Laser modules are very powerful tools and they are often used for cutting and engraving. But when we choose a laser module, there are many factors to consider, such as power, beam quality, stability, cutting ability, engraving ability and price. In this article, we will evaluate the laser module in terms of cutting performance, hoping to provide you with some references.

Specifications

Contents

• Optical Power
• Cutting Depth
• Plywood Cut
• Pine Cutting
• MDF Cutting
• Acrylic Cutting
• Conclusion

Optical Power

The optical power of the laser module is a very important parameter, which determines the cutting ability of the laser module. We can use a power meter to measure the actual optical power of the laser module. Before measuring, we clean its lens with alcohol to avoid affecting the measurement results. Through the power meter, you can clearly see that the measured optical power of this K30 laser module is 34.2W!

Now we use this laser module with a power of 30W+ to cut plywood, pine board and other materials, and test the ultimate cutting ability of the laser module.

Cutting Depth

Plywood Cutting

Use six different speeds to cut 8mm, 12mm, 15mm basswood plywood.
Cut six equal sized squares on a 10x10cm piece of plywood at different speeds, as this visually reflects our cutting speed limit.

Plywood Cutting Test

Pine Cutting

First we try 20mm pine boards.
K30 can cut 20mm pine at a speed of 120mm/min.

We also tried to cut 25mm and 30mm pine boards, at a speed of 400mm/min, the 25mm thick pine was cut 10 times, and the 30mm thick pine was cut 15 times:

Pine Wood Cutting Test

MDF Cutting

Cutting tests were performed with MDF with a density of 740 kg/m³. K30 only needs 4 passes to cut 12mm MDF.

If it is a 3mm medium density board, it can be cut at a maximum speed of 1050mm/min, and the cutting section effect is better.

MDF Cutting Test

Acrylic Cutting

Cutting tests were performed at six different speeds on 3mm, 5mm, 8mm thick black acrylic

We also tried 30mm thick black acrylic, which can be cut through only once at a speed of 15mm/min, but it is time-consuming

Acrylic Sheet Cutting Test

Conclusion

Note: that clear and white cannot be cut with any blue diode lasers! It works with black, red, green and yellow acrylic. Some translucent dark acrylics can also be used for cutting. Because of light diffusion, the blue laser beam either bounces off the clear, white, and blue acrylic, or passes right through.