5 Features to Look for When Buying a Laser Cutting Machine

If you're thinking about buying a plastic laser cutting machine, there are several options on the market. To ensure you get the most out of your laser cutter, you may want to look for certain key features. Take a look at this list.

1. Integration With Graphic Design Software

Most laser cutting machines work along with graphic design software. If you are particular to a certain type of design software, you may want to choose a laser cutting machine that is compatible with that type of software.

If you've got the time and interest in learning new design software, then, simply look for a laser cutting machine that is compatible with the big names in design software.

2. Integrated Vacuum Tubes

With a laser cutting machine, you lay the material to be cut down on the machine. Then, based on the design put into the machine, the lasers cut your material. In most cases, these machines work with sheets of plastic, but they won't cut metal or some woods.

To ensure the plastic doesn't move around whilst it's being cut, you may want to look for a machine with an integrated vacuum tube. That uses suction to hold the material in place.

3. Etching Potential

While laser's can't cut metal, they can etch it. If you like to cut plastic and etch harder materials like metal, you may want a laser cutting machine that can handle both of those tasks.

4. Additional Hand Tools

In some cases, your laser cutting machine may not be right for your needs. In particular, you may want to cut or etch something by hand. In that case, you need a handheld laser cutting or engraving tool. You may want to look for a company that makes laser cutting machines as well as wands. That way, everything can be from the same manufacturer, which sometimes makes it easier to deal with repair or compatibility issues.

5. Air Cooled

Just like computers heat up when they are working hard, so too do laser cutting machines. Some machines have water coolers, and those can be effective, but that are also challenging to replace and potentially expensive. Instead, you may want to look for a laser printer that uses air cooling. That means that it integrates fans but it also is set up so air flows through the machine's components.

To learn more about the features you need with your next laser cutting machine, contact an expert. They can point you in the right direction. Otherwise, skip the machine, and outsource your cutting needs to a laser cutting professional.