What Is Laser Cutting And How Do I Use It?

Laser cutting is the process of cutting materials such as plastic, wood, and fabric using a powerful laser beam based on computer controlled parameters. As the laser guides its beam along the material to be cut, everything in its direct path is vaporised or melted, leaving an edge with a high quality surface finish.

Steps Involved In Laser Cutting

• First you need to purchase a laser cutter. They can be expensive so if they are out of your price range, you have the option of either renting or leasing one. Alternatively, you can use laser cutting services from experts such as Zap! Creatives.

• Choose the material you are going to cut your image onto. Various materials like acrylic, laser safe plastic, and wood can be engraved. However, PVC and vinyl are not laser safe, and will produce a chlorine gas that’s extremely harmful to you and will damage your machine.

• Choose an image that you wish to cut. This image will need to be uploaded to your computer and into software that is compatible with your laser cutter. Most lasers use CorelDraw software, but other software may be required for some laser cutters. When laser cutting reflective materials like aluminium, never have the reflective side facing upwards towards you and don’t use too high a power.

• Make sure that the lens is clean before starting to cut. If the lens needs cleaning, then use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol and gently clean it.

• Switch on your machine and give it some time to warm up before starting. Next move to your computer and in your software program go to ‘File’ and then ‘Print.’ A preferences menu will pop up allowing you to choose the cutting method. Most machines will have two cutting methods, ‘raster’ and ‘vector.’ Raster is used for engraving and vector is used for laser cutting.

• The cutting line and speed should be set according to the material you are cutting. Once all options are set you can go ahead and cut your image. However, never be too quick to etch or cut something. If you assume that the power and speed settings are correct and cut straight into your project you might end up cutting farther than you planned. It is best to start light as you can always reprint multiple times over the same area or increase the power as you see fit. Having a sample piece to test on will be a wise move.

Looking For High Quality Cutting Services?

If yes, then turn to Zap! Creatives. They have been in the laser cutting business since 2007 and they have offered services to jewellery designers, cake makers, architects, product designers, crafters, and more. They have a low minimum order quantity (£25) to help you save on your laser cut projects, and they use the most advanced and high speed lasers, which means that all of your projects will be delivered quickly and efficiently.

To know more about laser cutting services from Zap! Creatives email info@zapcreatives.com

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