Would anyone have any experience in cutting copper with laser? If so, I have an acquaintence who is an accomplished artist producing handcut copper artwork sculptures. The subject came up about being able to have a laser cutter, but too costly so he had previously hired it out. Well, doing that, he noticed that the patterns were placed so far away from each other that there was a tremendous amount of waste, at least 30 % if not more. Does this sound right, or wasteful? Maybe it was the operator, just curious why the company did that?
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
I do not have experience with cutting Copper with a laser but I know someone who could answer the question. I'll try to check with him tomorrow. He has both waterjet and laser cutters. Copper can be cut with a router, providing the graphic works into the limitations of the bit.
I'm sure there are plenty of waterjet and laser cutters in Chicago, although I don't know how many would be in the Rockford area. My aunt, Dorothy Harding, lives in Rockford. My uncle, Charlie Harding, was in the hardware business there but died about ten years ago. We have had many family reunions in Rock Cut Park. My brother and I claimed an island in the lake for Texas back when we were kids but I don't think Illinois ever relinquished title.
Posted by Ernie&DianeBalch (Member # 1301) on :
I use a YAG laser to cut Copper for circuit boards. The short wavelength UV laser is perfect for ablating small patterns of copper.
Most shops cutting metal sheets use high power IR lasers with a gas jet assist. The typical CO2 lasers have a long wavelength that is easily reflected by the copper and it is a great heat conductor so it takes high power. This means you have lots of waste heat in the copper.
This might be the reason that the parts are spaced out.
ernie
Posted by Robert Beverly (Member # 1907) on :
Deb
How large are the patterns to be cut and how thick is the materials ?
