What is the “flying light path” in a laser cutting machine?
Generally, to ensure the stability of the output, the laser generator is fixed, which results in a relatively fixed laser transmission direction. However, to meet various demands, means are often employed to change the direction of laser transmission, making laser transmission dynamic.
Common methods include the use of reflectors and optical fibers.
The light source remains stationary, while the reflector and focusing lens move, allowing you to maintain a stable power output. This results in a dynamic light path.
What are the cutting techniques of laser cutting machine?
The cutting techniques are shown below:
The fusion cutting process involves shining a laser light onto a plate, causing partial areas to melt and achieve the cutting effect when the laser power reaches a critical value.
In Vaporization Cutting, high-power laser beams are used to heat the material, preventing the formation of slag burrs resulting from heat conduction during melting. This process results in a relatively clean edge as some materials are vaporized into steam.
Oxidation cutting involves using heat generated by the chemical reaction between oxygen expelled from the nozzle and laser rays to carry out processing. This method is suitable for fragile materials that can be easily damaged by heat, as they can be cut at high speed using laser beams.
However, this process can also result in an obvious thermal gradient and severe mechanical deformation, causing cracks in the materials. As a result, Oxidation Cutting is also known as Controllable Fracture Cutting.
What are the main technologies for CO2 laser cutting?
There is:
Autofocus system technology: The smaller the focal depth, the smaller the direct focus diameter of the laser. Therefore, precise focus control is crucial for cutting the surface of materials.
Cutting and Drilling Technology: In any type of cutting processing technology, except for cutting from the edge, there is a position commonly known as “the knife” in the cutting material. This position involves drilling first, followed by subsequent cutting.
Nozzle design and airflow technology: When using a laser to cut materials, airflow is generated in the nozzle, typically using “air”, “nitrogen” or “oxygen”. This not only improves the speed and appearance of the cut, but also helps remove slag, achieving two goals in one action.
What are the warnings on the laser machine in operation?
In my opinion, there are:
As laser beams are invisible to the human eye, it is important not to look at them for long periods of time as this can be dangerous. Furthermore, the focusing lens of a laser cutting machine contains harmful elements such as ZnSe, so it is recommended to avoid frequent contact and dispose of discarded lenses professionally rather than simply throwing them away.
It is safe to process materials such as carbon steel or iron using the laser cutting machine. However, if a large amount of aluminum alloy or other alloys is being processed, it is important to wear a mask to protect against inhalation of cutting dust. Due to the strong reflection of the aluminum plates, a protective device has been added to the laser head to prevent injury.
Is the laser cutting machine harmful to the human body?
In general, there are potential hazards associated with any job, but the risk of harm can vary. No job is completely safe and the level of danger is often relative.
For example, laser cutting is considered more environmentally friendly compared to plasma and flame cutting. Plasma cutting machines emit large amounts of dust, smoke and intense light, requiring the use of dust removal equipment.
On the other hand, laser cutting machines produce less dust, emit less intense light and generate minimal noise, which makes them more environmentally friendly.
However, it is important to note that new laser cutting machine operators may have a tendency to stare at the cutting head, which can cause eye strain and discomfort if done for a long period of time. To mitigate this risk, some manufacturers may provide protective glasses for the operator.
Additionally, laser cutting machines are highly advanced and can be operated without human intervention, reducing the need for operators to stare at the cutting head.
What are the structural classifications of laser cutting machines?
In terms of structure, laser cutting machines are divided into:
- Benchtop Laser Cutting Machine
This type of laser cutting machine is commonly seen. The laser is positioned laterally and transferred via the external light path to the laser cutting head, with a machining area of 1.5 x 3 meters or 2 x 4 meters.
Based on their specific design, benchtop laser cutting machines can be categorized into several types, including cantilever, gantry, and hybrid types. These machines are mainly used to process sheet metal and are used in a variety of industries, including medical equipment, lamp ornaments, food machinery and others that require thin sheet metal processing.
- Gantry Laser Cutting Machine
This type of laser cutting machine uses a laser that moves with the operation of the machine, which ensures a consistent light path.
It has a large cutting range, with a width of 2 to 6 meters and a length of tens of meters. It is mainly used in construction machinery, shipbuilding, locomotives and other heavy industries.
It is designed for cutting boards with a thickness of 3 mm to 25 mm.
How is the laser cutting machine divided in terms of part cutting?
In terms of cutting material, it is simply divided into three types:
- Laser cutting machine for metals.
The laser power is very large, ranging from 500 watts to 3000 watts or higher, which is used to cut carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, alloy steel and other metal materials
- Non-metallic laser cutting machine.
Laser power is generally small, mainly used for cutting acrylic, leather, fabric and other non-metallic materials.
- Tube laser cutting machine for cutting tubes , having unique and non-exclusive. Non-exclusive ones can be used for cutting plates and tubes.
What is the function of auxiliary gas for laser cutting machine?
There are four points :
In most cases, air, oxygen or nitrogen are used. The main objective is to remove residues and obtain the ideal cutting result.
By using gases to clean the metal slag, it can protect the lens and prevent the slag from affecting the cutting quality by preventing it from adhering to the lens.
Nitrogen cutting results in a smooth cutting surface without burrs or slag, which can be called fine cutting.
When cutting with oxygen, it can aid combustion, react with the material and increase the cutting speed.
What are the standards for evaluating the cutting quality of laser cutting machine?
- Surface roughness of the material to be cut.
- The size and amount of slag on the cutting edge of the material after cutting.
- Perpendicularity and inclination of the cutting edge.
- The size of the initial circular cut on the cutting edge.
- The width of the cut strip.
- The leveling of the cut thickness.
- Consistency of cutting thickness with the same power source and engine power.
