FAQ: How to use laser cutter?

Most Epilog operators use CorelDRAW software, but other popular programs like Adobe Illustrator andAutoCAD can be used as well. The software operators use is what drives the laser, which can be used in three modes: raster engraving, vector cutting or a combination of both.

You can use a laser machine to cut, engrave or mark many materials such as plastics, wood, rubber, leather, metals, textiles and many others.

Laser processing of polystyrene can be performed with a 10.6 or 9.3 micron CO₂ laser. Laser cutting of polystyrene can be performed with a 9.3 or 10.6 micron CO₂ laser, resulting a clean, smooth, slightly melted cut edge, free of discoloration.

There are plastics that Cannot use:

• Leather and artificial leather containing chromium (VI)
• Carbon fibres (Carbon)
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• Polyvinyl butyrate (PVB)
• Polytetrafluoroethylenes (PTFE /Teflon)
• Beryllium oxide.
• Any materials containing halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine), epoxy or phenolic resins.

Cast acrylic can be cut with a laser, but it will not result in flame-polished edges. ... Extruded acrylic will cut cleanly and smoothly and will have a flame-polished edge when laser cut. But when it is engraved, instead of a frosted look you will have a clear engraving.

MDF is okay to use but may experience a higher amount of charring when cut. Paper, card stock thin Cuts very well on the laser cutter, and also very quickly. Cardboard, carton thicker Cuts well but may catch fire.

While a laser might not be able to cut through a person, industrial lasers should definitely be used with caution, as they can still cause severe and possibly fatal burns, if not used properly.

Laser cutting works by directing the output of a high-power laser most commonly through optics. ... The focused laser beam is directed at the material, which then either melts, burns, vaporizes away, or is blown away by a jet of gas, leaving an edge with a high-quality surface finish.