PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is one of the most common plastic materials. Pure polyvinyl chloride resin is a rigid thermoplastic material with poor mechanical strength, so plasticizers, stabilizers, fillers, and other mixtures are added to improve its properties. According to the proportion of plasticizers added, PVC can be divided into two main categories: rigid PVC and flexible PVC.
PVC offers advantages such as durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of cleaning, making it widely used in various applications. It can be used as construction material, such as construction site fences, laboratory floors, and campus walls; or as packaging or decorative materials, such as automotive interiors, industrial storage tanks, and drainage pipes. In short, PVC is a versatile synthetic plastic that has extensive applications in fields like construction, healthcare, agriculture, industry, and sports.
In the construction and industrial sectors, PVC often needs to be shaped into specific forms with high precision. In these cases, manufacturers use CNC machines for fine cutting or engraving, with laser cutting being one of the most common processing methods.
Laser cutting PVC has advantages such as high precision, fast speed, and smooth edges. Combined with intelligent control systems, it allows for flexible and automated switching of tasks. However, to achieve smooth processing without issues like blackened edges, there are several precautions to consider during the process:
1. Understanding Material Properties
As mentioned earlier, PVC comes in two types: rigid and flexible. The thermal response of these two materials differs, and even with the same power, the cutting effects will vary. Before starting the cutting process, it’s important to understand the material’s properties and make the appropriate adjustments.
2. Laser Parameter Settings
Laser parameters directly affect the cutting quality. For example, too high power will cause the edges to burn, while too low power may result in incomplete cuts. A slow cutting speed can cause overheating, while a fast cutting speed may lead to uneven cuts. During processing, it’s essential to fine-tune the parameters to match the material and achieve optimal cutting results.
3. Air Blowing and Exhausting
Using a cold air nozzle to blow cold air during cutting helps reduce the temperature of the cutting area and minimizes burning. PVC may release toxic chlorine gas during cutting, so it is crucial to ensure proper ventilation in the cutting space and install necessary suction and exhaust systems.
4. Equipment Selection and Maintenance
CO2 laser cutting is commonly used for processing PVC. The quality of the laser beam directly affects the cutting result. Before starting the cutting process, make sure that the equipment is in good condition, the optical path is aligned, and the focusing lens is clean.
