Setting the correct cutting parameters is crucial to achieving optimal results, such as clean cuts and high accuracy. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the key fiber laser cutting parameters you need to consider.
Power: The laser power is the amount of energy delivered by the laser to the material being cut. The power level required for cutting will depend on the material's thickness, density, and other properties. Typically, the thicker the material, the more power is required.
Pulse Frequency: The pulse frequency determines the number of laser pulses per second. The pulse frequency will affect the cutting speed and precision, so it needs to be set correctly. A higher pulse frequency will generally result in faster cutting speeds, but it may also decrease the precision of the cut.
Focus: The focus of the laser beam is critical for achieving clean cuts. The focus point needs to be precisely set according to the material being cut. For example, thicker materials will require a deeper focus point, while thinner materials need a shallower focus point.
Gas Pressure: The gas pressure used in fiber laser cutting machines helps to remove molten metal from the cut area. Oxygen, nitrogen, and compressed air are the most commonly used gases in fiber laser cutting. The gas pressure must be set correctly, as too little pressure may result in incomplete cuts, while too much pressure can cause burning or distortion.
Cutting Speed: The cutting speed determines how quickly the laser moves across the material being cut. The cutting speed needs to be optimized to ensure clean cuts without causing any material deformation. A slower cutting speed may provide cleaner cuts but may also reduce the production speed.
Assist Gas Flow: The assist gas flow helps to remove debris from the cutting area, improve the cutting quality, and prevent overheating of the material. It is essential to ensure the correct flow rate, as too little flow may cause incomplete cuts, while too much flow may cause the material to warp.
Nozzle Diameter: The nozzle diameter is the size of the opening through which the laser beam is delivered. A larger nozzle diameter is suitable for cutting thicker materials, while a smaller diameter is better for thinner materials.
In conclusion, fiber laser machine cutting parameters need to be accurately set to ensure optimal cutting results. You must consider the material properties, such as thickness, density, and other factors, when setting the power, pulse frequency, focus, gas pressure, cutting speed, assist gas flow, and nozzle diameter. With the correct settings, you can achieve precise, clean cuts and improve the overall productivity of your fiber laser machine.
