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.
Minimum laser power to cut metal.
The laser power has a great influence on cutting thickness cutting speed cutting width and cutting quality.
The following are the minimum power ratings we recommend for cutting into materials like wood and plastic.
Laser cutting power speed.
Mike klos laser mechanisms converting to millimeters that s 1550 watts mm 2.
Under certain plate thickness and cutting speed there is an optimal range of laser power.
Generally speaking the larger the laser power the thicker the cutting board and the faster cutting speed.
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 relationship between laser wattage to cut speed is not linear for a number of technical reasons.
1in 2 645mm 2 a 100 watt laser can achieve a power density of 1550 watts mm 2 in a spot size that is 0 6452mm 2 a spot size that is 0 6452mm 2 has a diameter of of 28mm or 280 micron using area pi d 2 2 280 micron.
You can buy low power machines less than 100 w fairly cheaply but these will hardly scratch a metal surface.
Sheet metal cutting requires a power density of 10 6 watts in 2 source.
In this age of cnc machines laser cutters capable of cutting through metal are still too expensive for the average hobbyist.
This video shows the laser cutting 100 1 8 holes in 18 gau.
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.