Re: CO2 Lasers for CNC Machines

In a message dated 8/7/99 6:17:42 AM Hawaiian Standard Time, MIADsgns@...
writes:

<< Practical application for materials 1/8" thick wood and
plastics and 1/32" aluminum, perhaps even 1/16" fiberglass sheets.

My previous research into the CO2 lasers found that a 20 watt laser would be
necessary for such type of cutting. >>
Mario,
I get parts cut by a commercial laser shop in town. They can cut 1/2" steel
and almost 5/8" stainless but cannot cut alumnum over 1/4". Aluminum and
other heat conducting metals are very hard to cut with low power. Plazma
torches have the same problem. I suspect that wood can be cut with very low
power as long as you can flush away the cloud of vaporized material. I've had
plexiglass and masonite cut but have never tried fiberglass sheets.
Peter