Re: Topic: Laser cutting metal

Posted by Heath Satow on September 02, 19100 at 10:32:06:

In Reply to: Topic: Laser cutting metal posted by Lynn on January 13, 19100 at 14:39:03:

Specifically, is it possible to laser cut

> brass after an enamel paint has been applied

> without damaging the paint??

Laser cutting is altogether the wrong approach to this. Lasers are lousy at cutting brass, in fact most places will not risk damaging their lasers by cutting brass. The problem lies in the reflectivity of brass, it basically tends to mirror the laser right back into itself, possibly damaging the very expensive mirrors inside the equipment.

The solution for what you are looking to do would be water jet cutting, which is nearly as accurate as laser cutting, but uses a super-pressurized stream of water. Since there are no reflectivity issues, it cuts brass just fine, and since there is no heat, it would not damage the enamel.

Best of luck,

________________________________

Heath Satow

http://www.publicsculpture.com

Design, fabrication and installation

of sculpture and architectural elements

in metals and other materials.