Prevention Techniques to Avoid Laser Burns

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Prevention Laser Burns
Techniques to Avoid
The most common material to cut and engrave using
a laser cutting machine is wood. But, the
problem with laser cutters is that there will be
laser burn marks around the edges of the
wood. So, in this article, we will learn about
the ways you can overcome the issue of burn
marks. The major reason behind this is the fumes
and debris emitted while the cutting process is
going on. There are multiple ways you can
overcome this problem. We will see each of them
as we walk ahead.
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These burn marks dont occur on every material
you will cut, but laser cutters will incinerate,
vaporize, or melt certain materials depending on
the composition. 1) Factors that lead to laser
burn As we read earlier, laser burn occurs due to
fumes or debris when a laser touches the wood
surface. Because of the high temperatures, fumes
scorch the surface right around where the laser
beam cuts materials. If we think, what is
happening is that a CO2 laser finely burns
through some materials like wood. Hence, you
might see at least some browning or amber color
along the edges of a cut particle. Some amount
of charring is acceptable but becomes
problematic when it turns excessive and is not
looking good. The most significant charring and
scorching appear chiefly on combustible
materials. Other materials like acrylic usually
appear slightly melted or glossy but are hardly
noticeable where laser beam cuts. Many times,
burn marks appear where the laser comes in contact
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• with the cutting bed as it slices through the
  reverse side of the material.
• While working with laser cutting machines
  different parts of the machines also play a
  major role. You need to take care that the
  machine parts are according to the standard of
  the market i.e. it has parts like Trumpf eco
  nozzle, Amada laser parts, etc.
• 2) Preventing laser burn
• Lets discuss some of the prevention tips you can
  take for laser burn marks.
• Use Tape
• One way of makeshift measure that works for a lot
  of people is the everyday use of masking tape.
  You can find and purchase it at the office
  supply or arts and crafts stores. Using this
  tape, you can cover the wooden surface before
  cutting it. Remove the tape once you finish
  cutting the design.
• This method works well because it prevents the
  edges of engraved particles from being stained.
  The removal of the tape may be a time-consuming
  process but, in the end, it will turn out to be
  a worthy process.

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• Types of tapes
• If you are cutting wood that has an uneven grain
  or high moisture content, then youll need to
  rely on a higher tack masking tape. The low tack
  variety may not offer sufficient protection
  since it will peel off too easily.
• Application Tape
• This is a similar process as using masking tape.
  But, this material can be found in your everyday
  arts and craft store. The lower the tack the
  cheaper the material is to acquire in general.
• If the low-quality application tape doesnt hold
  well, then use the higher tack. Apply all the
  application tape to the entire surface of the
  wood you need to cut. Make sure to smooth out
  all bubbles beforehand or it can lead to results
  that are even worse.

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• 3) Other preventative techniques
• Here are some of the tips you can follow if the
  above ones are not working well
• Adjust the focus of the laser To do this, you
  have to switch the setting of your machine to
  manual and then back out the focus of the
  laser. Suppose, if you slightly lower the focus
  it will keep the level of smoke at bay while
  still allowing for the cuts to be on the
  material. Also remember to use laser machines
  that have parts like Trumpf eco nozzle, Amada
  laser parts that match market standards.
• Immerse thin plywood or other woods in water
  before cutting them
• Avoid cutting thick wood
• Make sure to use air assist while cutting wood.
  It is just a compressed air that redirects to
  the point where the laser beam meets the
  material. The constant stream of air can reduce
  scorching on a variety of surfaces.

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• 4) Removing burns
• Following are some of the things you can follow
  to remove burns
• If you don't have charring, try using a little
  bit of fine-tooth sandpaper on the edges as long
  as it doesnt risk the details of the project.
• You can also use the normal brush to scrub the
  small areas and parts like the Trumpf eco nozzle
  and Amada laser parts to keep the machine clean.
• Final Words
• It is very important to give your clients a
  perfect product that does not have any burns,
  cuts, or any other stains. As a fabricator, it
  is wise to know which type of laser cutting
  machine to use, other simple hacks, and more.
• This Article Post is Originally Posted here
• https//www.sooperarticles.com/automotive-articles
  /prevent
• ion-techniques-avoid-laser-burns-1781310.html

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