Speedy series: Laser engraving and cutting machines for formats up to 1016 x 610 mm
⚫ Engrave | ⚫ Cut | ⚫ Mark |
Laser type: | CO₂, Flexx or Fiber laser |
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Work area: | 610 x 305 up to 1016 x 610 mm |
Max. workpiece height: | 125 - 305 mm |
Laser power: | 20 - 120 watts |
SP series: CO2 laser cutter for large-format materials.
⚫ Engrave | ⚫ Cut | ⎯ Mark |
Laser type: | CO₂ laser |
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Work area: | 1245 x 710 up to 3250 x 3210 mm |
Max. workpiece height: | 50 - 112 mm |
Laser power: | 40 - 400 watts |
Marking laser stations with galvo marking heads. Marking area up to 44.1 x 25.0 inch.
⚫ Engrave | ⎯ Cut | ⚫ Mark |
Laser type: | CO₂ or Fiber laser |
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Max. work area: | 190 x 190 up to 1300 x 450 mm |
Max. workpiece height: | 250 - 764 mm |
Laser power: | 20 - 100 watts / 20 + 100 watts MOPA |
When selecting your laser machine the most important factor to consider is your main application. For laser engraving applications, good results can be achieved with laser power between 25 and 80 watts. For laser cutting or applications requiring high processing speeds we would recommend a laser power greater than 80 watts.
This article aims to give you an understanding of the topis "optimal laser power". Your Trotec representative will be able to advise you of what the the optimum power for your application is.
The maximum laser power of your laser machine affects both the quality of your products and the working time. The difference between two power levels is best demonstrated using examples. In this case we have laser engraved anodised aluminium and cut our logo from acrylic.
10 mm, plate size 1000 x 500 mm, 352 units with a height of 50 mm each
Laser power: 80 watts
Progress: 65 % finished
Time per unit: 29 seconds
Laser power: 120 watts
Progress: 100% finished
Time per unit: 29 seconds
Different materials require different laser powers to achieve the optimum result. For example, laser engraving paper typically requires less power than laser engraving wood. With acrylic, a uniformly homogeneous material, finer laser engraving can be created using a low power. For engraving laminates such as TroLase, higher laser power enables a faster working time.
Using your laser software you can easily regulate the laser power. However, the maximum laser power is dependant on your hardware. A laser machine which has a higher laser power offers greater processing flexibility for many different materials.
The following table shows an overview of the required minimum powers for different materials:
These values are guidelines. A higher laser power usually leads to faster throughput times and higher efficiency.
Material | Recommend laser power (watts) | |
---|---|---|
Engraving | Laser engraving and laser cutting | |
MDF (6mm) | 40 | 60 |
Laminate/engraving materials (1.6. mm) | 40 | 40 |
Paper | 25 | 40 |
Acrylic (3mm) | 30 | 40 |
Stamp (2.3 mm) | 30 | 30 |
Anodised aluminium | 30 | - |
When processing thicker materials, a higher laser power is crucial for achieving a good quality result. As a rule of thumb for acrylic for example, we recommend 10 watts per milimeter.
A comparison of the laser cutting time for different sheet thicknesses of acrylic between 200 and 400 watts is shown in the graphic.
In addition to acrylic, other plastics can be processed by laser, such as polycarbonate or SAN. These require high powers of 200 or 400 watts in order to be able to cut them cleanly even with a comparatively low thickness of 2 and 3 mm.
Whilst the range of applications for fiber lasers is not as vast as CO2 lasers, the main application is still crucial when selecting your laser power. Laser engraving metal requiress a high laser power. As an example, using the annealing and laser marking methods, good results can be achieved with 20 or 30 watts.
We would be happy to advise you on the optimal choice of laser machine for your application.
Take advantage of our many years of experience in a consultation, application testing and laser demonstration.