The Influence Of Gas Selection On Cutting Quality And Application Skills Of Metal Plate Laser Cutting Machine
Laser cutting is a high-precision and high-efficiency metal processing method, and the selection of a suitable gas is crucial to cutting quality and efficiency.
In this article, we will introduce in detail the types of gases used by fiber laser cutting machine on different metal plates and their characteristics.
1.Carbon steel
Oxygen cutting is generally used when cutting carbon steel. Oxygen cutting can be divided into positive focus cutting and negative focus cutting. The section of positive focus cutting is bright or frosted, which is suitable for high-power laser cutting.
The section quality of medium and thick plates is slightly inferior, but the cutting speed is fast and efficient. For thin plates, consider using nitrogen or air cutting to improve efficiency.
It should be noted that as the thickness of carbon steel plate increases, nitrogen or air cutting may produce more burrs.
2.Stainless steel
Cutting stainless steel is generally cut using nitrogen or air. There are some differences in the cutting effect of the two gases. The section cut by nitrogen is silver white, while the section cut by air shows a yellowish or blackish color.
Because air contains oxygen, which has a combustion effect, air cutting speed is usually faster than nitrogen cutting.
3.Aluminum alloy
Nitrogen or air is generally used for cutting aluminum alloy. Whether nitrogen cutting or air cutting, the section is silver-white. Nitrogen cutting aluminum will not cause oxidation reaction, because aluminum itself is silver-white.
While air cutting will cause oxidation, but the resulting aluminum oxide is also white. Aluminum cutting principle is similar to stainless steel, but the air cutting speed is relatively fast.
4.Galvanized sheet
Cutting galvanized sheet generally use nitrogen or air cutting, cutting principle is similar to stainless steel.
5.Brass
Cutting brass generally use nitrogen or air cutting, cutting principle similar to stainless steel.
6.Copper
Copper is a highly reflective material, using high-pressure oxygen cutting. Oxygen and copper part of the oxidation reaction, which is conducive to reducing the impact of laser reflection on the laser.
7.Titanium alloy
Cutting titanium alloy generally use air cutting. Air is the most cost-effective choice. If you want to maintain the original metal color of titanium alloy, you can choose inert gas cutting, such as argon, but the cost is higher.
8.Special metal-containing materials
High hardness of special metal-containing materials can try to use air cutting. Due to the high hardness, the cutting speed may be slower.
If air cutting can not be realized, you can consider using high-pressure oxygen cutting. If this is still not possible, then conventional machining methods can only be used.
To summarize, almost all metal materials can be cut with air-assisted cutting. Compared to nitrogen cutting, air cutting offers faster cutting speeds and lower costs.
However, air compressor filters need to be changed regularly to ensure cut quality.
The choice of gas for a laser cutting machine has a significant impact on cutting quality and efficiency.
Depending on the material of the sheet metal, choosing the right type of gas can improve the cutting effect and ensure accurate, high-quality cutting results.