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.