Basics of laser technology
A laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) generates an intense, concentrated beam of light through the stimulated emission of photons. These photons oscillate in phase and wave (coherent), have a uniform wavelength (monochromatic) and are directionally polarised.
This creates a high-precision, focusable beam of light which, depending on the laser beam source, can be used for processing, measuring or transmitting energy.
A CO₂ laser is a gas laser in which a gas mixture of carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen (N₂) and helium (He) is excited in the resonator. Electrical discharge generates infrared light with a wavelength of 10.6 µm, which is invisible to the human eye. This laser source is particularly suitable for processing non-metallic materials such as plastics, textiles, wood or acrylic.
Modern CO₂ lasers are hermetically sealed, maintenance-free and do not consume any laser gas, which makes them extremely durable and reliable.
With a flying optic laser machine, the material remains fixed on the processing table. The virtually parallel CO₂ laser beam is directed via several 90° deflection mirrors to the focusing lens, which concentrates it onto a tiny point – usually a few millimetres above the material surface. This creates a high-energy focal point that precisely cuts or engraves the material.
This technology enables:
- Non-contact processing without tool pressure or material deformation
- Consistently high cutting quality across the entire working area
- No tool wear, as the laser is not a mechanical tool
The flying optic design is particularly suitable for large-format materials and guarantees consistent processing at high speed and precision.
A laser beam itself has no temperature – because it does not consist of matter, but of photons (light particles) that have no mass. Temperature only arises from the movement of particles in a material.
However, the CO₂ laser beam carries energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation (wavelength 10.6 µm). This energy is absorbed when it hits the material and converted into heat. This heats the material particles so much that they melt or evaporate, depending on the material and laser power.
Example:
A material that melts at 140 °C can be cut faster with the same laser power than a material with a melting point of 230 °C, as less energy needs to be applied.
Conclusion:
The laser beam itself is not hot – the heat is only generated in the material when it absorbs the energy of the laser light.
In laser cutting, the focusing optics are supplied with compressed air (typically 1–4 bar) via a cutting nozzle. The air flow has several tasks:
- Cleaning the cutting gap: It blows vapours, molten material and residues such as slag out of the cutting area.
- Cooling: It cools the material surface and reduces thermal influences.
- Protecting the optics: The clean air flow keeps the focusing lens free of dust and particles.
Depending on the material and application, different nozzle diameters are used to specifically influence the cutting process and cut quality.
Fine compressed air jet = 2 mm nozzle:
Ensures clean cut edges and smooth surfaces for films, textiles and wood.
Wide air jet = 4 mm nozzle:
Cools the surface of acrylics and thermoplastics, promotes polished edges and precise engravings.
Laser cutting generates fine particles, aerosols and fumes due to high temperatures (up to approx. 1,000 °C). These emissions can be harmful to health and impair the cutting quality.
That is why eurolaser systems consistently extract them above and below the material. The 360° extraction technology captures smoke and dust directly at the point of origin and filters them reliably as required before the cleaned air is released into the environment.
Why the ‘maximum power’ specification is not very reliable:
Many manufacturers advertise the peak value (maximum power) of their lasers, especially in the first few months of operation. However, this specification varies greatly between systems – and often decreases over time.
What is more meaningful when evaluating lasers?
The decisive factor is the guaranteed power – i.e. the value that the manufacturer reliably guarantees over many years. Eurolaser tests every beam source for power and beam quality using objective measurement methods before it is installed in a system.
What performance specifications are there and what should you look out for?
Different specifications are often used, making direct comparison difficult:
- Nominal power
- Maximum power
- Peak power
- Pulse power
- CW mode (continuous wave)
- Guaranteed power
For the user, the guaranteed power is particularly important – it forms a reliable basis for planning, applications and comparisons.
Mounting at beam height protects the mirrors from contamination and ensures consistently high beam quality.
- Clean optics: Vertically arranged mirrors prevent dirt deposits and burn-in.
- Low wear: Consistently high reflection ensures consistently good beam quality.
- High precision: No vibrations, as the laser source does not move.
- Easy maintenance: Easily accessible components reduce service and maintenance costs.
- Durability: Stable construction and robust optics ensure reliable continuous operation.
- High productivity: Better acceleration and speed values due to lower moving mass.
Although mounting below the system would save space, it has significant disadvantages:
- Dust and dirt accumulate on horizontal mirrors
- Dirty optics lead to loss of performance and reduced quality
- Higher cleaning and maintenance costs
- Poor service access
That is why eurolaser mounts the laser source at the same height as the beam – for clean optics, stable performance and consistently precise cutting results.
