CNC Laser Education

CO2 Lasers are cost-effective, high power lasers capable of cutting through various materials with minimal evidence left behind (i.e. wood dust, metal shavings, etc from routers). They are also capable of engraving your custom products in a clean and very accurate fashion.

How Do They Work?

CO2 CNC Lasers work by basically bouncing light emissions back and forth between mirrors until the beam is strong enough to pass through a partially transparent mirror at the tip of the router head. Going a little more in depth, the mixture of Hydrogen, Carbon Dioxide, Helium, and Nitrogen is what allows the process of population inversion to occur once an electrical current is added to it. The key to the formation of the laser beam is in the Nitrogen atoms though, since Nitrogen is able to maintain an excited state for longer than other elements. Once the Nitrogen comes into contact with cold helium atoms, photons (light) are released.

What Materials Can They Cut?

  • 1.5in CO2: Graphics with fine detail, (resolution > 500 dpi), rubber stamps with thin letters. Lower laser power, thin materials (e. g. paper), acrylic < 6 mm, wood of medium hardness < 8 mm.
  • 2.0in CO2: Graphics with medium detail and resolution (resolution 500 dpi; with reduced definition up to a resolution of 100 dpi), standard engraving. Medium laser power, acrylic < 8 mm, wood of medium hardness < 12 mm.
  • 2.0in Clearance Lens: Mainly used for cutting  See 2.0 inch lens. Increases the distance between laser head and material. Is especially useful if the increased distance is required due to the material and the graphic.
  • 2.5in CO2: Graphics with low detail, low resolution (< 500 dpi). Engraving on heat-sensitive materials (e. g. laminate) if large areas have to be removed completely High laser power, acrylic < 12 mm, wood of medium hardness <15 mm. Better quality of edges during laser cutting than for lower focal distances.
  • 2.5in CO2 Clearance Lens: Used mainly for cutting  See 2.5 inch lens. Increases the distance between laser head and material. Is especially useful if the increased distance is required due to the material and the graphic.
  • 2.85in Flexx: Standard lens for Speedy flexx series. Is transmissive for both CO₂ lasers and fiber lasers. Both laser sources can be used without changing the lens.

Characteristics as 2.5 inch CO2 lens or 3.2 inch fiber lens

  • 3.2in Fiber: Standard lens for fiber lasers with extremely small focal diameter. Graphics with fine detail, ( > 500 dpi resolution)
  • 3.75in CO2: Lens for SP500 rotary engraving unit. Permits engraving of round objects with diameters of less than 50 mm
  • 4in CO2: Engraving by burning of wood, laser engraving of graphics with low detail with high laser powers

Foam Rubber

  • 5in CO2: Is not used for laser engraving    High laser power, acrylic < 25 mm, wood of medium hardness < 20 mm. Better quality of edges during laser cutting than for smaller focal distances
  • 5in Fiber: Lens for fiber lasers if materials that are not absolutely plane are to be labeled. The greater focal distance results in a greater tolerance during focusing.
  • 7.5in CO2 (for SP1500): Is not used for laser engraving

High laser power, acrylic < 40mm

Better quality of edges during laser cutting than for smaller focal distances

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