Metal is a kind of material with luster and ductility.
Therefore, most metals can be made into beautiful and exquisite crafts or jewelry, such as gold rings, silver necklaces, iron crafts, etc.
The initial absorptivity of the metal to the 10.6um laser beam is only 0.5% ~ 10%.
However, when the focused laser beam with power density greater than 106W/cm 2 irradiates the metal surface, the surface can begin to melt rapidly within microseconds.
The absorptivity of most metals in the molten state increases markedly, generally 60% to 80%.
Laser cutting uses a high-density laser beam to scan the surface of the material, heat the material to thousands to tens of thousands of degrees Celsius in a very short time, melt or gasify the material, and then blow the material melted or gasified away from the cutting seam with high pressure gas to achieve the purpose of cutting the material.
Laser cutting technology is widely used in the processing of metal and non-metal materials, which can shorten processing time, reduce processing cost and improve part quality.
Below I will analyze various metal materials cut by laser cutting machine, including the following seven types:
1. Carbon steel laser cutting machine processing technology
The modern laser cutting system can cut the maximum carbon steel plate thickness up to 20mm. The cutting seam of carbon steel cut by the oxidation and melting laser cutting machine can be controlled within a satisfactory width range, and the cutting seam of the thin plate can be reduced to about 0.01mm.
2. Stainless steel laser cutting machine processing technology
Fiber laser cutting machine is an effective processing tool for the manufacturing industry.
Under the strict control of heat input in the laser cutting process, the heat-affected cutting zone can be limited to become very small, so as to maintain the good corrosion resistance of this type of material more effectively.
3. Titanium and alloy laser cutting machine processing technology
Pure titanium can very well couple the thermal energy converted by the focused laser beam.
When oxygen is used as an auxiliary gas, the chemical reaction is intense and the cutting speed is fast, but it is easy to form an oxide layer on the cutting edge and cause accidental burns.
For safety reasons, it is best to use air as an auxiliary gas to ensure cutting quality.
The laser cutting quality of titanium alloy commonly used in the aircraft manufacturing industry is good.
Although there is some slag at the bottom of the cutting seam, it is easy to remove.
4. Aluminum and alloy laser cutting machine processing technology
Aluminum cutting belongs to fusion cutting, and the auxiliary gas is mainly used to blow the molten products from the cutting area, which can generally achieve better cutting quality.
For some aluminum alloys, attention should be paid to avoid intergranular microcracks on the crack surface.
5. Copper and alloy laser cutting machine processing technology
Pure copper (red copper) cannot be cut with CO 2 laser beam due to its high reflectivity.
Only specific fiber laser cutting machines resistant to high counter forces can be used.
Brass (copper alloy) uses a high-power laser cutting machine, and the auxiliary gas adopts air or oxygen, which can cut thinner plates.
6. Nickel alloy laser cutting machine processing technology
Nickel-based alloy, also known as superalloy, has many varieties. Most of them can perform oxidation melt cutting.
7. Alloy Steel Laser Cutting Machine Processing Technology
Most structural alloy steel and tool steel alloy can achieve good edge cutting quality by laser cutting.
Even for some high-strength materials, as long as the process parameters are properly controlled, it is possible to achieve straight, slag-free cutting.
However, for tungsten containing high-speed tool steel and hot die steel, melt corrosion and slag adhesion will occur during laser cutting.
8. Summary
With the rapid development of the laser industry, related laser technology and products are becoming more and more mature.
In the field of laser cutting machine, optical fiber laser cutting machine has low maintenance cost and high cutting quality for sheet metal processing industry.
Compared with YAG and CO 2 laser cutting machines, it has more market share.
