Selecting the Ideal CNC Laser Cutter for Your Business Needs
Why choose CNC laser cutting machine?
Laser cutting is a simple process that does not require complex preparation and post-processing. Laser cutting has high precision and fast speed. For some materials, such as acrylic, no post-processing is required.
Application of various materials
No other technology can cut so many different types of organic and inorganic materials such as wood, acrylic, glass, textiles, paper, metal, stone and more.
No post-processing required
Laser is a separation process and in many cases no post-processing is required. It can even seal the edges of textiles like synthetics or carpets so they don't start to fall apart. This saves post-processing procedures such as mechanical sealing or grinding, depending on the type of material being processed.
No tool wear
Laser cutters do not wear out, for example, the blades do not become dull. This saves ongoing operating costs.
How to choose the best laser cutting machine for your business?
Different small business owners have different requirements for laser machines. You may want a laser cutter that is small enough to fit on your desk and affordable so that it can pay for itself within a few months. Or, you may want an industrial-strength machine that can cut even the thickest and sturdiest materials.
Even though small businesses have different needs, all small business owners should weigh the following factors when purchasing the best laser cutter:
What materials do you mainly process?
The first thing you need to figure out is the various materials you will be cutting now and in the future. The type of material you are cutting will determine the type of laser cutter you need.
There are two main types of laser cutting machines on the market: CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser cutting machines and fiber laser cutting machines. Both machines can cut different kinds of materials.
If you are considering cutting wood, paper, leather, or any similar organic material, then you will want to choose CO2 as fiber laser cutters cannot cut this material. (Many of these materials will melt, cut poorly, or be dangerous if used with fiber lasers. For example, fiber lasers can cause fires on wood!) CO2 machines can also cut glass, stone, rubber, felt, cotton, denim Cloth, plywood, walnut, oak and other materials. These are things that fiber laser cutting machines cannot cut.
On the other hand, fiber laser cutting machines can cut various metals, including metals that carbon dioxide machines cannot cut, which are called reflective metals. These metals are called reflective metals because their structural properties reflect light (laser) back into the machine. Therefore, if a machine like a CO2, which has a specific laser firing pattern, attempts to cut through these reflective metals, it inherently carries a high risk of damage. Examples of reflective metals are copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, gold and silver.
How much laser power do you need?
The answer to this question depends on your specific cutting and engraving requirements. Laser power is reflected in cutting thickness and cutting speed. Cutting thicker boards is more difficult. Therefore, it requires higher laser power. But correspondingly, higher-power laser cutting machines require more investment. Therefore, small businesses need to choose the laser power that best meets their requirements within a limited budget.
Software compatibility
With a laser cutter, small businesses will have one of two options. The first option is to force all of your work to use the software that comes specifically with your laser cutter. The second option is an engraving machine that can be used with your software. This way, if you create something in CAD or Adobe assets, you can transfer it to the laser cutter.
The software that comes with it usually costs less, but it may reduce your ability to be fully creative because you'll be forced to use specific fonts and designs.
Additionally, the laser cutting machine has USB connectivity and Bluetooth connectivity. If you don't mind a wired connection, you should have no problem. Other times, if your small business wants to make room for your work, you should consider wireless technology equipment.
quality
AccTekLaser provides the highest quality laser machines at the best prices. You should also check whether the laser cutter you are considering is suitable for your workshop in terms of size and weight. Don’t choose a bulky machine that takes up most of your workspace and impedes movement and other ongoing work. Additionally, if your workshop is not on the ground floor, you need to know how much weight your floor can support when the machine is in working mode, and how you will set up the machine there.
