Laser Cutting em Airds

Laser Cutting Frequent Asked Questions

You can learn more about Laser Cutting through the frequently asked questions answered here.

What are the limitations of the laser cutting?

• It is best suited for materials that are flat and no more than 20mm thick, however it is possible to engrave thicker material • The area to be cut or engraved should be flat. • Glass, stone, and ceramics can not be cut using the laser, but they can be engraved and the effect looks amazing • PVC cannot be cut or engraved as it releases noxious and corrosive gasses which are harmful to staff and equipment • There may be some scarring or discolouration on the edges of some materials, however this can usually be avoided on the face of the material

What materials can be used for laser cutting?

Plastic Laser Cutting Plastics suitable for laser are amongst the easiest materials for the laser cutter. These can be cut to form intricate patterns and highly accurate representations. The laser is much faster than many other methods of cutting including using a router. You’ll get a higher amount of flexibility and speed with a laser cutter that you do not get with other methods, all of this can save on your overall costs. At Platinum Signs we can cut a range of different plastic materials up to an overall thickness of 20mm, this includes: • Polycarbonate • Plexiglass • Polyethylene • ABS • PETG Acrylic, or Perspex, is one of the most widely used materials and available for many different applications. We have a huge variety of acrylics in stock (of varying thickness), and we can cut any of these to your desired size. Timber Laser Cutting All sorts of different timber can be cut with the laser cutter, provided it is not greater than 20mm thick. The types of timber that can be used include: • Solid timber • Hardwood • Plyboard • MDF • Die Board • Timber Veneers • Balsa • Cork All timber cut with the laser printer will be left with a darkened edge, and this often helps to make the piece aesthetically pleasing as it provides a contrasting outline. The laser is also capable of engraving feature panels, wood inlays, toys, craftwork, souvenirs, decorative items, and architectural models. Miscellaneous Laser Cutting There are many other items that can be cut on the laser cutter, some of these include: • Leather • Paper and Cardboard • Corrugated Cardboard • Strawboard • Coreflute • Fabrics – cotton, silk, linen, felt The laser cutter is perfect for creating patterns, models, graphic design work, and many more. It is ideal for crafting corporate keepsakes and branding that can give your business a personal touch.

How is laser cut used in the signage industry?

One of the most common uses for laser cutting in the signage industry is vector cutting (this can be completed with 0.01mm accuracy). Working with our laser machine and the CNC router together means that you can expect a huge variety of potential cutting that suits most signage and display projects. The lasers have the ability to transform acrylic sheets, wooden products, or cardboard into a final product that can add value to wherever it is installed. For the signage industry you have many options when it comes to making use of laser cutting technology, some examples include: • Illuminated logos and letters, cut or engraved into acrylic for advertising • Contour cuts to make your illuminated letters stand out • Acrylic panels marked, or engraved, for use in large format LED lit surfaces • Banners and flags cut to a determined size • Displays cut or engraved into a variety of shapes • Polished finishes achieved through the laser cutter (which is superior to that achieved on a CNC cutter)