Out of all the modern manufacturing techniques, laser cutting is undoubtedly one of the more popular ones. This particular technology has been around for a long while, but it has only recently entered the mainstream.
However, If you are a beginner at laser cutting, it can take some time to get used to it. Even seasoned operators will find themselves making some common laser cutting mistakes.
As laser cutters are quite sophisticated machines, avoiding these mistakes at all costs is critical. In the rest of this article, we will share them all so that you can avoid them in the future. We will also share some tips for the best possible results. So, keep on reading to find out!
Nothing beats hands-on experience when it comes to laser cutting. It is an art form that none of us can truly get a grasp on without actually trying it out. Even so, using laser cutting machines will need enough experience before you can unlock their full potential.
Along the way, you may face a few mishaps here and there with the software that runs the machine or the materials you use. Consider the checking out the following the most common laser cutting mistakes to help reduce how many trials and errors you might be facing –
Most people make the common mistake of not conducting adequate research on the laser cutting machines available on the market before purchasing. There are numerous models available, and each comes with its own unique set of features. Every laser cutting machine varies in versatility, power, and functionality.
So please make no mistake and do your homework before jumping ahead and buying the cutting machine, only to regret it later. Examining laser cutting machine reviews can assist you in gaining insight into the various models available and determining which one best suits your needs and budget.
Nowadays, most laser cutting machines in the market are fully automated. You need to set the project’s parameters and load the necessary materials. Then, the software will essentially instruct the machine on what to do next.
However, it’s essential to note that you should not wander away from the machine while performing its function. There is always a possibility that it will fail or something will go wrong with engraving, etching, or cutting the materials.
When reviewing a completed project, it is only natural for you to become overly excited. But this is a common mistake that you might regret later. Too many people make the error of removing their projects from the laser cutting machine even before it is complete.
Note that even if a project appears to be complete, the process might not have finished yet if the machine has not come to a complete stop. If you remove the material too soon, it can ruin your entire project and even cause damage to the machine’s components.
Depending on the laser cutting machine you are using, you must take some preparation steps before initiating the cutting process. First, you will need the design you want to cut or etch and scale it to fit the available work surface with the software.
In addition, you may need to mark the work surface. These requirements can vary from machine to machine. But in general, you must take proper preparational measures. Otherwise, your project might not proceed according to plan.
Modern laser cutting machines nowadays are incredibly reliable and durable. They do, however, require some maintenance to remain that way. You must clean them regularly to remove any accumulated debris from the materials you work with and eliminate all the safety hazards.
Additionally, the machine may require calibration from time to time. Taking care of the maintenance and cleaning ensures that the cutting machine operates properly and lasts a long time.
A common mistake can be to choose a color that’s too light for the laser cutting machine to detect. The color you use to mark lines is mostly irrelevant. Even so, red is the best choice because of its high visibility.
Typically, a laser cutting machine is incapable of detecting lighter colors. Therefore if you are not using red to mark the lines, it’s best to use a bright, bold color.
While using the laser cutting machine, having other people in the room simply loitering can pose a health hazard. The health hazard is especially grave if there are food and beverages involved.
So it’s essential to do this process in a room where other people won’t need to enter. You will also need to keep the room clean of any unnecessary items.
If you want to obtain the best results from laser cutting, you can follow the following tips. These tips should help you make the most out of this machine –
It is critical to select the proper material for your project. So when choosing the material, determine whether you need a solid component, a translucent one, or something rigid or malleable?
You’ll need to examine the material’s various properties to ensure that it meets your expectations and requirements for the project. You’ll have access to materials with various design guidelines, thicknesses, and colors. Determine which material is the best fit for your project!
Engraving or cutting multiple items is a great way to reduce production time. If you are cutting numerous objects of the same design, such as coasters or plaques, you can cut multiple pieces simultaneously using a laser cutter or a laser engraver.
By cutting in batches, users can save up to 37% more time. The size of your table determines the number of items you can engrave simultaneously.
Therefore, you must expand the page size in your graphic design program to match the total table size of your laser. After that, you can fill an entire table with a single piece and engrave them all in one run.
As we have covered before, using light colors is not advisable when marking lines. Instead, it’s best to use a dark-colored pen or pencil to get the job done.
Laser cutting machines don’t detect lighter colors. So make sure to use a vibrant, bold color.
Laser cutting has recently become extremely popular and might have caught your attention already. However, if you have taken up the art of laser cutting, you might face some common mistakes most of us make.
So in this article, we have mentioned 7 common laser cutting mistakes so you can avoid them in the future. Thanks for reading till now.
English 
Spanish 
Russian 
French 
Romanian 
Turkish 
Indonesian 
English