How do different materials affect the power, speed, and frequency settings in laser engraving?
Different materials significantly influence the power, speed, and frequency settings in laser engraving, as each material responds uniquely to laser energy. For instance, softer materials like wood and rubber require lower power settings and higher speeds to achieve a clean cut or engraving without burning or charring. Typically, a setting of 30-50% power at a speed of 200-400 mm/s works well for these materials.
Conversely, harder materials such as glass or metal demand higher power and slower speeds for effective engraving. For glass, setting the power around 60-80% with a slower speed of 10-20 mm/s is often used to ensure the engraving is clear without shattering the surface. Metals may require even higher power settings (up to 100%) and adjusted speeds determined by the specific type of metal.
Frequency settings, which denote the pulse rate of the laser, also play a crucial role. Materials like acrylic or plastic benefit from higher frequencies for precision, while lower frequencies are effective for deeper engravings in denser materials. Understanding the interplay between these settings and the material type is essential for achieving optimal engraving results.