Laser cutting machines are widely used in the metal processing industry because of their high photoelectric conversion rate, low power loss, fast cutting speed, small slits, good spot quality, and can be used for fine cutting. However, although laser cutters can cut most metal materials, each material has its own characteristics. So in the laser cutting machine cutting process, which gas should be used for different metal materials?
1. Carbon steel. Generally, the laser cutting machine cuts carbon steel materials, and the gas used will vary according to the thickness. Generally, when cutting with oxygen, the cutting edge is slightly oxidized. For plates with a thickness of 4mm, the high-pressure cutting effect with nitrogen as the processing gas will be better, and the cutting edge will not be oxidized. For plates with a thickness greater than 10mm, good results can also be obtained by using a special laser electrode plate and applying oil on the surface of the workpiece during processing.
2. Stainless steel. When the material to be cut, edge oxidation does not matter, oxygen can be used for laser cutting of stainless steel; if it is necessary to obtain an edge free of oxidation and burrs, nitrogen cutting is recommended.
3. Aluminum. Among metal materials, aluminum has high reflectivity and thermal conductivity. Generally, when the thickness of aluminum plate is less than 6mm, it can still be cut by laser cutting machine, depending on the alloy type and laser capability. When cutting with oxygen, the cutting surface will be rough and hard; when using nitrogen, the cutting surface will be relatively smooth. Pure aluminum is of high purity and is difficult to cut. Aluminum can be cut only when the “reflection absorption” device is installed on the fiber laser cutting machine system, otherwise it is easy to damage the laser equipment components.
4. Copper and brass. Copper and brass are also highly reflective and thermally conductive materials. Generally, brass with a thickness of less than 1mm can be cut by nitrogen laser cutting; copper with a thickness of less than 2mm can also be cut, and oxygen must be used for laser cutting.