Factors affecting laser cutting of metal

1. Power of the laser

In fact, the cutting ability of a fiber laser cutting machine is mainly related to the power of the laser. Currently, the most common powers on the market are 3000W, 4000W, 6000W and 8000W. Higher power machines can cut thicker or stronger metals.

2. Auxiliary gases used for cutting

Next is the auxiliary gas used for cutting. Common auxiliary gases are O2, N2 and air. Generally, O2 is used for cutting carbon steel and its purity is required to be 99.5 per cent. In the cutting process, the combustion and oxidation reaction of oxygen can improve the cutting efficiency, and eventually form a smooth cutting surface with an oxide layer. However, when cutting stainless steel, due to the high melting point of stainless steel, after considering the cutting quality and smoothness, N2 is generally used for cutting, and the general purity is required to be 99.999%, which prevents the cut from producing an oxidised film during the cutting process. As a result, the cut surface is white and forms a cut vertical texture.

Carbon steel is generally cut using nitrogen or air on a high power machine of 10,000 watts. Air cutting is cost effective and twice as efficient as oxygen cutting for a given thickness. For example, when cutting 3-4 mm of carbon steel, 3 kW can cut with air and 120,000 kW can cut 12 mm with air.

3. Effect of cutting speed on cutting results

In general, the slower the cutting speed is set, the wider and less flat the cut will be and the relatively greater the thickness that can be cut. Do not always cut at the limit power, which will shorten the service life of the machine. When the cutting speed is too fast, it is easy for the kerf to melt too fast to keep up, resulting in slag hanging. Choosing the right speed when cutting helps to achieve good cutting results. Good material surface, selected lenses, etc. will also affect the cutting speed.

4. Quality of the laser cutting machine

The better the quality of the machine, the better the cutting effect, which can avoid secondary processing and reduce labour costs. At the same time, the better the performance of the machine, the better the motion of the machine, the less likely to produce vibration during the cutting process, thus ensuring good processing accuracy. The quality of the machine's air circuit components will also affect the machining effect, and contamination and leakage of the air circuit components should be avoided in the process of use.