Laser Cutting of Foam, What do you need to know?

Considering purchasing a laser machine and beginning a laser cutting and engraving business? While lasers may be used to engrave patterns on almost any object, they are also a very dependable and acceptable solution for cutting materials. Cutting using a laser eliminates the need for several tools and equipment. As long as you use the proper laser cutting machine and cut the suitable materials, you’ll save a lot of time and work.

A standard laser cutting machine can quickly cut through lightweight and less robust materials such as paper, cardboard, foam, and other similar substances. As a consequence of this, the things that need the utilization of these materials can now be simply hacked and utilized without the requirement for the use of massive and heavy equipment – all that is required is the assistance of a laser cutting machine. When it comes to cutting foam board with a laser, one of the most dependable and well-suited alternatives for companies and industries that produce foam and the products made from foam is the use of lasers.

In addition, there are a great number of products that are created using foam in today’s world, so having a solution that can cut foam is undoubtedly a relief. But wait! If you are new to cutting foam using a laser cutter, then the following information will help you grasp all there is to know about laser foam cutting in depth.

Is it possible to cut foam with a laser?

It’s critical to know if you can cut foam with a laser cutting machine before investing in one. While laser cutting makes it simpler to cut lighter and less durable materials, it is not capable of cutting all materials. Aside from cutting an object, it’s also necessary to make sure it’s not damaged or broken in any other way. As a result, although laser cutting may seem to be a simpler and more straightforward cutting alternative, it may need more concentration to avoid damaging the object.

When it comes to laser cutting foam, not all foam types are acceptable. Instead, laser cutting is better for foam comprised of polyester, polyethylene, or polyurethane. When you use a laser cutter to cut these sorts of foams, the result enables you to utilize the foam for a variety of purposes.

What kinds of foam can be cut with a laser?

Laser marking, laser engraving, and laser cutting are all processes that work well with foams composed of polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PUR), or polyester (PES). Styrofoam, eva foam polyurethane, foam board, and other varieties of foam are examples of common types of foam materials.

Is it possible to use a laser cutter on polyurethane foam?

The physical process of removing material with a laser is known as laser cutting. One is completely taken from the material from the top to the bottom, while the other is just partly removed from the top to a particular depth.

Polyurethane foam is an excellent CO2 laser energy absorber. When a high-intensity laser is absorbed by polyurethane foam, the light energy is swiftly converted to molecular heat. Because this form of polyurethane foam is thermoset, it may decompose quickly if exposed to enough heat. The laser-affected area of the material will vaporize.

CO2 laser cutters are most typically used for laser cutting polyurethane foams. Materials outside of the laser spot will absorb some heat, but not enough to be removed. A thermal impacted zone is another name for this thermally affected region. There is less thermal effect for 3M polyurethane foams since low density foam does not need high heat to etch or cut. Furthermore, since the polymer is a thermoset material, it may be suitable for laser cutting.

Is it possible to laser cut EVA foam?

EVA is an abbreviation for ethylene-vinyl acetate, and it is a copolymer. EVA foam has extremely low water absorption, softness, and superior shock absorption. EVA foam is often used for a variety of containers and casings, but it may also be utilized in a variety of accessories. This soft yet solid foam is simple to laser cut.

How to use a laser to cut EVA foam?

While EVA foam is not a harmful substance, you should use certain protection equipment while using a laser cutter, such as safety glasses, a fume extractor, and so on.

Cutting EVA foam with a laser is a simple task, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you begin. Setting the operating speed too fast will not cut the material, while setting it too slow will burn it. The number of pathways is determined by the thickness of your EVA foam sheet.

Applications of Laser Cutting Foam

What happens once you have laser cutter foam material and have correctly cut foam? Have you considered where you would put the laser-cut foam? Don’t be concerned. Assume your new foam cutting firm is just getting started, and you don’t have many ideas for how to use the laser cutting foam in various ways. In such scenario, you may always try utilizing the laser cutting foam to make the objects listed below.

· Padding suitcase or creating suitcase inserts

· Seals

· Furniture and automobile cushioning

· Home interior cushions

· Show soles

· Pillows

· Mattresses

· Automotive trim

· Photo frames

The Advantages of Laser Cutting Foam

Because of its potential to make cutting and engraving operations simpler and of greater quality, laser cutting machines are well-known and widely used in a variety of sectors today.

However, because of the numerous costs that may be difficult to pay if you don’t prepare ahead of time, you must be certain why you’re buying the equipment in the first place. After all, you can’t spend so much money on a laser foam cutting machine and then leave it in your warehouse unused, can you? So, before you go out and buy one, consider some of the primary advantages of using a laser foam engraving machine to market your company and attract new consumers.