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Mar 10,
2025How to improve the working efficiency of fiber laser cutting machine?Fiber laser cutting machine has six major characteristics: good cutting quality, fast cutting speed, high cutting accuracy, environmental protection and pollution-free, simple and convenient operation, and low processing cost. The power of fiber laser cutting machine produced by SAN Laser is relative. In order to fully exert the efficiency of fiber laser cutting machine, you need to pay attention to the following four methods in machine operation:
1. Strictly follow the laser cutting machine operation manual of SAN Laser
During the operation process, operators need to strengthen the learning of equipment performance and skill proficiency through daily production and daily work. They should replace work with practice at work, and strengthen the learning of various aspects of machine knowledge in their spare time, so that they can solve small problems when encountering machines, know where the problems are when big problems occur, and help solve them.
2. Learning the design software
For the fiber laser cutting machine, the design program will be modified, and the straight line cutting method will be used to set the cutting point on the arc. The cut arc section is very smooth and flat, ensuring the quality of the parts. When the design pattern does not match the actual cutting material, it can be corrected and debugged in time through the design software, which is very important for the cost control of the enterprise.
3. The material arrangement plan will be optimized
After consulting with the workshop process department, the designer uses the method of two beams sharing a common edge for cutting, which does not affect the cutting effect, so the efficiency can be artificially improved.
4. Regular maintenance
The fiber laser cutting machine is a device that needs maintenance after a long period of operation. We also need to pay attention to some minor faults in normal operation. We should pay attention to it when some minor faults occur. Don't wait until an irreparable fault occurs before thinking about solving the problem. This not only affects the production progress, but also causes a waste of the equipment's use cost.
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Mar 07,
2025Oxygen vs. Nitrogen Laser Cutting-How to Choose!When it comes to laser cutting, the choice of assist gas plays a crucial role in determining the quality and efficiency of the cut.
Laser cutting offers significant advantages in terms of high precision and speed when processing metals such as aluminum, carbon steel, and stainless steel. The process works by generating a high-energy laser beam that is focused onto the material’s surface. This beam rapidly heats and either melts or evaporates the material, creating a cutting path. Oxygen or nitrogen for laser cutting help blow away molten material and maintain a clean cutting area. Oxygen is typically used to accelerate cutting of carbon steel, while nitrogen is often employed to reduce oxidation and provide a smoother cutting surface.
Why Laser Cutting Need Nitrogen or Oxygen?
Laser cutting with nitrogen and oxygen is essential for achieving high-quality and efficient cutting results. Here’s why these gases are important:
Chemical Reactions to Improve Cutting Efficiency and Quality
Oxygen and nitrogen can react with the material being cut, enhancing the cutting process. Oxygen, for example, can accelerate the cutting of carbon steel by promoting an exothermic reaction, while nitrogen helps prevent oxidation, leading to cleaner, smoother cuts.
Blowing Away Molten Material and Keeping the Cut Path Clean
The auxiliary gases blow away molten material from the cutting area, ensuring that the cut path remains clean and clear. This prevents build-up of slag or debris, which could affect the quality of the cut and the precision of the process.
Cooling the Area around the Cut to Reduce Heat-Affected Zone
Nitrogen and oxygen can also help cool the area surrounding the cut, reducing the heat-affected zone (HAZ). This is particularly important for materials sensitive to heat, as it minimizes thermal distortion or material degradation.
Protecting the Focusing Lens and Optical Components from Contamination
The gases act as a protective shield for the laser focusing lens and other optical components. By preventing the accumulation of combustion byproducts, they help maintain the performance and longevity of the optical system.
What Are the Auxiliary Gases for Fiber Laser Cutting Machines?
Oxygen:Gas purity (≥99.95 Vol.%).
Oxygen is commonly used in laser cutting, especially for cutting carbon steel. It accelerates the cutting process by chemically reacting with the material (e.g., oxidation reaction), providing additional heat to increase cutting speed.
Nitrogen:Gas purity (≥99.999 Vol.%).
Nitrogen is mainly used for cutting stainless steel and other materials, particularly when high surface quality is required. It prevents oxidation, reduces surface burning, and provides a smoother cutting surface.
Air:Air quality standard: GB/T 13277-1991.
Air is used as an auxiliary gas in some basic cutting processes, particularly when high cutting precision is not critical. It helps blow away molten material, keeping the cutting area clean.
Oxygen vs. Nitrogen Laser Cutting – Which is best?