The laser source is too heavy to move precisely – depending on its power, it weighs between 10 and over 90 kg.
Disadvantages of a moving structure:
- Lower acceleration and processing speed
- Visible vibrations in the cut edge
- Less precision with fine contours
That is why the laser source remains stationary at eurolaser – for maximum accuracy, speed and cutting quality.
With laser cutting, the tool does not come into contact with the material. The cut is made exclusively by the focused laser beam – without pressure, friction or deformation.
Advantages of contactless cutting:
- No clamping of the material
- Less work preparation
- Full material utilisation
- No material crushing
- Easy loading, no user expertise required
- No force exerted on the material
- Lower waste rate due to fewer breakages
- Small parts can be processed without clamping
- Less cleaning required as no chips are produced
- Lower noise levels
- Better material utilisation thanks to efficient nesting
- Practically radius-free, fine contours thanks to minimal laser beam diameter
- No tool wear
- Consistent cutting quality
- No re-sharpening necessary
- Lower tool costs
- No tool changes
- No tool contamination
- No material distortion
- Less material waste
- More precise cutting results
- Even very light, stretchy material can be processed
Installation & Training
Before installation, you will receive personal advice from an experienced service technician. Important details such as power supply, cable lengths and spatial requirements will be clarified to ensure that everything is optimally prepared.
No – thanks to their modular design, eurolaser systems can be dismantled and loaded and unloaded using a forklift truck or pallet truck. A crane or low-loader is not usually required.
The advantages for you:
- Standard equipment is sufficient (no special equipment required)
- Can be delivered through normal doors
- No costly building alterations necessary
Yes. The systems are modular in design and can be dismantled into individual parts if necessary. This means they fit through standard doors and can be installed at ground level without major modifications.
Advantages of this dismantlability:
- No building modifications necessary (e.g. window openings, roof openings)
- No special equipment such as cranes or low-loaders required
- Expandability possible after purchase
Laser machines designed for material processing must always be classified as laser class 4. Enclosure or encapsulation does not change this classification – the machine remains formally laser class 4. However, for approval within the EU, the operating area must correspond to laser class 1 or 2 during normal operation. This also applies to all eurolaser systems.
eurolaser systems:
- are as safe as laser class 1 in the operating area
- are TÜV-tested and CE-compliant
- have a comprehensive safety concept
- do not require a protective cabin
- enable efficient working with full flexibility
Conclusion:
eurolaser systems are configured in such a way that laser class 1 is always maintained during normal operation. This means that the operator can work safely and without risk at all times. Light barriers and impact protection sensors, together with the shielded laser beam guide, monitor the entire machining process and thus ensure maximum occupational safety. The design offered by eurolaser deliberately avoids complete encapsulation, combining maximum safety with practical usability. The operator is reliably protected from laser radiation, scattered radiation and process emissions, but can still control the cutting process, work quickly and utilise the full flexibility of the machine.
Technology & operation
The device driver that enables communication between the computer and the laser machine is called CONNECT at eurolaser. It controls the laser machine and manages the parameter settings for the cutting process.
CONNECT is compatible with the most common vector formats, including AI, DXF, CMX, HPGL, PDF, EPS and ZCC. If you are using existing cutting or contour data, it can be imported and processed directly.
Thanks to the high format compatibility, there is no need for time-consuming file conversion – you can simply continue working with your usual data.
Our LaserScout software allows you to use QR or barcodes with stored cutting data and material parameters. The fully automatic process reduces unit costs to a minimum. This solution is particularly valuable for series and mass production in industry.
Yes, eurolaser systems can be easily integrated into existing production and IT workflows. Our LaserScout software uses open PLC interfaces to enable simple connection to higher-level control systems, robots or conveyor systems.
This allows laser machines to be seamlessly integrated into automated production lines – from material handling and the cutting process to further processing. This digital networking creates the basis for Industry 4.0-compatible manufacturing processes and ensures efficient, transparent and future-proof production.
Yes, thanks to eurolaser's camera recognition systems, contours can be cut precisely along the print designs. Register marks or print images are automatically recognised and the cutting contours are adjusted by software. This enables accurate results, even if the print and material differ slightly from one another.
Yes, this is possible without any problems. LaserScout features automatic print & cut data import for the following RIP software manufacturers: Caldera, ColorGATE, EFI, ErgoSoft, GMG ProductionSuite, ONYX, Wasatch, Prepare-it, ZCC and I-Cut.
The operator can continue working as usual – no additional training is required. Existing processes, including pre-press, remain completely unchanged. This saves time and prevents costly operating errors.
