Laser Cutting of Foam

Laser Cutting Solutions for Foam

Foam is an excellent material for laser processing. CO2 laser cutters are capable of cutting foam effectively. In comparison to conventional cutting methods such as die punching, a high level of precision and quality can be achieved even at very tight tolerances thanks to laser digital finishing. Laser cutting is a non-contact method, therefore there is no need to worry about tool wear, fixturing, or a poor quality of the cutting edges. It is possible to cut or mark with remarkable precision and tight tolerances with Goldenlaser's CO2 laser equipment, whether the foam comes in rolls or sheets.

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The industrial use of foam has grown significantly. Today's foam industry offers a diverse choice of materials for a variety of uses. The use of a laser cutter as a tool for cutting foam is becoming increasingly prevalent in the industry. Laser cutting technology provides a fast, professional, and cost-effective alternative to other conventional machining methods.

Foams made of polystyrene (PS), polyester (PES), polyurethane (PUR), or polyethylene (PE) are ideally suitable for laser cutting. Foam materials of different thicknesses can be easily cut with different laser powers. Lasers provide the precision that operators demand for foam cutting applications that require a straight edge.

Applicable laser processes for foam

Ⅰ. Laser Cutting

When a high-energy laser beam collides with the foam surface, the material vaporizes nearly instantly. This is a carefully regulated procedure with almost no heating of the surrounding material, resulting in minimum deformation.

Ⅱ. Laser Engraving

Laser etching the surface of the foam adds a new dimension to laser cut foams. Logos, sizes, directions, cautions, part numbers, and whatever else you want can all be engraved with laser. The engraved details are clear and neat.

Why cutting foam with a laser?

Cutting foam with laser is a common procedure today because there are arguments that cutting through foam can be quicker and more precise than other methods. In comparison to mechanical processes (usually punching), laser cutting offers consistent cuts without denting or damaging parts on the machinery involved in production lines--and does not require any clean-up afterwards!

Laser cutting is precise and accurate, resulting in clean and consistent cuts

Foam can be cut quickly and easily with a laser cutter

Laser cutting leaves a smooth edge on the foam, which makes it easier to work with

The heat of the laser beam melts the edges of the foam, creating a clean and sealed edge

Laser is a highly adaptable technique with uses ranging from prototyping to mass production

Laser will never blunt or dull like other tools can do over time and usage due to its non-contact nature

Recommended laser machines for foam

Laser Cutter 13090

Electric lift table
Bed size: 1300mm×900mm (51”×35”)
CO2 glass laser tube 80 watts ~ 300 watts

Laser Cutter 160100

Single head / double head
Bed size: 1600mm×1000mm (63” ×39”)
CO2 glass laser tube

Large Format Laser Cutter

Gear and rack driven
CO2 glass laser / CO2 RF laser
High speed and acceleration

More CO2 laser machines from goldenlaser at a glance

Cutting foam with a laser as a substitute tool is possible

It goes without saying that when it comes to cutting industrial foams, the benefits of using a laser over conventional cutting equipment are evident. Cutting foam with a laser offers many advantages, such as single-step processing, maximum material usage, high quality processing, clean and precise cutting, etc. The laser achieves even the smallest outlines via the use of a precise and non-contact laser cut.

However, the knife applies significant pressure to the foam, resulting in material deformation and filthy cut edges. When using a water jet to cut, moisture is sucked into the absorbent foam, which is then separated from the cutting water. Firstly, the material must be dried before it can be used in any subsequent processing, which is a time-consuming operation. With laser cutting, this step is skipped, allowing you to go back to work with the material right away. In contrast, the laser is much more compelling and is unquestionably the most effective technique for foam processing.

What kinds of foam can be laser cut?

• Polypropylene (PP) foam

• Polyethylene (PE) foam

• Polyester (PES) foam

• Polystyrene (PS) foam

• Polyurethane (PUR) Foam

Typical applications of laser cutting foam:

• Automobile interiors

• Furniture padding

• Filters

• Boat decking

• Packaging (Tool shadowing)

• Sound insulation

• Footwear padding

Watch two heads laser cutter for foam cutting in action!

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