Laser Cutters for Signs

EVERY SHOP HAS to cut stuff. We trim blanks to size, fabricate fittings and mounts, and use artistry to create unique designs in various sizes. Cutting materials for sign blanks and the like takes time and skill, and some shops purchase CNC routers for this purpose. If you can draw it in two dimensions, you can have the router cut it. It is generally much faster than a bloke with a saber saw but it can still take some time. You can run into material limits based on the cutting tool’s diameter and spindle power, but an option can eliminate many of the CNC router’s limitations.

A laser cutter can handle most cutting jobs in a signshop and then some. With enough power it can cut through metal, and even medium-powered machines can make quick work of wood, plastics, acrylic, even leather and fabrics. The cutting is done quickly at rates close to double a typical CNC router. Designs can be extremely intricate and tiny, something a router or hand tools couldn’t do. In addition, due to how a laser cutter works, the cut edges are both sealed and smooth. There is virtually no need for finish work at the end of the job.

You may be thinking that all of this sounds good but you just can’t see a machine that engraves an object’s surface as being efficient in cutting through material. If you are looking at small tabletop units then you are right. If you want to cut materials, you need a more industrial-type machine. You can find them in all different sizes and configurations, so how do you choose?

You need to consider some factors when making a buying decision. Probably the most important consideration is what types of material you want to cut. Wood, plastics, acrylic, leather and cloth can be handled by most machines. If you want to cut metals like aluminum, brass and steel, you will need to look at machines that can handle them. The metal cutters have higher-wattage lasers and may even include nitrogen gas systems to ensure the cuts are clean and not discolored. One final note on materials: Do not use a laser to cut vinyl! It can produce a poisonous gas that isn’t safe to work around.

Other considerations include the size of the material you envision working with. Machine-working areas can range from 1 ft. x 2 in. to 4 x 8 ft. You also need to make sure that the machine can handle the media thicknesses you typically use.

You’re probably wondering if a laser cutter can double as an engraver. The good news is, it probably can. Lasers today can be purchased with different types and powers in the same machine. It might have a 120W CO2 laser that can easily handle engraving and mild cutting chores, and a 50W fiber laser that can handle thicker materials. You have a lot of choices and most machines can be configured to your needs.

If fabrication and cutting are causing you grief, take a look at a laser cutter for your shop. They are fast, relatively clean plus quiet, and can probably alleviate a lot of your fabrication and cutting woes. You may even get into engraving.

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