Precautions for PVC Laser Cutting     PVC, or Polyvinyl Chloride, is one of the most common plastic materials, also known by the trade name Chloroplast. Pure polyvinyl chloride resin is a rigid thermoplastic substance with relatively poor mechanical strength. Therefore, plasticizers, stabilizers, fillers, and other mix- tures are added to improve its properties. Based on the proportion of plasticizer added, PVC can be divided into two main types: rigid polyvinyl chloride and flexible polyvinyl chloride.     PVC has advantages such as durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of cleaning, making it widely applicable. It can be used as a construction material, such as for site fences, laboratory floors, campus walls, and more. It can also serve as packaging or aesthetic materials, like aut- omotive interiors, industrial storage tanks, and drainage pipes. In short, as a versatile synthetic plastic, PVC is widely used in various fields including construction, healthcare, agriculture, indu- stry, and sports.   In the construction and industrial fields, PVC often needs to be shaped into specific forms with high precision. In such cases, manufacturers use CNC machines for fine cutting or engraving of PVC, with laser cutting being one of the most commonly used processing methods.         Laser cutting PVC offers advantages such as high precision, fast speed, and smooth edges. When combined with an intelligent control system, it allows for flexible task switching and a high degree of automation. However, to ensure smooth processing without issues like black edges, there are several considerations to keep in mind during the process:   Understand Material Properties: As mentioned earlier, PVC comes in rigid and flexible forms, and the thermal reaction varies between the two materials. Even when using the same power, the cutting effect will differ. It is important to understand the material properties before starting the cutting process and make the necessary adjustments accordingly.   Laser Parameter Settings: Laser parameters directly affect the processing results. For instance, too high power may cause blackened edges, while too low power may prevent cutting. Slow speed can lead to overheating, while fast speed may result in uneven cutting. During processing, it is ess- ential to adjust the parameters to find a balance suitable for the material.   Air Blowing and Ventilation: Using a cold air nozzle to blow cold air during cutting helps to reduce the temperature of the cutting area, thereby minimizing scorching. When cutting PVC, toxic chlorine gas may be released, so it is crucial to ensure the cutting area is well-ventilated and equipped with necessary exhaust and air intake systems.   Equipment Selection and Maintenance: PVC is typically processed using CO2 laser cutting. The quality of the laser beam directly impacts the cutting results. Before starting the process, ensure that the equipment is in good condition, with the optical path correctly aligned and the focus lens free from contamination. VC is a special material for processing, and using CO2 laser cutting to achieve high-quality results requires tention to various details. It is especially important to focus on ventilation and exhaust issues during processing. or user safety, it is essential to understand the material properties and master the precautions before processing any material.

Path Optimization Definition: Path optimization is a crucial aspect of improving the efficiency of laser cutting. The main goal is to reduce the movement distance and time of the laser head. The primary objectives include meeting the process requirements of laser processing and enhancing processing efficiency. Key Principles of Path Optimization: Shortest Path Principle: Choose the shortest cutting path to minimize unnecessary idle movements. This reduces the overall time spent during the cutting process. Adjacent Cutting: For multiple adjacent cutting parts, prioritize cutting adjacent parts to reduce the back-and-forth movement of the laser head, thereby saving time. Grouping: Group similar or identical patterns together for cutting, optimizing the cutting sequence, and shortening the overall cutting time. Simulation and Adjustment: Use software to simulate the cutting path, check for any inefficiencies, and adjust the design to ensure optimal cutting performance. Functions:   Before starting the processing operation, user can use the toolbar to access [handle（W）] → [Cut Optimiza]. After setting the parameters, click [ Preview] → [Simulation] to preview and verify the optimized processing path.   Layered Processing Order: In a single processing cycle, various processes may need to be mixed. Typically, surface or contact-based processes (e.g., laser drawing, engraving, or brush processing) should be performed first, followed by non-contact or through-cut processes. The processing order of layers should be set according to the specific processing scenario. Inside-Out Cutting: To avoid the risk of materials falling off after being cut through, which could prevent completing the inner contour, cutting the interior first before cutting the exterior is recommended. Finding the Cutting Starting Point: The starting point for cutting can be influenced by factors such as laser power and the material's initial penetration. To minimize defects, choosing an appropriate start point (e.g., concave or convex corners) helps reduce impact on critical surfaces, improving the overall quality of the workpiece. Block Processing Direction: The direction in which processing is carried out (e.g., bottom-to-top, top-to-bottom, left-to-right, right-to-left) is designated to ensure an orderly process, avoid large jumps, and enhance safety during the simultaneous processing and material collection. Automatic Determination of Starting Points and Directions: Beyond process requirements, increasing efficiency involves minimizing idle movements by starting cutting from the nearest points. This requires adjusting the starting points (for closed shapes) and cutting directions (for non-closed shapes) of the original design. Gap Compensation Optimization: For equipment with lower performance or insufficient step precision, appropriate gap compensation is applied to the processing patterns, ensuring better accuracy in the final product. Note: 1. As shown in the image below, the optimal path is created. The "butterfly" shape and the pattern represented by ABCD are all within the 100mm range set for the block height in the path optimization settings. (The block height can be set to any value, and users can adjust it according to their specific cutting patterns.)     When the Cutting Direction is Set to [Top to Bottom]: When the cutting direction is set to [Top to Bottom], the software will automatically plan the cutting path in a top-to-bottom direction. Specific Cutting Sequence: Start from the top right corner of the machine's origin. First, cut part D, then proceed to C, followed by B, and finally A, before completing the inner and outer contours of the "butterfly" shape. Since part of the "butterfly" pattern lies within the 100mm block height green area, to prevent the external contour cutting from affecting the internal contour, you can check the [Inside to Outside] option. The software will prioritize cutting the internal contours of the pattern. If you want to cut in the sequence of A, B, C, D, simply keep the block height the same and adjust the cutting direction to [Left to Right]. If you prefer to prioritize cutting the "butterfly" external contour first, just uncheck the [Inside to Outside] option.