The choice and role of assist gases in laser cutting mainly depend on the properties and requirements of the material being cut.
1. Compressed Air
Air: Air is one of the most commonly used assist gases in laser cutting. Due to the high oxygen content in air, which easily triggers oxidation reactions, pure nitrogen or argon is often required when high-quality edge finishes are necessary. Air has the broadest applicability, suitable for cutting various materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, as well as non-metals like wood and acrylic.
Air contains approximately 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, but its cutting efficiency is far inferior to oxygen and comparable to nitrogen. When air is used as the assist gas, a slight oxidation may occur on the cut surface, causing yellowing. The advantages of air are its low cost and easy availability; however, regular replacement of the air compressor filter is necessary to maintain cleanliness and avoid contamination of the optical components.
Best suited for: Applications where the material being cut is relatively thin, and the quality requirements for the cut edge are not very high. Commonly used in industries such as sheet metal enclosures, cabinets, and furniture.
2. Nitrogen
Nitrogen is the most commonly used laser cutting gas. It is mainly used for cutting materials such as stainless steel, aluminum alloys, and copper alloys. As an inert gas, nitrogen prevents oxidation reactions and blows away molten material, keeping the workpiece relatively cool and maintaining a clean, like-new cutting surface with superior quality.
Nitrogen requires high purity (especially for cutting stainless steel thicker than 8mm, where purity must reach 99.999%) and high pressure, typically around 1MPa. For stainless steel with a thickness exceeding 12mm or up to 25mm, the pressure needs to reach 2MPa or higher. Nitrogen is produced using industrial nitrogen generators, but it is less convenient to store than oxygen. Additionally, nitrogen consumption per unit time is typically higher than oxygen, making the overall cost of nitrogen cutting higher.
Best suited for: Applications requiring high-quality cut edges, effectively avoiding oxidation and ensuring the cutting surface remains clean and smooth.
3. Oxygen
Oxygen is primarily used as a combustion aid and is commonly applied to cutting thick plates of carbon steel and low-alloy steel or for high-speed cutting. Oxygen reacts with metals to form oxides, accelerating the cutting process and helping remove slag through high flow rates, thereby reducing slagging and blackening. It is suitable for processing thicker materials or situations with lower quality requirements. Among all assist gases, it provides the fastest cutting speeds.
Oxygen generally requires a purity of 99.5% or higher, with a pressure range of 0.3–0.8MPa. Using oxygen as an assist gas offers fast cutting speeds and relatively low costs; however, the cut edge tends to blacken or turn dark yellow.
Best suited for: Oxygen is used for cutting thicker materials, speeding up the cutting process, and improving efficiency.
4. Argon
Argon is mainly used for cutting materials like copper and aluminum, which have high thermal conductivity. It has excellent cooling properties, effectively reducing the heat-affected zone during the cutting process and improving cutting quality. Compared to nitrogen and oxygen, argon is more expensive.
Best suited for: Cutting metals that react with nitrogen, such as titanium and titanium alloys. Argon prevents oxidation and nitration during the laser cutting process, ensuring high-quality results.
Summary:
Choosing between oxygen and nitrogen for laser cutting metal depends on the material type and thickness:
When performing laser cutting, oxygen is ideal as an assist gas for cutting thick plates and high-speed cutting. Nitrogen, on the other hand, prevents oxidation in the cutting area, improving the cutting quality. Compressed air falls between the two, offering a balance between cost and performance.
For carbon steel, oxygen is recommended.
For stainless steel, nitrogen is preferred.
For materials prone to oxidation, like aluminum and aluminum alloys, argon may be considered.
When selecting the assist gas, it’s also important to consider both cost and cutting quality.
Which Assist Gas to Choose for Your Specific Project
Material: Choose the gas based on the material properties. For example, oxygen is suitable for cutting thick plates like carbon steel, while nitrogen is ideal for cutting non-ferrous metals such as stainless steel and aluminum.
Cutting Speed: Oxygen boosts cutting speed significantly, especially in thick plate processing, due to its combustion support. Nitrogen is better suited for more delicate cutting applications where precision is required.
Cutting Quality: If high-quality edges are required, nitrogen is recommended to avoid oxidation. If quality requirements are more general, oxygen can be used to enhance cutting speed.
Cost Considerations: Compressed air is the most cost-effective option, making it suitable for projects where budget is a priority. Nitrogen is more expensive but offers superior cutting quality, making it ideal for high-precision projects. Oxygen is a middle-ground option in terms of cost.
