How Deep Can a 100W CO2 Laser Engraver Cut?

OMTech Laser Updated On Nov 06, 2024

For hobbyists and businesses seeking to carve unique creations from wood, leather, or metal, the choice of laser machinery is pivotal. Not every tool can engrave and cut with the precision needed to transform ideas into reality. The selection of equipment can be the difference between artistic success and wasted resources.

A 100-watt CO2 laser engraving machine emerges as a compelling choice for industrial cutting and engraving across a spectrum of materials. With the ability to etch wood, plastic, and select metals, the 100-watt CO2 laser engraver stands as a versatile tool suitable for diverse applications. But, does this machine align with your requirements and business goals? What cutting capacity does a 100W CO2 laser truly offer?

Given the substantial investment associated with a 100-watt CO2 laser engraver, it is crucial to grasp its capabilities before committing to a purchase. This article aims to provide comprehensive insights into the cutting depth and other essential attributes of a 100-watt CO2 laser engraver.

Exploring the Cutting Capabilities of a 100W CO2 Laser Engraving Machine

When contemplating a laser cutter and engraver for your business or personal use, laser power stands out as the most critical factor. In the case of the 100W CO2 laser engraver, the name itself denotes its power. However, what about its cutting capabilities?

Taking OMTech's 100-watt CO2 laser engraver as a benchmark, this machine can delve as deep as 10 mm into multiple non-metallic materials, including glass, wood, leather, acrylic, rubber, and even granite.

Key specifications of this CO2 laser engraver & cutter include:

Maximum engraving speed of 23.6 in/s
Cutting speed of 15.75 in/s
Focal length of 2 inches
User-friendly control panel
Safety features like an air pump and automatic shutdown.

Pro Tip: For metal engraving, consider OMTech's Fiber Laser Cutting Machine with fiber laser power, as CO2 lasers may not be as effective on reflective materials.

Factors Influencing Cutting Depth

While the 100W CO2 laser engraver boasts a cutting capacity of 10 mm across various materials, several factors can influence the depth of the cut.

Material Type and Density: Materials with higher density, such as ceramics and glass, may necessitate higher power settings to achieve greater engraving depth. It is worth noting that prolonged use of high-power settings can reduce the lifespan of your laser.

Let's delve into how different materials impact cutting depth:

Wood and Plywood: OMTech's 100W CO2 laser machine is a favored choice for wood cutting and industrial marking. However, the thickness and type of wood can influence the depth of the cut. Thick wood may not absorb the laser beam entirely, resulting in shallow cuts. For plywood, it is advisable to avoid thicknesses exceeding 10 mm.

Acrylic and Plastic: While plastics and acrylics are popular engraving materials, not all varieties offer the same versatility. Plastics with a microporous surface are easier to cut through, yielding cleaner and deeper cuts. A 100W CO2 laser engraver can effectively cut acrylics up to 0.7 inches in thickness.

Leather and Fabric: Leather, being a robust material, poses challenges for cutting. Optimal results are achieved with thinner leather pieces. Fabrics like fleece and cloth have lesser impact on cutting depth.

Paper and Cardboard: When engraving and cutting paper, opting for thicker material is advisable to prevent tearing or combustion. An ideal paper thickness for a CO2 laser engraver & cutter is 0.07 inches.

Laser Power and Intensity: Alongside material type and density, the power of the laser engraving cutting machine plays a crucial role in determining cutting depth. With OMTech's 100-watt CO2 laser, the lowest laser setting is 10% (2-3 mA), while the highest is 100% (28 mA). Higher power coupled with slower speeds on thicker materials like wood or glass can deliver clean, deep cuts, whereas lower power and higher speeds are suitable for textiles, paper, and plastic.

Focal Length and Beam Width: The focal length and beam width of a laser engraving cutting machine impact cutting depth and design intricacies. Wider beams produce bolder designs, while smaller beams excel at finer details. Beam width influences cutting speed, with wider beams covering more area and working faster.

Focal length also affects cutting depth. Shorter focal lengths offer finer resolution, ideal for intricate details but resulting in shallow cuts. Longer focal lengths deliver deeper cuts but may sacrifice finer details.

Power and Speed Settings: Setting the correct power and speed on your 100W CO2 laser machine based on the material is crucial for optimal results, product quality, machine longevity, and safety. Incorrect settings can lead to combustion when cutting plastics.

Multiple Passes and Layered Cutting: Thicker or delicate materials that resist intense heat benefit from making multiple passes over the same area. This method helps ensure material absorption of the laser beam.

Achieving Excellence with the Finest 100W CO2 Laser Engraver

A 100W CO2 laser engraver and cutter can significantly enhance DIY and professional projects across various materials. Understanding its capabilities and optimizing its features and settings are essential for success. If you are prepared to elevate your hobby or business endeavors, consider OMTech's 100W CO2 laser engraver for precision and reliability. Reach out to OMTech today to explore how this machine can revolutionize your engraving and cutting projects.