Fiber laser cutter China
等离子综合

Detailed Explanation of Metal Laser Cutting Process: Full Analysis of Speed, Precision, and Edge Quality

Laser cutting technology holds a significant position in the metal processing field due to its high speed, high precision, and excellent edge quality. This article will thoroughly analyze the key factors influencing the laser cutting process, including laser type, cutting head technology, auxiliary gas selection, speed and thickness matching, common defects, and process optimization methods, to help users achieve higher efficiency and better quality cutting results

1. Laser Types and Cutting Head Technology

(1) Comparison of Laser Types

Laser cutting machines mainly use CO₂ lasers 、 fiber lasers and disk lasers and different types of lasers are suitable for different material cutting needs

Laser Type Applicable Materials Wavelength (nm) Advantages Limitations
CO₂ Laser Thick carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, non-metals 10,600 Suitable for cutting thicker plates, good control of heat-affected zone High energy consumption, complex maintenance, not suitable for highly reflective materials
Fiber Laser Thin/medium-thick carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum 1,080 High efficiency, high beam quality, low maintenance cost Requires special treatment for highly reflective materials (such as brass, galvanized sheet)
Disk Laser Non-ferrous metals (copper, aluminum), reflective materials 1,030-1,080 Suitable for highly reflective metals, stable cutting Higher equipment cost, lower popularity

(2) Impact of Cutting Head Technology

The performance of the laser cutting head directly affects processing quality, and the following factors are most critical

  • Focusing Lens & Nozzle Design : Affects spot size and airflow stability, ensuring cutting precision and efficiency
  • Auto-focusing System : Adapts to different material thicknesses, maintaining optimal focal length
  • Anti-reflection Protection : Prevents highly reflective metals (such as copper, aluminum) from damaging optical components

Selection Recommendations ：

  • Carbon Steel & Stainless Steel Standard cutting heads can be used
  • Copper & Aluminum It is recommended to use a cutting head with anti-reflection function

2. Types and Functions of Control Gases

Different auxiliary gases directly affect cutting efficiency, edge quality, and cost. Below are common gases and their applicable scenarios

Gas Type Applicable Materials Function Pros and Cons
Oxygen (O₂) Carbon steel Combustion aid, accelerates cutting speed, suitable for thick plate processing Pros : Fast cutting, suitable for thick plates;   Cons : Easy oxidation, burn marks on edges
Nitrogen (N₂) Stainless steel, aluminum, brass Inert protection, reduces oxidation, improves edge finish Pros : No oxidation, suitable for precision processing;   Cons : High gas consumption, higher cost
Air Thin carbon steel, galvanized sheet, aluminum Low cost, suitable for general processing needs Pros : Economical;   Cons : Slightly poorer cutting quality, not suitable for high-demand scenarios

Gas Pairing Recommendations ：

  • Carbon steel cutting (8mm or above): Oxygen (to increase speed)
  • Stainless steel & aluminum plate: Nitrogen (to reduce oxidation, improve gloss)
  • Batch low-cost cutting: Air 。

3. Principles of Cutting Speed and Thickness Matching

Cutting speed should be reasonably matched with material thickness; both too fast or too slow will affect quality

(1) Negative Effects of Excessive Speed

  • Incomplete cut : Slag residue on the bottom layer of the material
  • Increased burrs : Rough cut, uneven edges

(2) Negative Effects of Insufficient Speed

  • Enlarged heat-affected zone : Increased material deformation
  • Decreased efficiency : Gas waste, increased energy consumption.

Table: Recommended Laser Cutting Speed Reference (Fiber Laser as Example)

Material 1mm 3mm 6mm 10mm
Carbon Steel (O₂) 12 m/min 4 m/min 2 m/min 1 m/min
Stainless Steel (N₂) 15 m/min 5 m/min 2.5 m/min 0.8 m/min
Aluminum (N₂) 10 m/min 3 m/min 1.5 m/min 0.5 m/min

Optimization Methods ：

  • Thin Plates (<3mm) : Appropriately increase speed to reduce thermal deformation.
  • Thick Plates (>8mm) : Reduce speed to ensure complete melting and cutting.

4. Common Quality Defects and Parameter Adjustment Methods

Defect Cause Solution
Burrs Excessive speed/Nozzle blockage/Insufficient power Reduce speed, clean nozzle, increase power
Edge burning Excessive oxygen/Excessive power Switch to nitrogen or reduce power, optimize gas ratio
Incomplete cut Insufficient power/Low gas pressure Increase power, check gas supply system
Sectional striations Focal point deviation/Uneven cutting speed Recalibrate focus, optimize cutting path and speed curve

5. Practical Advice for Balancing Precision and Efficiency

✅ Choose the right laser type : Fiber lasers are suitable for high-speed cutting of thin plates, while CO₂ lasers are suitable for processing thick plates.
✅ Gas optimization : Nitrogen for high precision, air for economical cutting.
✅ Dynamic focusing : Adjust focal length for materials of different thicknesses to reduce thermal deformation.
✅ Parameter database : Establish optimal power, speed, and gas pressure combinations for different material thicknesses.
✅ Regular maintenance : Clean the optical path, replace nozzles, and maintain stable cutting.

Conclusion

Laser cutting requires finding the optimal balance between speed, precision, and edge quality. By reasonably selecting laser types, gas parameters, and cutting speeds, and continuously optimizing equipment settings, processing efficiency and product quality can be significantly improved. HoneybeeCNC Laser Cutting equipment provides optimal solutions for various metal processing with its high stability and intelligent control system.

For more detailed technical consultation on laser cutting, please feel free to contact us!