What is Air Assist for Laser Engraver and Cutter?

This blog will explain to you what air assist is on lasers and why it is extremely important to include it in your laser engravers and cutters, along with our recommendations.

What is Air Assist on a Laser Engraver and Cutter?

Air Assist is a feature found on many laser cutters and engravers. It uses compressed air (and sometimes water coolants) to blow onto the area where the laser is engraving or cutting. This feature is helpful for several reasons:

1. Improved Cutting Quality: The air stream helps remove debris that could block the laser, leading to cleaner and more accurate cuts.
2. Smoke and Fume Control: It blows away the smoke and fumes created during cutting, which reduces the risk of fire and keeps your workspace from filling with harmful smoke.
3. Prevents Chemical Buildup: The air flow helps reduce chemical residue on the material’s surface after it’s been burned, keeping the engraved surface cleaner.
4. Cooler Work Surface: The air stream also helps cool down the material and the laser lens, which helps improve the lifespan of the equipment and speeds up the engraving process.

The Air Assist feature is important for better results in engraving and cutting, and if you’re buying new hardware, it’s definitely something to look for. One great example is the Ortur LM3 laser engraver, which has a top-quality integrated air assist system.

How Air Assist Works

Now that you know what Air Assist is, let's look at how it works. The system includes an air compressor unit and tubing that carries coolants (like compressed air).

The Science Behind Air Assist:

Laser engraving creates an exothermic reaction—this means the process generates energy in the form of heat and light on the surface being worked on. When air (like nitrogen, oxygen, or pressurized air) is blown onto the surface, it helps transfer the heat away from the laser and the material.

In short, Air Assist uses air to help with heat transfer, keeping everything cool during the engraving or cutting process.

How It Works in Action:

• The air from the compressor is blown over the material as the laser works.
• This air helps to remove heat from the cutting area, preventing the laser from overheating.
• It also creates a buffer between the laser and the material to ensure the laser operates efficiently and doesn’t cause damage due to too much heat.

Why Air is Used:

In the past, gases like oxygen and nitrogen were often used with air assist systems, especially in industrial settings. However, for domestic use, compressed air works just as well, and it’s much easier to access since it’s free and widely available.

For example, the Ortur LM3 laser cutter uses a 50L air compressor to pump air through a tube into the laser module. This air is then combined with dual fans and airflow guides, ensuring the laser has the cool, safe conditions needed to produce the best cutting and engraving results.

Conclusion

After discussing what Air Assist is and how it works, it’s clear that these systems are becoming standard in the laser cutting industry. If your laser cutter doesn't have an air assist system, we highly recommend upgrading to one that has it. This feature not only improves safety but also enhances the quality and efficiency of your cutting and engraving projects.