Power and intensity settings are fundamental parameters in laser cutting, significantly influencing the techniques employed and the quality of the final cut. These settings dictate the laser’s energy output and directly impact the cutting, engraving, or scoring process:

1. Cutting Techniques:

   • Power: Higher power settings are used for cutting through materials. The laser’s energy density at higher power levels is sufficient to melt, vaporize, or burn through the material, creating clean cuts.
   • Intensity: Intensity, often adjusted in conjunction with power, determines the laser’s energy concentration. A higher intensity results in a more focused and powerful beam, crucial for precise cutting.

2. Engraving or Etching Techniques:

   • Power: For engraving or etching, moderate to lower power settings are used. The laser’s energy is controlled to remove material from the surface without cutting through, creating detailed textures or patterns.
   • Intensity: Adjusting intensity in engraving determines the depth or darkness of the engraving. Higher intensity results in deeper or darker engravings, while lower intensity yields shallower or lighter marks.

3. Scoring Techniques:

   • Power: Scoring requires lower power settings than cutting but higher than engraving. It creates controlled, shallow cuts or grooves for folding or creasing without fully severing the material.
   • Intensity: Modulating intensity in scoring ensures a precise and consistent depth for creating fold lines or creases.

Fine-tuning power and intensity settings is crucial to match the material’s properties, thickness, and desired outcome. It involves finding the optimal balance to achieve clean cuts, detailed engravings, or precise scoring without causing material damage or compromising quality, highlighting the critical role these settings play in laser cutting techniques.