‌What factors affect the cutting speed of laser cutting machines? ‌

As an important equipment in modern industrial manufacturing, laser cutting machines are widely favored for their high-precision and high-efficiency processing capabilities. However, the cutting speed of laser cutting machines is not constant, and it is affected by many factors. This article will explore these factors in depth so that readers can better understand and apply laser cutting technology.

1. Laser power density

Laser power density is one of the key factors affecting cutting speed. When other conditions remain unchanged, laser power density is proportional to cutting speed, that is, increasing power density can significantly increase cutting speed. This is because high-power-density laser beams can melt and vaporize materials faster, thereby achieving faster cutting. However, it is worth noting that increasing power density also requires consideration of the cooling capacity and stability of the equipment to ensure cutting quality and equipment life.

2. Material properties

Factors such as material density, thickness, hardness, and absorption capacity of lasers will affect cutting speed. Generally speaking, materials with high density and thickness require longer cutting time and higher laser power. At the same time, high-reflectivity materials require higher laser power to achieve cutting, which also affects cutting speed. Therefore, when choosing a laser cutting machine, it is necessary to select the appropriate equipment configuration according to the characteristics of the processed material.

3. Beam quality mode

The beam quality mode is also an important factor affecting the cutting speed. The focusing performance of the beam, the spot size, etc. will directly affect the cutting efficiency. A high-quality beam can focus on the material more accurately, forming a smaller spot, thereby increasing the cutting speed. In addition, the use of a short-focal-length focusing lens for focusing can further reduce the spot size and optimize the cutting effect.

4. Auxiliary gas

In the laser cutting process, auxiliary gas plays a vital role. It can not only increase the cutting speed, but also improve the cutting quality. For example, using oxygen as an auxiliary gas can speed up the cutting speed because oxygen can react with metals, making it easier to separate metals. Using inactive gases such as nitrogen can reduce oxidation and heat-affected zones and improve cutting quality. Therefore, when selecting auxiliary gases, it is necessary to make reasonable choices based on the characteristics of the processed materials and the cutting requirements.

5. Equipment status and maintenance

The equipment status and maintenance of the laser cutting machine will also affect the cutting speed. Regular maintenance of equipment, keeping equipment clean and lubricated, and timely replacement of worn parts can ensure the stability and cutting efficiency of the equipment. In addition, accurate calibration of the focus of the laser cutting machine is also one of the key steps to increase the cutting speed.

VI. Operating environment and process parameters

The operating environment, such as the temperature, humidity, and air circulation of the workshop, will also affect the performance of the laser cutting machine. Therefore, it is necessary to pay close attention to environmental changes during operation and take corresponding measures to reduce its impact on the cutting speed. At the same time, adjusting appropriate process parameters such as output power and duty cycle can also optimize the cutting speed.

VII. Case analysis

Take a metal products company as an example. When the company used a laser cutting machine to cut metal sheets, it was found that the cutting speed was slow and the cutting quality was unstable. After careful inspection and analysis, it was found that the root cause of the problem was insufficient laser power density, poor beam quality mode, and improper selection of auxiliary gas. Subsequently, the company adjusted the laser power, improved the beam quality mode, and selected a suitable auxiliary gas. After these adjustments, the cutting speed was significantly improved and the cutting quality became more stable.

VIII. Summary and Outlook

In summary, the cutting speed of the laser cutting machine is affected by many factors. In order to improve cutting speed and cutting quality, we need to comprehensively consider these factors and take corresponding measures to optimize them. In the future, with the continuous development and innovation of laser technology and the continuous improvement of equipment performance, we have reason to believe that laser cutting machines will play a greater role in more fields. At the same time, companies also need to keep paying attention to market dynamics and technological development trends so as to adjust production strategies and equipment configurations in a timely manner to adapt to changes in market demand.