Cutting 1/32" thick mirrors using a CO2 laser

[AH11]

Hello,

I am new to this forum. I am using a compact CNC router that has a carbide wheel to cut thin sheets of mirror (1/32" thick with silver backing) into small geometrical shapes (triangles and trapezoids). I am having lots of problems with the machine (mechanical and lack of precision). I am thinking of buying a CO2 50W laser engraver. I am wondering if with some particular settings I would be able to etch the glass side of the mirror so it can be cut into the desired pieces without chipping the edges (with decent precision like within 1/32" and good speed). The pieces are like 1/4" to 2" in length on any one side. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Tweakie]

A CO2 laser of 50Watts can only produce a series of micro-fractures into the surface of the glass. It will not cut the glass nor will it be able to make a suitable scribe line for breaking the glass.
Have you tried a wheel type glass cutter, swivel mounted in your CNC then breaking the glass along the scribe lines ??

Tweakie.

[AH11]

Hello Tweakie,

Thanks for your response. I am already using a small custom-made carbide cutter connected to a cnc router. I am having lots of issues with the machine so I thought about switching to laser. I have read in some places that the CO2 laser when tweaked with the correct settings can actually cut glass/mirror well enough. Considering that the mirror I am using is 1/32" thick, I assumed that it could cut deep enough for me to get a nice cut. The issue is that I am using it to cut small pieces that need to have precision and I am not sure how well a laser would do that on the mirror.

[underthetire]

Think your going to need a lot more power than a small 50 watt. I'm guessing more like 400 watt+ to cut glass. Glass can and will dissipate the laser beam, just like white foam board will.

[Rodney Gold]

Use acrylic mirror and you can cut with 10 watts. It comes in 1mm thicknesses (1/25")

[TLHarrell]

Most companies who cut pieces of mirror would be using some sort of diamond wheel saw. This leaves a smoother edge. The laser won't make a dent. And scoring and snapping leaves nasty sharp edges which require finishing.