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View Full Version : Chinese 40W Laser vs. Plexiglas



Trispectiv
18-01-2015, 10:01 PM
Hello,
I randomly bump into various sale ads for the Chinese so called 40W laser (various reports indicate it into the 30ish W range upon measurements). If somebody owns one already, what is the thickest plexiglas it can cut (multiple passes including). While we are on it, it would be interesting what other difficult cuts it can achieve, such as what is the thickest MDF or plywood it can cut?
Thanks

Robin Hewitt
18-01-2015, 10:10 PM
Perspex/plexiglass like a hot knife through butter, it obligingly vapourises, the DOC depends on your rate of cut, it is the material these things are designed for.

MDF, plywood, terrible idea. Thick smoke trying to coat your lens in resinous black tar and requiring a forced air draught to disperse and extract it asap.

Trispectiv
18-01-2015, 10:38 PM
Well, what is the thickest plexiglas you managed to cut?

gavztheouch
19-01-2015, 09:21 AM
I have cut 10 mm perspex with a 40w laser. I had to do it in two passes. I would suggest a max thickness of 6mm for a 30w laser.

Trispectiv
19-01-2015, 10:42 AM
That is good to hear, I didn't expect it to go through more then 3-4mm of plexiglas. Just to make sure, you are talking about the cheap 3020 chinese 40W laser, or some brand name 40W laser?

gavztheouch
19-01-2015, 10:46 AM
Mine is a diy effort with a cheap Chinese 40w tube. Remember that the thicker you cut the worse the kerf becomes. At 10 mm it starts to become quite evident.

Trispectiv
19-01-2015, 10:56 AM
Can you find some photos of how bad it looks on your cuts at 10mm?

Also, for the second pass, did you have to adjust the Z, or same height? The cheap 3020 I am talking about has no Z axis or adjustment - you have to raise the material instead, by shimming it, makign you loose the workpiece alignment.

calida
01-02-2015, 06:20 PM
Need your brains guys!!
I have a basic Chinese laser. 40w and runs from moshidraw. I'm willing to pay well anyone that can come and get it working properly. let me know if you can help. I live in Buxton, Derbyshire