Laser Cutting
Optimized & Industry-ready Solutions
For All Your Complicated Needs
Laser cutting is used for converting material into small parts with very narrow tolerance. The process is highly accurate, yields excellent cut quality, has a very small kerf width and small heat affect zone. It also makes it possible to cut very detailed shapes and small holes.
Laser cutting machines are capable of very tight tolerances (<20 micrometers) and have a repeatability of 5 micrometers. Making them the ideal cutting method for demanding uses.
01.
LASER CUTTING
Laser cutting is a precise thermal separation process in which a focused laser beam heats the surface of a material to its melting or vaporization point. This allows for clean, controlled cuts without physical contact or mechanical stress. The result is a non-contact, burr-free cutting method ideal for delicate or high-performance materials.
02.
Laser Interaction with Polyimide and Kapton®
Polyimides, including Kapton®, are highly effective absorbers of CO₂ laser energy. When exposed to a CO₂ laser beam (wavelength ~10.6 µm), the polymer rapidly converts optical energy into heat. This intense thermal reaction vaporizes material in the laser’s path, but also causes heat conduction into surrounding areas, leading to carbonization and blackened edges.
This thermal effect is a common characteristic of CO₂ laser cutting on polyimide:
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Edge darkening or charring may occur
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Isopropyl alcohol can be used to clean charred residues
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Best suited for applications where minor edge discoloration is acceptable
CO₂ Laser vs. UV Laser – Key Differences
| Feature | CO₂ Laser | UV Laser |
|---|---|---|
| Wavelength | 10.6 µm (Infrared) | 355 nm (Ultraviolet) |
| Material Compatibility | Plastics, wood, paper, foam, polyimide, acrylic | Delicate plastics, films, glass, polyimide, PCB coatings |
| Cutting Precision | Good for standard tolerances | Very high — ideal for micro-cutting and fine features |
| Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) | Larger HAZ; may cause slight charring | Minimal HAZ; clean edges with low thermal damage |
| Best Use Case | General cutting of films, gaskets, foams | Precision cutting for electronics, stencils, fine features |
| Cost | More affordable and widely used | Higher cost due to specialized optics and systems |
Converting Requirements?
Whether you have a rough idea or a detailed spec, we're here to help. Contact us today and let's bring your vision to life.
Laser Cutting Materials
Laser cutting is ideal for a variety of materials because of its efficiency, including:
Markets Served
Many industries benefit from the use of laser cut materials, because it saves time and money. For example:
- Electronics
- Automotive
- Medical
- Specialty industries Manufacturing
- Powder Coating
- Aerospace
Benefits of Laser Cutting
Exceptional Precision & Detail
Laser cutting delivers ultra-fine accuracy and intricate detailing, ideal for complex geometries and tight tolerances.
Versatility Across Materials
Laser systems can cut a wide variety of materials including plastics, films, foams, paper, and even thin metals—making it suitable for many industries.
Clean Edges & Minimal Waste
The non-contact cutting process produces smooth, burr-free edges with little to no material deformation or excess scrap.
Fast Turnaround & No Tooling Required
Because it’s digitally controlled, laser cutting requires no physical tooling, reducing setup time and making it ideal for rapid prototyping and short runs.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials can you laser cut?
We specialize in cutting polyimide (Kapton® and Cirlex®), PET films, adhesive-backed materials, Mylar, foams, paper, and thin plastics. Our CO₂ and UV laser systems support a wide range of non-metallic materials with tight tolerances and clean edges.
What is the difference between CO₂ and UV laser cutting?
CO₂ lasers (10.6 µm) are best for general-purpose cutting and offer faster processing on thicker materials, but may cause edge darkening. UV lasers (355 nm) provide ultra-precise cuts with minimal thermal damage—ideal for thin films, intricate features, and cleanroom-grade components.
What is the typical cutting tolerance?
We can achieve tolerances as tight as 20 micron, depending on the material and part complexity. Our systems are ideal for applications requiring fine detail and consistency.
Do I need to provide design files?
Yes. For precise laser cutting, we accept DXF, DWG, AI, or PDF files. If you don’t have a file, our team can help you create or convert a design from a drawing or physical sample.
Do you offer additional services like cleaning, packaging, or die-cutting?
Yes! We offer post-processing, including cleaning, custom packaging, adhesive lamination, and die-cutting for projects that require secondary operations.
Get In Touch
(905)836-6668
Canada: 1119 Ringwell Drive, Newmarket, ON, L3X 2H8
USA: 2221 Kenmore Ave Buffalo, NY 14207
Email info@cgstape.com