Typical workflow:
- Design and preparation of the laser cut
- Laser cutting and finishing
Your advantages at a glance:
- Maintain your existing print & cut workflow
- Increase productivity with the integrated barcode function
- Increase process reliability by avoiding operating errors
- Save time and resources with a simplified production process
To ensure that the camera system reliably recognises the registration marks, a few basic points should be observed when creating them:
- Shape: Circles are best suited as they are recognised as rotationally symmetrical.
- Contrast: There must be a clear difference in brightness between the mark and the background.
- Size: The camera captures an area of approx. 30 × 30 mm. A mark diameter of approx. 6 mm is optimal.
- Number: At least three marks should be created per motif, for example at the corner points. Additional marks increase accuracy.
- Uniformity: The shape and size of the marks must remain the same within the print image to avoid positional deviations.
Yes, with CO₂ laser machines from eurolaser, you can create vector, image and relief engravings in high resolution of up to 1200 dpi.
The contact-free laser process enables fine details, clean contours and a precise engraving image – without any tool wear or dust formation.
Thanks to the large-format working areas of up to 10 m², even large engravings can be easily realised – ideal for furniture parts, interior design, decorations or advertising applications.
The laser beam always hits the material surface at a 90° angle on our machines. However, for bevel cuts or mitres, additional mechanical tools from Zünd are available that can be installed directly on our machines.
This allows materials to be processed at a 45° angle, for example, to chamfer edges or create mitres. This significantly expands your processing capabilities and allows you to combine laser and routing processes on a single machine.
Depending on the application, eurolaser systems use different lenses with focal lengths of 3.75", 5" and 7.5".
The lens is mounted in the lens holder, where the respective type can be clearly identified:
- 3.75" lens: two rings – bottom and top
- 5" lens: one ring at the bottom
- 7.5" lens: one ring at the top
In addition, the lens used is automatically recognised by the system and displayed on the control panel.
Unused table areas should be covered during cutting in order to concentrate the extraction power specifically on the workpiece.
This prevents the extraction system from drawing air from unused areas. As a result, less suction power is lost, secondary air is reduced and the efficiency of the extraction system increases.
The result: cleaner cut edges and optimised machining results.
Consistent suction performance across the entire working area is ensured by up to 6,400 individual suction points or a continuous honeycomb structure with thin support bars. Since suction has a decisive influence on cutting quality, we guarantee consistently high cutting precision at every point on the table.
After the cutting emissions have been extracted from beneath the material, they are directed into individual extraction segments and compressed there. This creates a strong vacuum, which ensures high extraction performance. The emissions are then further concentrated into a few outlets, which further enhances the effect. This optimises the extraction directly at the cutting gap.
The adjustable extraction system enables energy-efficient processing. Both the strength of the vacuum and the activated extraction sections of the table can be individually adjusted. Unused areas can be switched off, reducing energy costs. In addition, the room climate is only minimally affected. Precise fine adjustments allow the extraction system to be optimally tailored to your material and specific application.
Our extraction concept ensures maximum efficiency directly at the cutting gap. Segmented extraction zones concentrate the suction power on a small area, minimising power losses due to secondary air. This keeps the extraction power constant and effective.
In contrast, many conventional systems use large-area extraction via a V-shaped substructure with a central turbine outlet. This distributes the suction power inconsistently, especially with long cutting gaps. The result: increased secondary air flow, decreasing extraction power over time, uneven cutting edges and increased smoke formation. eurolaser, on the other hand, relies on several smaller extraction turbines that specifically serve individual table areas. This ensures full extraction power at all times.
In closed table systems, the ambient air is often extracted via side extraction slots, usually at the rear. This can cause smoke particles and dirt to be drawn across the material. eurolaser prevents this undesirable side effect by additionally using an upper extraction system.
The upper extraction system ensures effective removal of the cutting emissions produced. This technology is particularly advantageous when the lower extraction system is limited in its function – for example, in engraving or kiss-cut applications where the material is not completely cut through. In such cases, the emissions cannot be extracted downwards through the cutting gap. Instead, the upper extraction system captures the air consistently and circularly around the laser beam and directs it straight upwards.
The targeted air flow removes the molten material from the cutting gap and simultaneously cools the heat-affected zone. The compressed air flow is sucked downwards through the cutting gap, while overpressure protects the optical lens from contamination. Compressed air plays a crucial role in the efficiency and quality of laser cutting.
Fine compressed air jet = 2 mm nozzle:
Ensures clean cut edges and smooth surfaces on films, textiles and wood.
Wide air jet = 4 mm nozzle:
Cools the surface of acrylics and thermoplastics, promotes polished edges and precise engravings.
