What Are the Settings for Fiber Laser on Plastic?

When using a fiber laser on plastic, the settings need to be carefully adjusted to achieve the desired results without damaging the material. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Power Settings:

• Low to Medium Power: Plastics are sensitive to heat, so start with low power settings (e.g., 10-30% of the laser's maximum power) and gradually increase if necessary.

• High Power Risks: High power can cause melting, burning, or excessive vaporization, leading to poor results.

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2. Speed:

• Moderate to High Speed: Faster speeds help prevent excessive heat buildup, which can melt or warp the plastic. Start with a moderate speed (e.g., 50-70% of the laser's maximum speed) and adjust based on the results.

• Slow Speed Risks: Too slow can cause burning or melting.

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3. Frequency (Pulse Rate):

• Lower Frequency: A lower frequency (e.g., 5-20 kHz) is often better for plastics to reduce heat accumulation and prevent melting.

• High Frequency Risks: High frequencies can generate too much heat, leading to unwanted melting or burning.

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4. Focus:

• Slightly Defocused: Slightly defocusing the laser beam can help distribute the energy more evenly and reduce the risk of burning or melting the plastic.

• Tight Focus Risks: A tightly focused beam can concentrate too much energy in one spot, causing damage.

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5. Assist Gas:

• Air or Nitrogen: Using air or nitrogen as an assist gas can help cool the material and remove debris, improving the quality of the cut or engraving.

• No Assist Gas Risks: Without assist gas, there may be more melting and debris buildup.

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6. Material Considerations:

• Type of Plastic: Different plastics (e.g., acrylic, polycarbonate, ABS) react differently to laser processing. Acrylic, for example, tends to cut and engrave well, while polycarbonate can produce toxic fumes and is more prone to melting.

• Thickness: Thicker materials may require multiple passes at lower power to avoid excessive heat buildup.

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7. Ventilation:

• Proper Ventilation: Always ensure proper ventilation to remove any fumes produced during the laser process, as some plastics can release harmful gases when heated.

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