Lasers primarily cut by burning. The intense heat of the laser beam vaporizes the material, effectively cutting through it. While the process is often referred to as "cutting," the underlying mechanism is a controlled form of burning. The extent of burning depends on factors like laser power, speed, material type, and focus.
How Lasers Work
- The concentrated energy of the laser beam heats the material.
- This heat causes the material to reach its ignition point.
- The material vaporizes or combusts, creating a cut.
- The result often shows signs of burning, especially at the edges, particularly with materials that are easily charred such as wood.
Evidence from References:
- Multiple sources explicitly state that lasers "burn" through materials, even if the action is described as cutting. For example, one reference highlights that "[burn marks are caused by the intense heat of the laser beam, which not only cuts or engraves the wood, but can also burn it.]" (Mar 18, 2024 blog post)
- Another source confirms: "The laser cuts by burning it" (Reddit comment, Apr 29, 2024).
- Numerous forum posts discuss issues related to burning and scorching around laser-cut edges. This reinforces that burning is an inherent aspect of the laser-cutting process.
Minimizing Burning:
While burning is intrinsic to the process, techniques exist to minimize its visual effects:
- Adjusting power and speed: Lowering power and increasing speed can reduce burning.
- Using proper settings: Different materials require different laser settings. Experimentation is essential.
- Adding air assist: Air assist removes combustion byproducts, reducing burning.
