When a fiber laser cutting machine cuts highly reflective materials such as copper, brass, aluminum, or stainless steel, there are some problems that need attention. Here are a few of them:
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Reflection: Highly reflective materials tend to reflect laser beams, which can cause damage to the laser cutting machine and the operator. To avoid this, it is necessary to use laser cutting machines with higher power and suitable wavelength.
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Thermal damage: During the cutting process, the high intensity laser beam can generate a lot of heat, which can cause thermal damage to the surrounding area of the material. This can lead to deformation or even melting of the material. To prevent this, it is essential to optimize the cutting parameters, such as the laser power, cutting speed, and gas pressure.
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Oxidation: Highly reflective materials tend to oxidize easily when exposed to air, which can affect the quality of the cut. To avoid this, it is necessary to use an assist gas, such as nitrogen, to create a protective atmosphere around the material during cutting.
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Material waste: Highly reflective materials are expensive, and any wastage can result in significant losses. It is essential to optimize the cutting process to minimize material waste and increase efficiency.
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Surface finish: Highly reflective materials require a smooth surface finish after cutting. To achieve this, it is necessary to use a suitable cutting strategy and post-processing techniques, such as grinding and polishing.
Overall, cutting highly reflective materials with a fiber laser cutting machine requires careful attention to the above issues to achieve a high-quality cut and maximize the efficiency of the cutting process.