Post-processing Needs: If post-processing such as welding or painting is required, nitrogen is preferred as it reduces oxidation and impurities on the cut edges, helping to maintain quality during subsequent operations. If no post-processing is needed, oxygen can be used to speed up the cutting process and increase production efficiency.
Oxygen vs nitrogen laser cutting for metal depends on your project needs—whether you prioritize speed, cost, or edge quality.
In conclusion, choosing the right assist gas (whether oxygen or nitrogen) significantly impacts the efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness of the laser cutting process. Oxygen is the ideal choice for fast cutting of ferrous metals, providing cleaner edges and higher speeds, while nitrogen is better suited for non-ferrous metals, offering high-quality, burr-free cuts. By understanding the laser cutting with nitrogen and oxygen, you can enhance the cost-effectiveness of your laser cutting business.
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Mar 07,
2025Bridge position (micro-connection) cutting process of fiber laser cutting machine!The bridge position cutting process is to ensure that the parts and the plate are not separated during the cutting process and maintain the tiny connection points set in relative positions, so as to ensure the safety of the laser head during rapid movement. This process can automatically add the appropriate number of bridge positions according to the length of the contour. In addition, it can distinguish the inner and outer contours and decide whether to add bridge positions, so that the inner contour (waste material) without bridge positions falls, while the outer contour (parts) with bridge positions are adhered to the parent material and do not fall, thus eliminating the need for sorting.
When the fiber laser cutting machine performs laser cutting, the metal sheet is supported by these serrated support bars. If the cut parts are not small enough, they cannot fall from the gap of the support bars; if they are not large enough, they cannot be supported by the support bars; at this time, they may lose balance and tilt up. When the high-speed cutting head collides with it, the machine will stop at the least and the cutting head will be damaged at the worst.
The above phenomenon can be avoided by using the bridge position (micro-connection) cutting process. When the fiber laser cutting machine is programming the laser cutting of the graphics, the closed contour is intentionally disconnected at several points so that the parts are adhered to the surrounding materials after cutting and do not fall off. These disconnected points are called bridges. They are also called breakpoints or micro-connections. The distance of disconnection is about 0.2 to 1 mm, which is inversely proportional to the thickness of the sheet. Based on different angles, there are different names: based on the contour, it is disconnected, so it is called a breakpoint; based on the part, it is adhered to the parent material, so it is called a bridge or micro-connection. The fiber laser cutting machine uses the bridge cutting process in the cutting process to effectively ensure the smooth progress of the entire cutting process and effectively improve the cutting time. In addition, it can save complicated processes and improve the utilization efficiency of labor.
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Mar 06,
2025Laser Cutting for Construction!Why Choose Laser Cutting for Construction?
Flame cutting was once the primary method for processing steel plates thicker than 40mm, suitable for initial rough cutting needs. However, while this method has a lower initial investment, it has significant limitations: it often leads to large thermal deformations during cutting, produces wider cut gaps that result in material waste, and has relatively low processing efficiency.
Plasma cutting offers higher precision and faster speeds compared to flame cutting, making it particularly effective for medium-thick plates. However, when cutting thin steel plates, it still faces issues such as thermal deformation and angle inconsistencies, which increase the complexity and cost of the finished product.
Laser cutting excels due to its high flexibility, speed, and efficiency, helping businesses quickly respond to market demands. It eliminates the deformation and tool wear issues typical of traditional cutting methods, and is suitable for a wide range of materials. Laser cutting produces narrow gaps and high-quality surfaces, with a system that is highly automated and easy to operate. This reduces manual intervention, supports optimized material nesting, improves material utilization, lowers manufacturing costs, and enhances economic efficiency.
Application of Laser Cutting Machines for Metal
Construction
Laser cutting machines are widely used in the construction industry, especially for processing steel structural systems such as bridges, high buildings, and steel-frame houses. They provide precise cutting of various metal pipes and sheets (such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, etc.), ensuring high-precision fabrication of building components like doors, windows, stair railings, and guardrails, thereby enhancing the stability and safety of the structure.
Benefits of Laser Cutting in the Construction
High Precision
Laser cutting machines deliver ultra-high precision cutting for a wide range of materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum alloys. This ensures adherence to the strict accuracy requirements of the construction industry, safeguarding the precision and safety of structural components.
High Speed
Compared to traditional processing methods, laser cutting machines operate with exceptional efficiency. Their cutting speed enables the completion of large volumes of tasks in a short time, significantly boosting productivity.
