What are the factors that affect the cutting process?

Laser cutting is an advanced and widely used cutting process in material processing. It is a processing method that uses a high-energy-density laser beam as a “cutting tool” to cut materials thermally. Laser cutting technology can realize the cutting of various metals, non-metal plates, composite materials, etc., and it has a wide range of applications in multiple fields.

Laser cutting uses a focused laser beam to irradiate the workpiece to quickly melt, vaporize, ablate or reach the ignition point of the material at the irradiated site. At the same time, the molten material is removed by the high-speed airflow coaxial with the beam to cut the workpiece. Laser cutting is one of the thermal cutting methods.

Factors affecting the cutting process

1. Cutting height

The distance between the nozzle and the workpiece is as shown in the figure below. If the distance is too short, the plate may collide with the nozzle. If it is too long, the gas will diffuse and cause more residues on the cutting bottom surface.

The distance between the nozzle and the workpiece during cutting can be set at the “craft” interface, and it is recommended to set between 0.5-1.5mm.

2. Cutting speed

The feed speed can be judged from the cutting sparks. During normal cutting, the sparks spread from top to bottom.

When the sparks are inclined, the feed speed is too fast; if the sparks do not spread and gather together, the feed speed is too slow. With the appropriate cutting speed as shown in the figure below, the cutting surface shows a relatively stable line, and there is no slag in the lower half.

In case of poor cutting quality, it is recommended to perform a general inspection first. The main inspection content and order of the general inspection are:

1)Cutting height(It is recommended that the actual cutting height is between 0.5-1.5mm). If the actual cutting height is not accurate, calibration is required.

2)Nozzle Check whether the nozzle model and size are wrong. If it is correct, check whether the nozzle is damaged and the roundness is normal.

3)It is recommended to use a nozzle with a diameter of 1.0 for optical center inspection, and the focus should be between -1 and 1 when inspecting the optical center. The light spot is small and easy to observe.

4)Protective lens Check whether the protective lens is clean and requires no water, oil, or residue. Sometimes, the protective lens may be fogged due to weather or too cold gas.

5)Check whether the focus is set correctly.

6)Modify cutting parameters

After checking the above six items and there is no problem, modify the parameters according to the phenomenon.