Depending on your needs and requirements, we offer various filter concepts for filtering coarse, fine and gaseous substances. Our range extends to industrial solutions that are also suitable for eco-certified companies.
Service & maintenance
Yes, eurolaser offers tailor-made training courses for customers, which are based entirely on their specific requirements and prior knowledge.
Our trainings provide practical knowledge about the operation, maintenance and application of laser machines – directly on site at the customer's premises.
Our training programmes at a glance:
- Initial instruction: immediately after installation – basic introduction to operation and safety
- Application and system training: comprehensive training on organisation, safety, operation of the laser system (LCS), maintenance & care and software (LaserScout). Topics include system operation, parameter determination, cleaning, simple self-maintenance and application-specific applications – both general and tailored to your materials and processes.
- Special option training: targeted training on the efficient use of add-on modules
- Advanced self-maintenance: in-depth knowledge for more independence, e.g. advanced cleaning or replacement of spare parts
- Service technician training: training on how to carry out basic maintenance work and minor repairs by trained customer personnel
This is how we ensure that you can make optimum use of your eurolaser system and secure long-term productivity.
If your question is not answered in the FAQs, our technical service team will be happy to help.
Please have the following information ready for quick processing:
- Serial number of your eurolaser machine
- Service ID or transaction number (if available)
- Error message displayed on the control panel (if available)
The serial number is located on a type plate directly on your laser machine. Depending on the model series, it is located in different places:
- G3/S3 series (current models): On the back of the laser cover, below the signal light.
- G3/S3 series (older models): On the Y-bar (movable crossbar), front left.
- PN series: On the front right of the base, approximately at knee height. If no serial number is visible there, the ZÜND number can be provided instead.
The serial number consists of a combination of letters and numbers, e.g. 1234S5678P.
Yes, we offer the option of a trade-in if you would like to upgrade your existing eurolaser machine.
Simply contact us – we will be happy to advise you on the individual options available.
Material knowledge
Questions about laser cutting acrylic
Yes, cast acrylic (GS) and extruded acrylic (XT) differ in their laser processing characteristics. Cast acrylic produces high-quality, flame-polished cut edges and is particularly well suited for high-contrast laser engraving. Extruded acrylic offers tighter thickness tolerances, supporting excellent dimensional accuracy. It is also often a more cost-effective option for applications with higher production volumes.
Yes, eurolaser CO₂ laser machines can precisely cut acrylic sheets up to 30 mm thick. The process produces smooth, high-quality cut edges and clean internal contours, eliminating the need for post-processing in many applications.
Proven processing parameters for different material thicknesses are already available in the software. In addition, laser power and cutting speed can be adjusted to meet specific requirements and further optimise the cutting result.
When cutting thick acrylic from 20 mm, several aspects should be considered to achieve optimum cutting quality:
- Laser power: High laser power (200–650 watts) enables more precise and faster cuts.
- Compressed air: Reduced compressed air prevents cloudy cut edges, while minimal purge air protects the optics.
- Extraction technology: Optimised extraction with spacers reduces gas concentration and distributes excess energy.
- Focus point: The focus point should be centred in the material to ensure straight cut edges.
- Protective film: The protective film protects the material surface from heat exposure, discolouration and burn marks during cutting.
Our laser machines are available with working areas ranging from 830 mm to 3,200 mm in width and are suitable for virtually all common acrylic sheet formats. The Laser Cutter XL-1200 is ideal for 1/3 sheets, the XL-1600 for 1/2 sheets, and the XL-3200 for processing full-size sheets.
Yes, printed acrylic can be laser cut with high precision. Thanks to eurolaser’s optical recognition system, cutting contours are automatically aligned with the printed graphics. Even with white-backed acrylic, the camera recognition system enables precise positioning and clean cut edges without smoke residue.
Yes, they can produce vector, image and relief engravings. Even large-format engravings on full-size sheets are possible.
The way acrylic is stored has a significant impact on cut quality. Moisture can cause bubbles or a cloudy film on the cut edge during laser cutting, while direct sunlight may damage the protective film. Acrylic should therefore be stored in a dry, well-ventilated environment at around 15 °C and protected from direct sunlight. Prolonged storage can also cause the protective film to shrink and impair material quality.
Questions about laser cutting wood-based materials
The material properties of the wood play a key role in laser cutting and laser engraving. Wood species and wood-based materials with a homogeneous structure generally produce the best results. Factors such as moisture content, density, and oil or resin content influence both cutting quality and processing speed. Due to the thermal nature of the laser process, some degree of darkening occurs along the cut edge. The extent of this discolouration depends on the wood species as well as its moisture and resin content. As a general rule, the drier and less resinous the material, the lighter the cut edge will be.
