A CNC laser cutting machine has dedicated uses for hard metal surfaces, cutting, dending, engraving, and related high-end work. However, we can also cut a few non-metal materials using this machine, but it needs some adjustments in the machine system for smooth working operations. In addition, we can face issues with the higher precision cutting over the non-metallic material, which is a bit risky as well. In this video, we shall be going through how to cut the non-metal material using the fiber laser cutting machine.
Watch the video for MDF laser cutting
How to Cut Non Metal with Fiber Laser Cutting machine
Non-metal laser cutting process
A laser cutting machine works with a follow command that has a (0.1–0.2 mm) distance of the laser beam emission. And a laser cutting machine can only detect metal material. If we put a paper sheet over the cutting metal surface, the laser cutting command sensors would not be able to read it. It is a capacitance-based detection depending on its cutting height, and it does not work over the non-metal.
MDF sheet laser cutting
To cut the MDF sheet via the fiber laser cutting machine, we need to do some adjustments with the parameters. It includes the disabling the follow command once we place a non metal work-piece.
Here is a simple steps to follow:
Go to cypcut software>Layers>Go to global parameter>disable follow>place MDF sheet underneath laser beam
We have placed a 4 by 4 (100 by 100 mm) MDF sheet underneath the laser beam area. And I also managed to focus the laser beam up to 1 inch from the workpiece. Additionally, set the focus of the laser beam to +12 for a higher laser beam focus. Now, we will set the laser head over the piece up to 12 mm,, then start framing over it for the final cutting of the selected area. The final framed design has been successfully cut from MDF material. However, fiber laser cutting can be more risky than non-metal cutting and can harm the laser head lens after prolonged use. And it can also affect the machine’s functionality.
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Fiber laser machine material cutting chart
Here is a chart for fiber laser cutting materials:
| Can cut Metal | Cant’ cut Non-metal |
| Aluminum | MDF |
| brass | Wood |
| Copper and Copper Alloys | plastic |
| Titanium | paper |
| Mild steel, carbon steel | leather |
| stainless steel | acrylic |
| Nickel Alloys | ceramics |
| Galvanized Steel | glass |
However, for non-metallic high precision cutting, we can opt for co2 laser cutting machine.
Why a fiber laser cutter not perfect for non-metal?
Fiber laser cutters are made for cutting metal materials with all the upgraded and inbuilt features from laser designing, cutting parameters set and laser beam focus. Here’s why a fiber laser cutter is not be perfect for non-metal materials:
- Cutting Parameters: Fiber lasers cutting parameters (wavelength, cutting speeds, and focus settings) are set as per the metallic surfaces. However, this could not be same for non-metal materials
- More Surface Reflection: Non-Metals consists of higher-reflectivity at the fiber laser wavelength, compared to metallic material. This ultimately reducing laser cutting efficiency and effectiveness.
- Precision and Flexibility: Non-metallic requires different laser precision cutting techniques that a fiber lasers are lacking.
Conclusion
Finally, to draw a conclusion here, a fiber laser cutting machine may not be a perfect choice for non-metallic laser cutting. And it needs different parameter set-ups like wavelength, focus, lenses, etc. for the cutting precision. Simultaneously, here we tried to cut the MDF material, as it cut the desired design. But it is a bit of a of a risky job and can affect the laser beam and the laser machine in the long run.