Laser cutting metals generally achieves high-quality cuts without the need for post-processing. However, many metals are reflective, so how do you overcome these challenges? You need to set the right parameters to cut metal.

 

First, develop a design for metal laser cutting. It is generally recommended that the thickness of the cutting element is greater than the thickness of the workpiece, which ensures the structural integrity of the design. This also helps to reheat the shadowed parts of specific areas to prevent the metal from overheating. Set the best parameters based on the type of metal to ensure that the metal laser cutting machine continues to operate properly.

 

Laser power: Power is one of the most important laser parameters of metal laser cutting machines. It determines the ability of lasers to cut different materials. The higher the power, the stronger the cutting ability of the laser. If you want to cut metal sheets thicker than 10 mm, you should use a cutting machine with a power of more than 1 kW.

 

Cutting speed: The cutting speed of a metal laser cutting machine determines the efficiency of the work. The faster the cutting speed, the more efficient the work, the shorter the processing time, and the higher the production efficiency. When cutting thick metal, try to use high power and low speed. Lowering the cutting speed increases the dwell time of the laser, which in turn enhances the cutting effect. The energy absorbed by the metal is converted into more heat, which causes it to vaporize.

 

Auxiliary gas: The auxiliary gas plays a key role in the metal laser cutting process. It protects the focusing lens from damage, and the debris generated during the cutting process helps to achieve a good cutting effect. Auxiliary gas also helps to improve production efficiency. Common auxiliary gases are oxygen, nitrogen and air. Among these auxiliary gases, air has the lowest cost and usually protects the focusing lens, but has no significant effect on the quality and speed of metal cutting. Oxygen accelerates metal evaporation and increases cutting speed. However, it is not recommended for metals that are easily oxidized by oxygen because this may form an oxide layer. Nitrogen helps to achieve the best cutting results and can be used to cut a variety of metals, but it is more expensive.

 

Exhaust system: The exhaust system is responsible for handling the exhaust gas generated during the cutting process. The smoke generated during the cutting process may harm the health of the operator and also affect the cutting effect.

 

Laser focus: Laser focus will affect the cutting effect of the metal laser cutting machine. When cutting thick metal, the laser focus point can be set at 1/3 of the workpiece thickness to achieve the best results.

 

Shear test: Metal laser cutting machines have different cutting parameters for different metals. You should always test. Cut scrap of the same metal before cutting your workpiece. A cut test before cutting helps you understand the processing characteristics of the material and determine the best cutting power, speed, concentration, etc. This also helps reduce production costs.