Yes, eurolaser CO₂ laser cutting machines can precisely cut wood-based materials up to 30 mm thick. Even greater material thicknesses are possible with low-density woods such as balsa, depending on the material properties.
Yes, eurolaser CO₂ laser machines can produce high-resolution vector, image and relief engravings. The process delivers fine details, clean contours and precise engraving results without tool wear.
Thanks to working areas of up to 10 m², even large-format engravings on wood and wood-based materials can be realised. Typical applications include furniture components, interior design, decorative elements and advertising displays.
Questions about laser cutting of textiles
Yes, with our LaserScout software, QR or barcodes can be used directly on textile rolls to load cutting data and material parameters for the automated laser process. This makes the entire process fully automated and particularly efficient.
This solution significantly reduces unit costs and is ideal for series and mass production of textiles in industrial production environments.
Yes, with the camera recognition system and LaserScout POSITION software, automatic alignment of the cutting contours to material patterns is possible. The entire working area is scanned in a few seconds using area scanning, enabling the system to reliably recognise pattern gradients or print structures and adjust the cutting data precisely.
The result: perfect cutting positioning, even with complex patterns or pre-printed textiles.
Yes, our laser machines can also cut oversized formats, i.e. contours that extend beyond the length of the working area, with very high connection accuracy using software control.
Depending on the model, roll widths of up to 3.2 m can be used, and in some cases up to 3.4 m. However, such widths should be tested individually. The standard inner diameter of the roll should be 50 to 120 mm. Other sizes are available on request. Very heavy rolls can also be processed.
Yes, eurolaser offers a Guide Rail System. You can place an individual number of rolls next to each other, and the individual webs are transported precisely to the processing table and then cut. This is a practical solution for increasing productivity, especially with narrow rolls. The Guide Rail System is available for all Conveyor sizes.
Yes, this is possible with our Winding Unit. It ensures the even winding of processed textiles.
The Winding Unit is an optional extension of the Conveyor System.
For optimal winding results, holding tabs (also known as micro joints) may need to be added to the cutting contours to keep the cut parts connected to the edge material.
Positioned at the end of the cutting process, the Winding Unit enables a fully automated workflow from start to finish.
Questions about laser cutting plastics
Yes, CO₂ laser machines can produce high-resolution vector, image and relief engravings on many plastics. The non-contact process creates clean engravings without tool wear, making it ideal for lettering, logos, markings and decorative structures.
PVC can generally be cut with a laser. However, the process generates harmful gases that can form corrosive acids when combined with moisture. These can affect both the working environment and machine components. For safety and corrosion protection reasons, eurolaser therefore recommends not processing PVC with a laser. Mechanical tools such as knife modules or routing modules are a more suitable alternative.
Yes, multi-wall plastic sheets can be cut precisely without placing mechanical stress on the delicate internal web structure. The process produces clean cut edges and fine contours, making it ideal for applications in advertising, display manufacturing, exhibition construction and architecture.
Yes, the thermal laser process often seals the cut edges during cutting. This can help protect the material against the ingress of moisture and dirt.
Yes, printed plastics can be cut accurately along printed contours using camera recognition. Print tolerances are compensated for automatically by software, ensuring precise cutting results even on printed materials.
Questions about laser cutting of films and adhesive tapes
Yes, you can also realise so-called kiss cuts with our laser machines. By specifically adjusting the laser power, only the top layer of a material is cut (e.g. in the case of self-adhesive films or labels), while the carrier material or the underlayer remains intact. In addition, a specially integrable kiss-cut module technology is available, which enables very fine cuts or partial cuts to be made using mechanical or hybrid control.
Further details on the kiss-cut modules
Yes, this often even has the advantage of sealing the cut edges and protecting them from moisture and dirt.
Yes, with eurolaser's camera recognition system, printed films can be cut precisely along the print contours. The software automatically recognises registration marks or print patterns and compares them with the cutting data, so that deviations in the print image are reliably compensated for.
This function is ideal for advertising technology, packaging, technical films or displays where precise contours are crucial. Even with multi-layer or translucent films, the cut edge remains clean and smoke-free, without any manual alignment.
Yes, with the Conveyor System from eurolaser, films can be processed directly from the roll. The material is automatically transported from the feeding unit to the processing table, precisely positioned and automatically fed onwards after cutting – ideal for continuous or serial production.
The Guide Rail System is also available for even greater productivity. This allows several narrow rolls to be fed in parallel and cut simultaneously. Each web is guided precisely, ensuring an efficient and reproducible process.
