Laser Cut Metal
What Can You do with Laser Cut Metal?
Because of the precision, laser cut metal is becoming very popular among manufacturers and hobbyists alike, but it does have limitations, so it’s a good idea to know just how far you can go before ordering your first laser cut metal design.
Lasers melt metal instead of vaporise it. This means the molten metal has to go somewhere, so it only works if you’re punching straight through. Consequently, engraving with a laser like this doesn’t really work. Normally, lasers follow patterns via computer, so whatever you’re cutting will be pretty accurate to your initial design. When creating your design though, you should note a laser has a diameter. Think of it as a point of light that on a two-dimensional surface looks like a tiny circle. You can then stipulate that square corners will be slightly rounded at the diameter of the laser being used. With a small laser though, these rounded edges often aren’t that noticeable. On a large scale, items like lasercut decorative screens can be fairly intricate, but on a smaller scale, this isn’t as likely. The closer lines get to each other in a design, the higher the likelihood the metal will get too hot and lines already cut will melt again and jumble together. Try to keep your designs as simple as possible. Finally, while laser cut galvanized steel, aluminium and other metals are popular, the sheets used usually aren’t that thick. The thicker your metal, the less chance your laser has of making it through the material.
If you’re giving your design to someone who offers professional laser cutting services, they will probably go over all of this with you before starting on your design. If not, be sure you ask questions before laying down money of your first laser cut metal order.
