If you choose the right laser engraver and cutter for the right material, you can cut almost anything with the help of a laser. Whether the material is fragile or hard, the laser works flawlessly and gives the best results compared to other traditional cutting methods we have.
Why Laser Cut Paper?
This is one of the most common problems associated with laser cutting of paper. Although this is a long-standing debate, we can draw a simple conclusion whether you should choose a laser cutter for cutting paper.
There are many ways to cut paper, such as blades, scissors, but the question is why you should choose a laser cutter as the best choice. The advantages offered by laser cutting are incredible, which is why laser cutting is widely used for paper cutting.
Now, let's take a look at the reasons and advantages that will force you to stick with laser cutting when it comes to paper.
1) good results
The main reason to use a laser cutter for paper cutting is the good results you get in the end. It looks pleasing when you look at the fine edges and cutouts. Every cut or perforation is 100% perfect, which is why laser cutting is the best choice for paper.
The size of the cut doesn't matter; a laser cutter can do almost everything excellently. Today, laser paper cutters have a very fine laser spot, which ensures a minimum kerf width and high precision.
2) Unrivaled accuracy
The precision of the laser cutting machine is very high. You cannot achieve this level of precision by cutting by hand or with any other cutting machine.
Regardless of the number of repetitions, complex designs and high-speed motion, the precision laser cutters provide is unrivaled. You can repeat the same design as many times as you want and you will get the same piece.
Laser cutting machines are designed for optimum motion and repeatable positional accuracy. You won't find any mistakes in the repeated positions of the laser modules. For example, if it started at a certain point, it can return to the same point after completing a task.
3) fast
Compared to the traditional methods we usually use for paper cutting, laser cutters work very fast. Even if you're cutting stiff paper materials, such as cardboard, the cutting speed is incredible.
Since paper is light and not as dense as other materials, you can easily cut it at very high speeds even with low laser power. For commercial use, a laser cutter is preferred as it increases productivity without compromising quality.
Laser decoupage can be done quickly if you set the focus and choose the best speed and power. No matter how complicated the design is, the speed of the machine can do it.
4) no contact
The biggest advantage of laser decoupage is that there is no contact between the laser module or any other object and the paper.
Since the paper is so light and fragile, it can be deformed with minimal pressure. Therefore, mechanical cutting methods that apply pressure to the paper often affect cut quality and appearance.
In laser cutting, a laser beam cuts through the paper without exerting any force on the material. Having said that, everything cut with a laser cutter is guaranteed to achieve flawless results.
In addition, the edges of the cutouts are so finely detailed that they add to the aesthetics of objects made through paper.
What types of paper are suitable for laser cutting
There are also different types of paper according to its composition, thickness and appearance. Here, we will share some of the best paper types for laser cutting. Let's have a short discussion of all of these.
1) laser paper
Laser paper is a special paper specially made for laser cutting and printing. When you cut it through your laser cutter, it produces impeccable results; no burning, discoloration or marks. It has a special coating that can be laser exposed to form the pattern you want on the paper.
2) Two layers of paper
The next option is two-ply paper. As the name suggests, two sheets put together are of this type. It is a little thicker than regular paper. It is perfect for laser cutting and engraving.
Most of the time, the two layers used to make this paper are different colors. It helps to provide better contrast when engraving.
3) Copy paper
It is a thin paper mainly used in advertisements and newspapers. It's so readily available, you see it almost every day. This tissue paper can also be cut with a laser cutter and the result will be nice and accurate.
4) Coated paper
Coated paper is a better, thicker version of copy paper. It is considered a high quality durable paper which is ideal for laser cutting
This is the same paper you use in your desktop printer or photocopier. You can also write on it and use it for various purposes.
5) Card stock
Cardboard is much thicker than coated paper and feels a bit hard to the touch. Laser cutters are preferred for decorations and invitations. It looks attractive because of the bright colors.
6) Cardboard
Cardboard is a dense and thick material. It is very rigid and cannot be bent easily. It is used to make templates and hard objects.
It can be cut using laser cutting and engraving machines. The cuts are clean and fine, and the material remains stable on the laser bed.
7) Corrugated cardboard
Corrugated cardboard is thick but not very dense. They are made from multiple layers of thin cardboard. If you look closely at the cross section, you can see holes.
These are so flexible that you can cut them with a laser cutter. However, they are fragile because they are not dense. Plus, engraving them was a bit difficult because the fumes from the process got trapped in the vacant spaces of the board. This fume reduces the ability of the laser to cut.
8) Handmade paper
Handmade paper is made from fibers that are usually recycled or obtained from plants. Fiber pulp is created and turned into a sheet of paper by hand. After drying, the papers are ready to use.
The paper is thick but can be easily cut with a laser cutter. A laser machine is the best way to cut handmade paper because it has no contact with the paper itself; otherwise, the paper is very fragile. Laser cuts are fine and clean.