How Thick Can a CO2 Laser Cut?

CO2 lasers can cut wood, plastic and steel.

Many manufacturing companies now use lasers to cut and machine a variety of materials. The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser can produce an intense, powerful beam capable of cutting wood, plastic and metals. Cutting thickness depends on material, speed and the laser's power.

Material

A standard CO2 laser can cut soft materials such as wood and plastic up to 1 inch thick. The ability to cut metals depends on the laser's power and the type of metal. Higher powered lasers can cut steel over 1 inch thick, though it cuts copper with poor efficiency.

Speed

You can use the energy of a cutting laser in two ways: speed and depth. If you need to cut lots of material, you need to make shallow cuts. Cutting more slowly lets you cut more deeply for a given laser power level. A typical laser system will cut at speeds of about 10 feet per minute.

Power

CO2 lasers of 35 W can cut ½ inch of wood, which is increased to 1 inch at 120 W. Lasers of 1,000 W can cut up to 5/16 inch of mild steel. A 6,000 W laser can cut ¾ inch of carbon steel.

References

• Cutlite Penta: Laser Welding, Soldering, Drilling
• Epilog Laser: Woodworking Flyer
• GSI Lasers: Laser Cutting Machines
• Alabama Laser Technologies: ALT Laser Machining Capabilities