Laser cutting is a process used to cut metals and other materials using a laser beam. It is an advanced technology that has many advantages over other conventional metal and wood cutting methods.
Typically, lasers are focused by a lens to a very small spot that has sufficient power density to produce a cutting effect. The resulting gap that the laser creates is called a kerf.
Reactive Gas Cutting
Reactive gas cutting, also known as laser flame cutting, leverages the oxidative power of reactive gases like oxygen. It is effective because it can cut through molten metal at a faster rate than other methods, which allows for faster fabrication and increased productivity.
It is also an effective way to remove the molten metal from the cut surface. Oxygen gas, for example, can oxidize and react with molten stainless steel to create a clean cut.
Assist gases are injected into the cutting nozzle to supplement the laser beam. These gases can be compressed air, nitrogen, or argon. The selection of assist gas is determined by the material being cut. For molten thermoplastics, compressed air is typically used. For molten titanium, argon is recommended.
Sublimation Cutting
LASER CUTTING (laser beam machining) is used to separate solid parts by creating a small gap or kerf between them with an intense laser beam. It is applied for many different materials and applications, ranging from metals such as stainless steel or titanium alloys to glass, ceramics and plastics, as well as semiconductors.
In most cases, the workpiece is placed between the laser processing head and the laser, which is focused on it through a nozzle's hole, heating the material and melting it to its ignition temperature, which is then removed by a cutting gas that flows coaxially through the nozzle.
The process is called flame cutting, or oxygen cutting for low-alloyed steel, and is commonly performed with high power CO2 or solid-state lasers. It is a suitable option for material thicknesses of up to 25 mm, and offers excellent cutting quality.
Inert Gas Cutting
Inert gas cutting uses an assist gas to increase the heat transfer from the laser beam into the workpiece, allowing for higher speeds and quality edges. Several gases can be used for this type of cutting, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon and carbon dioxide.
Oxygen is one of the most popular options because it works opposite to standard air and can be used in a variety of materials, including mild steel. However, oxygen can introduce oxides to the cut edge if used for long periods of time.
Nitrogen is also an option for some applications because it does not undergo chemical reactions, like oxygen. This allows for clean cutting on a wide range of metals, including aluminum and mild steel.
Inert gas cutting is an effective way to achieve high-quality edges and fast speed for certain materials. It can also reduce the risk of molten material spattering, which can damage the laser optics and lens. It is a cost-effective alternative to reactive gas cutting, and can be implemented on small or large scales.
High-Speed Cutting
A laser is a powerful light source that can be used to cut material in an extremely precise way. The beams are very narrow, which allows them to pierce the material and cut it in one pass.
High-powered laser cutters can handle a wide range of materials, including metals and non-metals. They can also be used to cut ceramics and other soft materials.
The kerf width of these lasers is also narrow, which allows for smooth edges. They can even be used to cut complex shapes with perfect precision.
However, these machines are very expensive and must be carefully chosen.
In addition, the machine must be able to cope with very thick sheets without breaking down. As a rule, it is best to limit the power of a laser to 8 kW for thin sheet cutting and 12 kW for thick sheets.
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