In the laser cutting machine industry, the adjustment of the cutting depth is a crucial link, which is directly related to the cutting quality and production efficiency. This article will explore in depth the adjustment method of the cutting depth of the laser cutting machine to help operators better master this key skill, thereby optimizing the cutting effect and improving work efficiency.
1. Understand the basic concept of cutting depth
The cutting depth refers to the depth of penetration of the laser beam into the material. It is affected by many factors, including laser power, cutting speed, focal length, gas pressure, etc. Different materials have different absorption and reflectivity of lasers. Therefore, when adjusting the cutting depth, it is necessary to set it reasonably according to the characteristics of the material.
2. Key factors for adjusting the cutting depth
Laser power: Laser power is the most direct factor affecting the cutting depth. The greater the power, the deeper the cutting depth. However, excessive power may cause the edge of the material to burn or produce a heat-affected zone. Therefore, it is necessary to select the appropriate power according to the thickness and hardness of the material.
Cutting speed: The cutting speed is inversely proportional to the cutting depth. The faster the speed, the shallower the cutting depth. In order to obtain the ideal cutting depth, it is necessary to reasonably adjust the cutting speed while ensuring the cutting quality.
Focal length: The focal length refers to the distance from the focus of the laser beam to the surface of the workpiece. Adjusting the focal length can change the focusing state of the laser beam inside the material, thereby affecting the cutting depth. Generally speaking, the shorter the focal length, the deeper the cutting depth, but a focal length that is too short may cause the laser beam to be too concentrated, causing the surface of the material to burn.
Gas pressure: During the laser cutting process, gases (such as oxygen, nitrogen, etc.) play the role of combustion, cooling and blowing away slag. Appropriate gas pressure helps to obtain better cutting depth and cutting quality.
3. Specific methods for adjusting the cutting depth
Adjust the laser power: According to the thickness and hardness of the material, gradually increase or decrease the laser power, and observe the changes in the cutting depth until the ideal cutting effect is achieved.
Adjust the cutting speed: While keeping the laser power unchanged, gradually adjust the cutting speed and observe the changes in the cutting depth. Note that cutting speed that is too fast or too slow may result in a decrease in cutting quality.
Adjust the focal length: Change the focal length by adjusting the focal length knob of the laser cutting machine or the height of the lifting table. In actual operation, you can use debugging paper or workpiece waste to perform point shooting tests to find the best focal length position.
Adjust gas pressure: Adjust the type and pressure of gas according to the different cutting materials and cutting depth requirements. Generally speaking, a larger gas pressure is required when cutting thicker materials to fully cool and blow away the slag.
4. Precautions
Safety first: When adjusting the cutting depth, be sure to follow the safety operating procedures of the laser cutting machine and wear personal protective equipment such as protective glasses and gloves.
Gradual adjustment: When adjusting the cutting depth, the principle of gradual adjustment should be followed to avoid excessive one-time adjustment that causes a sharp drop in cutting quality.
Record data: During the adjustment process, the parameters and cutting effects of each adjustment should be recorded in detail for subsequent analysis and optimization.
Regular maintenance: Regularly maintain and service the laser cutting machine to ensure that the equipment is in the best working condition, which helps to improve the cutting depth and cutting quality.
5. Case analysis
Take cutting wood as an example. In order to obtain the ideal cutting depth, the operator needs to comprehensively consider factors such as laser power, cutting speed, focal length and gas pressure. After many experiments and adjustments, we finally found a combination of cutting parameters suitable for the wood board material: the laser power was set to 45%-50%, the cutting speed was set to 35mm/s, the focal length was adjusted to 6mm, and a strong air blowing method was used. Under such parameter settings, the edges of the cut wood boards are flat, burr-free, wrinkle-free, and the cutting depth is uniform.
In summary, the adjustment of the cutting depth of the laser cutting machine is a complex and meticulous process, which requires the operator to have rich experience and professional knowledge. By reasonably adjusting key factors such as laser power, cutting speed, focal length and gas pressure, combined with precautions and case analysis in actual operation, the cutting effect can be continuously optimized, and work efficiency and product quality can be improved.