High Automation
Laser cutting machines typically feature a high degree of automation. Once parameters are set, the equipment can autonomously complete processing tasks. This not only enhances efficiency but also reduces labor costs.
Reduced Material Waste
With CNC systems, laser cutting machines can achieve automated and highly efficient material nesting and cutting. This optimizes material usage, minimizes waste, and significantly improves production efficiency and processing speeds.
Capability to Cut Complex Shapes
The flexible control of laser cutting systems allows for intricate and complex shapes to be cut, including sheet metal, pipes, and three-dimensional structures. This meets the personalized demands of architectural designs and brings more innovation to construction projects.
Diverse Cutting Capabilities
Equipped with various attachments, laser cutting machines can adapt to a wide range of complex metal shapes. Whether working on circular pipes, square pipes, oval pipes, or specialized profiles like H-beams and I-beams, they can handle flat cuts, bevel cuts, and drilling. Features like automatic feeding, intelligent clamping, precise rotation, and groove cutting further enhance their versatility.
Wide Material Compatibility
Beyond common metals, laser cutting technology can also process non-metal materials such as certain types of stone, glass, ceramics, and composites. This expands its application to architectural decoration and specialized engineering projects.
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Mar 06,
2025How To Use A Laser Cutting Machine for Beginners?3 Tips You Should Know Before Starting a Laser Cutter.
1. Before starting, pay attention to check whether the power voltage matches the rated voltage of the laser cutting machine to avoid unnecessary damage.
2. Check whether the exhaust pipe is placed at the air outlet to avoid obstructing air convection.
3. Check whether there are other foreign objects on the laser cutting table.
12 Steps to Learn How to Use a Laser Cutter.
1. Fixed cutting material. Fix the material to be cut on the work surface of the laser cutting machine;
2. Adjust the parameters of the equipment according to the material and thickness of the metal plate;
3. Select appropriate lenses and nozzles, and check them before starting to check their intact condition and cleaning condition
4. Adjust the focus. Adjust the cutting head to the proper focus position;
5. check and adjust the nozzle center;
6. Cutting head sensor calibration;
7. Select the appropriate cutting gas and check whether the spraying state is good;
8. Try cutting the material. After the material is cut, check whether the cutting end surface is smooth and check the cutting accuracy. If there is an error, adjust the equipment parameters accordingly until the proof meets the requirements and is available;
9. Programming the workpiece drawings and corresponding layout, and import the equipment cutting system;
10. Adjust the position of the cutting head and start cutting;
11. During the operation, the staff must be present at all times and carefully observe the cutting situation. If there is an emergency situation, they need to respond quickly, press the emergency stop button;
12. Check the cutting quality and accuracy of the 1st sample;
12 Precautions for Laser Cutting Machine.
1. Observe the general safety regulations for laser cutting machines. Start the laser in strict accordance with the laser startup procedure.
2. The user must be trained, familiar with the equipment structure and performance, and master the relevant knowledge of the operating system.
3. Wear protective gear according to regulations, and you must wear appropriate protective glasses near the laser beam.
4. Do not process a material without knowing whether it can be irradiated or heated with a laser to avoid the potential danger of smoke and vapor.
5. When the laser cutter is running, the operator shall not leave the post or entrust the management without authorization. If it is really necessary to leave, the laser cutter operator shall stop or cut off the power switch.
6. Keep fire extinguishers within easy reach; turn off lasers or shutters when not processing; do not place paper, cloth, or other flammable materials near unprotected laser beams.
7. When an abnormality is found during laser cutting, the machine should be shut down immediately, and the fault should be rectified or reported to the supervisor in time.
8. Keep the laser generator, frame and surrounding area clean, orderly, and free of oil pollution. Workpieces, plates, and waste materials should be stacked in accordance with regulations.
9. When using gas cylinders, avoid damaging the welding wires to avoid leakage accidents. The use and transportation of gas cylinders shall comply with the gas cylinder monitoring regulations. Do not expose cylinders to direct sunlight or heat sources. When opening the bottle valve, the laser cutter operator must stand on the side of the bottle mouth.
10. After starting the laser cutter, manually start the laser cutting machine at low speed in X and Y directions, and check whether there is any abnormal situation.
11. After entering the new workpiece program, it should be tested 1st and checked for its operation.
12. When working, pay attention to the operation of the machine to avoid the laser cutter out of the effective stroke range.
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The wide applications of these machines work on materials like Leather, Wood, Acrylic, Fabric and Paper processing industries.
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