Is it possible to cut aluminum plates with a laser?
Aluminum plates are commonly used in sheet metal processing.
There is a common question about whether aluminum plates can be laser cut. The answer is a resounding yes.
A few years ago, laser cutting machines were able to cut aluminum plates, but with some limitations. Workers had to spread paint on the aluminum plate before cutting, as the reflection coefficient of aluminum plates is high and they were afraid of reflecting the laser. Additionally, adjusting the laser parameters was a challenge.
At that time, the thickness of aluminum plate that could be cut was limited to only 1 mm.
However, with the accumulation of experience, the cutting of aluminum plates has become smooth and without slag suspension.
The ability to laser cut aluminum plates also depends on the power of the laser generator. For example, a 6000W laser generator can cut aluminum plates up to 16mm thick, while a 4500W laser generator can cut aluminum plates up to 12mm thick. However, the cost of this process is high.
Laser cutting of aluminum plates is performed using a high power density focused laser beam to irradiate the material. Aluminum's high reflectivity requires the use of a high-powered laser beam to quickly melt, vaporize, remove, or target the material's ignition point.
At the same time, the high-speed airflow coaxial with the beam helps to blow away the molten material, allowing the part to be cut.
Is the cutting surface of laser cut aluminum plate as smooth as other materials?
The cut aluminum plate is also smooth.
Aluminum plates are known for their high reflectivity and therefore require a powerful laser generator for cutting.
Like other materials, aluminum plates are cut using nitrogen as the cutting gas, which helps produce a smooth, rough-free surface.
Features of laser cutting aluminum plate
Fine cutting seam: The cutting seam produced by laser cutting of aluminum plates is normally 0.1mm to 0.2mm.
Smooth cutting surface: The cutting surface of laser cut aluminum plates is smooth, without burrs or slag.
Minimal Thermal Deformation: The thin slit, fast speed and concentrated energy of laser cutting result in minimal heat transfer to the cut material, resulting in very little material deformation.
Material savings: Laser processing, guided by computer programming, allows precise cutting of aluminum plates into various shapes, improving material utilization and saving material costs.
Thickness limitations: The thickness of the aluminum plate that can be cut depends on the power of the laser generator. A 6000W laser generator can typically cut aluminum plates up to 16mm thick, while a 4500W laser generator can cut aluminum plates up to 12mm thick.
Aluminum plates have high reflectivity, which can cause significant damage to the laser.
In general, it is not recommended that customers use fiber optic laser cutting machines to cut aluminum plates, or use them as little as possible.
A laser is a valuable investment, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the damage caused by cutting aluminum plates can result in your loss, making it not worth the risk.
Conclusion
Based on personal experience, CO2 laser cutting machines have relatively low cost and high laser generator power, which makes them a viable option for cutting aluminum plates when necessary.
It is important to coat the aluminum plate with a black light-absorbing material to prevent reflection from damaging the lens or laser head.
When cutting aluminum plates, care is recommended as aluminum is a high reflectivity material that can cause significant damage to lasers.
For aluminum sheets with a thickness of less than 6mm, it is suggested to use punching with numerical control. For aluminum plates thicker than 6mm, wet cutting is recommended as a safer alternative.
