will appear, asking you to select a cutting method. For cutting, choose vector print, and for engraving you can choose Raster print.
Press print: Press print and watch your image come to life. Don’t move your material while it’s being cut. To print multiple copies of the same item, replace the cut object with a new piece and press print again.
Step 5: Clean Your Machine
Mostly, this part is ignored but it should not be. Keeping your machine clean means better performance and longer life—so don’t skip this step!
Fold a piece of lens cleaning paper carefully without touching the part that cleans the lens. Secure it in your holding tool and add one or two drops of Liquid Lens Cleaner. Gently wipe the lens.
To clean the mirrors, use a cotton swab to brush off any dust or dirt. The mirror doesn’t need frequent cleaning since it’s less exposed to smoke and debris.
Final Conclusion
Did you learn how to use a laser cutter?
And that’s it—you’re now ready to cut, engrave, and create with precision! Set up your material, choose the right settings, and keep your machine clean. Every step offers a smooth and successful laser cutting experience for any application.
Like any skill, mastering a laser cutter takes practice, but with each project, you’ll get more comfortable and confident. So fire up that machine, experiment with different materials, and let your creativity shine. Happy cutting!
