Frequently Asked Questions About CO2 Laser Cutter

Here are some questions often asked in our daily work, we list here. You can check them, that will be helpful for you to know co2 laser engraver better.

1. What materials can the co2 laser engraver process?

Please see the below sheet:

2. How much is your laser cutting machine?

Many clients asked this as first question. We understand that the machine cost is very important for you, but the suitable machine is also quite important for you.  If you are not clear about the detailed requirement, you can tell us some factors, then we will give our recommendation, and offer price to you.

1) What work size of the laser machine do you need?

2) What workpiece will you process? Wood, acrylic, or others?

3) And the max thickness to cut?

3. What is the differece between honeycomb table and blade table?

*Blade platforms are suitable for cutting thicker materials, such as wood and acrylic. They reduce laser reflection, improving cutting accuracy; good ventilation helps with heat dissipation and smoke exhaust.

*Honeycomb platforms are suitable for cutting and engraving thinner materials, such as fabric, paper, and plastic. Advantages include even support, which helps prevent deformation of thin materials; the small hole design helps with the removal of debris and smoke.

4. What is chiller?

The main function of the chiller in a CO2 laser engraving machine is to control the temperature of the laser tube and other optical components. The chiller circulates cooling water to absorb and dissipate the heat generated by the laser tube, preventing it from overheating, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the machine and extending the laser tube's lifespan.

5. Which is the best chiller for me?

For laser power below 80w, a water pump is sufficient, and the CW3000 chiller is optional with the same cooling function. For 80w and 100w, use the CW5000 chiller. For 130w, 150w, and 180w, use the CW5200 chiller. For laser machines with double 80w heads, use the CW5202 chiller. For 200w and 300w lasers, use the CW6000 chiller.

6. Can the CO2 laser engraver engrave round material? Such as glass bottle.

Yes, rotary axis is used to fix cylindrical materials, but it requires the laser engraver with up down table.This is because installing the rotary axis will change the height of the working area, requiring an adjustable platform to accommodate different material heights. The adjustable platform helps you handle various shapes and sizes of objects more flexibly when installing the rotary axis.

7. Does CO2 laser engraver have auto focus function?

As default configuration, the laser machine doesn’t have auto focus function, you need to set the focus distance by manual.

But the auto focus function is workable If the machine is added motorized up down table.

8. What is the lens’ focus distance?

Usually, we use lens with 63.5mm (2.6’’), 50.8mm (2’’) are also available, same price. If you need other focus distance lens, please let us know in advance.

9. When cutting leather, there are some some odors, how to do?

When cutting leather, a CO2 laser engraving machine may produce some odors. Placing an air purifier in the work area can help absorb and neutralize these odors. 

10. Where can I get the purifier to absorb the odors?

Please don’t worry, In actual work, we often encounter customers asking this question. At the customer's request, we can also provide air purifiers. If you need a filter, please contact us.

11. In winter, when temperatures are low, is antifreeze needed for the laser tube in the laser engraving machine to prevent freezing?

Yes, to prevent the cooling water from freezing and causing the chiller to fail to start, it is necessary to add antifreeze to the chiller's water tank in the laser engraving machine. Antifreeze not only prevents freezing and corrosion but also protects the chiller's water pump, providing lubrication.

12. How to choose antifreeze?

To prevent the laser tube from freezing and cracking, it is recommended to choose branded antifreeze. There are generally two types of antifreeze suitable for laser engraving machine systems:

1) AntifrogenN ethylene glycol-water type (industrial use, toxic to humans);

2) AntifrogenL propylene glycol-water type (food grade, non-toxic to humans). Both types of coolant are readily available.

Note: No antifreeze can completely replace deionized water and cannot be used continuously throughout the year. After winter, you must use deionized water or purified water to flush the pipes that have used coolant and switch back to using deionized or purified water as the coolant for the laser tube.