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There is a lot of information online advising against cutting plastics with laser cutting machines because some plastics can cause mirrors to gradually lose accuracy — as dust, smoke, and other tiny particles accumulate between the mirror casings and lenses. Whilst it can be beneficial to understand some of the pitfalls that can occur when cutting certain types of plastics, it's important to relate the question to the exact device you're using and the plastic you're cutting.

A waterjet cutter is a powerful industrial tool that uses a very focused high-pressure stream of water (and sometimes an abrasive substance like natural sand) to cut through a wide variety of materials. 

The first carbon dioxide (C02) laser was invented in 1963 by Kumar Patel, and just two years later, the first Western Engineering Research Center (in Buffalo, USA) was the first to employ a laser as a cutting device, using a laser to drill holes in diamond dies. By the late 1960s, gas laser cutting was being used to cut through metal with ease and accuracy, something that CO2 lasers originally hadn't been capable of. For over 40 years, laser cutters have improved in terms of speed, performance and quality, but what about accuracy? How accurate is laser cutting today?

Modular pipe and profile cutting machines made waves in the world of pipework fabrication. As the demand for pipe materials continues to soar, technology evolves at a rapid pace.

Today's pipe cutters are designed for a wide range of projects, such as tank, pipeline and power plant construction industry applications. As a result, these powerful, precise and efficient machines can prove to be a wise investment for steel specialists. Pipe cutter machines are primarily designed for cutting through pipes, but depending on the machine, additional processes can include angle cutting, slotting, marking, notching, beveling, and hole marking.

A water jet cutter, also known as a water jet cutting machine, uses an ultra-high-pressure stream of water to cut different materials without thermal stress. These incredibly powerful and precise machines can be used (sometimes with abrasives) to cut ceramics, metal, stone, concrete, composites, wood, plastics and paper — with excellent edge quality. The jets do not create a HEZ (Heat Affected Zone), meaning this method is incredibly versatile and ideal for cutting foods and heat-sensitive materials.

Laser etching and engraving fall under the general category of laser marking, but the main difference is the depth to which the laser penetrates the surface. Laser etching is considerably faster than deep laser engraving — which may require several laser passes and therefore, more time. The speed can be increased significantly with higher laser powers too; however, it’s unlikely you will need a higher laser power than 100W for etching. 

Fibre lasers are seen as the latest addition to the laser market, available in addition to the two other common types: gas and crystal lasers. The critical difference is that the fibre laser features an optical fibre with the addition of rare-earth elements. This could be erbium, ytterbium, neodymium, thulium, holmium, dysprosium, or praseodymium. 

Laser cutting technology sets the standard for many industrial sectors. It’s widely used in the automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, electronics, medical and semi-conductor sectors.

Investing in a laser cutting machine can be one of the best decisions you make, however, it’s essential to do a little homework first before choosing a machine that’s just right for you. If you’re somewhat confused about the many different types of machines available or aren’t entirely sure on the features that will prove most useful, we’ve added a few top tips below.

Here at CTR, we have been working hard to bring you even more benefits with our British designed and British manufactured laser machines. We are pleased to announce that we are now offering the combined package of RD controller and Lightburn software, which provide even more features.

Here at CTR Lasers, we're often asked what's the real difference between laser cutting and CNC. So in this article, we'll be outlining the differences between the two. At CTR Lasers we have a whole host of laser cutting machines available also understand the fundamental importance of CNC technology and the importance of its application.

CTR are CHAS accredited.

Laser cutting offers a high quality finish, without the exhausted time frame – no wonder it's now one of the most widely used manufacturing processes in the world. Laser cutters are considered a vital piece of equipment for many industries, whilst they can be used to precisely cut through variety of materials. So how exactly does laser cutting work?

If you are a large business or a small up and coming firm, a laser cutting machine is a wise investment.

A guide to help you install your laser software on Windows 10 operating systems.

A laser machine is a real investment for many businesses. Lasers can perform a wide range of tasks and carry out numerous different functions depending on the needs of your company.

Laser engraving machines have a vast range of uses and have completely changed the face of the engraving industry.

Metal cutting machines are incredibly powerful tools, and CTR Lasers supply a number of different options which can fulfil various purposes within your business.

New tutorial - how to create joined up lettering.

Here are some top points on how to operate your laser machine safely.

Check out the first of our Concept To Reality projects, showing how to laser engrave from a drawing.

CNC laser cutting machines from CTR Lasers provide a technologically advanced solution to your cutting needs. There are a number of reasons why these machines give you many advantages over other methods of cutting. CNC stands for ‘computer numerical control’, so processes are automated, offering high levels of quality and precision.

CTR Lasers stock a broad range of cutting and engraving machines, and we’re often asked to name the differences between the two. The main difference is the machine’s lens itself, and more specifically the length of the lens.

NEP - Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership and Northamptonshire County Council.

CTR Lasers only provide high quality plasma cutters with a reliable build quality, and the MasterCut and the MC compact really do work well in a range of industries from small workshops to large factories. 

Laser cutting is often integrated into a range of business processes, and industrial laser cutting requires resilient machines that are capable of moving through a hefty workload.

Design and Technology (DT) has been an important part of the National Curriculum for numerous years but the face of the subject has changed over time.

How will updating your laser machine's PC to Windows 7 affect your laser?

Business branding involves spreading the word about your company, and laser machines can play a part in sharing your business’s message. 

Cutting solid materials with water can be difficult to comprehend, yet pure water or abrasive cutting by water jet cutting machines is becoming more common.

CTR Lasers has a variety of laser cutting machines available, suitable for a range of materials, including wood, acrylic, cardboard, leather and MDF as well as various other materials, with cutting thicknesses defined by the laser power – from paper thin to thicker sheet woods or metals.

CTR are now members of the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce...

Since the introduction of their plasma rotator, MicroStep have been making continuous development in the field of bevel cutting technology – improvements of the mechanics and motion control went hand in hand with the development of plasma sources and implementation of the latest cutting technologies, which resulted in the unique features of the current version:

We have an increasing number of requests for clients looking to cut food, which is an idea application for our AquaCut waterjet cutting machine.

CTR's new British designed and manufactured TMK15 laser is now available!