Laser Cutting Aluminum: Everything You Need to Know

Laser cutting aluminum has been one of the most-went-for systems and processes because of its efficiency and effectiveness. The subtractive process happens when a tightly-focused light beam vaporizes a small spot on the workpiece’s surface.

In this article, we’ll be focused on the laser cutting aluminum process itself. We will cover the basics of laser cutting aluminum, from the advantages and benefits, importance, to applications and how it optimizes the manufacturing process today.

Laser Cutting Aluminum in a Nutshell

For beginners and those starting out in the industry, it can be a little confusing. But, in the easiest and simplest terms, laser cutting aluminum is a process that involves a powerful, focused laser beam to cut aluminum sheets or plates according to CAD designs.

The cuts, engraving, designs, and overall results are accurate because the movement is set in a program. They’re not manually cut or engraved.

Aluminum laser cutting has significant benefits over conventional and traditional cutting methods. Widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, signage, architecture, and others, more and more industries are seeing the advantages of laser cutting.

Working Principle of Laser Cutting Aluminum

The working principle of aluminum laser cutting involves a strong laser beam to melt and evaporate the metal. By concentrating on a small area, the laser swiftly and intensely heats the aluminum.

In the case of thicker materials, air or gas will be the medium used to drive the residual molten metal from the cut area that hasn’t evaporated. Laser cutting guarantees high levels of accuracy, efficiency, and precision.

Is Aluminum Laser Cutting Effective?

Yes, it is effective if you’re looking for accuracy, speed, and consistency. Many businesses and companies think about the initial investment alone, causing them to forget about the key benefits and pros of laser cutting aluminum.

• Laser cutting machines realize complex shapes and fine details that are difficult or even impossible with other methods.
• It enables fast, rapid, and urgent cuts without tool-changes.
• They can handle a wide array of thicknesses and alloys without problems.
• Laser cutting can help produce clean, burr-free edges. This is an important thing in minimizing polishing, reworking, or even finishing.

Those are the main benefits and advantages of the process of laser cutting aluminum. Of course, there are other pros to it, these are just the main ones. So, don’t latch onto the idea that these are the only benefits laser cutting brings–it offers a ton of other advantages and pros.

Laser Cutting Aluminum: How It’s Done

The process of how it’s done will vary from one manufacturer and processor to another. From the details, the hierarchy of steps to the type, power, and laser source, it will all be different.

1. Clean the material’s surface and securely position it on the cutting table to ensure stability.
2. Adjust laser power’s parameters, particularly, CNC feed speed, assist-gas type and pressure, and nozzle position.
3. Do trial and error to get just the right specifications for the project you’re doing.
4. Aim the focused laser beam at the aluminum.
5. Use assist gas too blow molten metal away from the workpiece, which can damage the material.
6. With the help of the assist gas, the spot will quickly cool the freshly cut area as the laser continues along the designated direction.

NOTE: This is not the “only” process followed when it comes to aluminum laser cutting.

There are, of course, some manufacturers that do not live by these steps, which are also acceptable. So long as the process works, it can be whatever. It’s just the standard and traditional way of laser cutting aluminum.

Check this video out to see a 15KW fiber laser cutter!

Laser Cutting Aluminum Challenges

Although it’s clear that aluminum laser cutting offers a wide array of pros and benefits, there are challenges and difficulties in the process, too. While we weren’t able to list all of them down, we made sure to include the most common ones:

1. Different thicknesses can be cut using a laser; but, because of heat dissipation, thicker plates require more power and slower speeds.
2. Aluminum parts that are thin and fragile might twist and warp when they are being cut.
3. Because the aluminum oxide layer—including anodizing—has distinct optical properties from the metal itself, it has an impact on cutting.
4. Aluminum reduces the effectiveness of a CO2 laser by reflecting a large portion of its energy, especially when polished.
5. A tiny heat-affected zone is produced by the rapid heat dissipation caused by aluminum’s strong thermal conductivity.
6. In the heat-affected zone, surface oxidation and discoloration can possibly happen.

What is the Needed Power for Aluminum Laser Cutting?

It’s been a long debate about the required power for aluminum laser cutting. Nevertheless, like many other processes and systems, the power requirement will actually depend on the material being worked on, the speed wanted, as well as the specs of the laser cutter.

Here’s a video that can give you an idea of the required power for laser cutting aluminum:

So, to answer the question, the power required isn’t answerable by a single number. Instead, a range will make the most sense.

TIP: Find out the specs of the project, like the material that’ll be worked on, the time required to finish the project, the laser power source, etc.

Cheeron Laser For Laser Cutting Aluminum

You’ll find many manufacturers and suppliers that offer aluminum laser cutting, but for the best results, Cheeron Laser is the company to work with. Armed with decades of experience in the laser-cutting scene, you’ll definitely be able to find comfort and haven with us.

Cheeron Laser started in the industry with one goal in mind – to provide extreme care and the highest-quality services and products to our clientele. With very humble beginnings, we’ve moved on and progressed in the best possible manner.

From getting laser-cutting, engraving, and marking services to having topnotch-quality, high-rated machines and equipment, you can count on Cheeron Laser. We’ve worked with hundreds of businesses all over the world, and we’re sure that we’ll be able to help you with what you need.

Stop wasting time with the wrong manufacturer. Contact us today and get world-class-quality laser cutting machines and services!