‌Poor cutting quality of laser cutting machine: How to adjust parameters for optimization‌

As an important equipment in modern manufacturing, the cutting quality of laser cutting machine directly affects the appearance, performance and market competitiveness of the product. However, in practical applications, sometimes poor cutting quality is encountered, such as rough cutting surface, slag, uneven cross section, etc. These problems are often related to the parameter settings of laser cutting machine. This article will focus on the reasons for poor cutting quality of laser cutting machine and discuss how to optimize cutting quality by adjusting parameters.

1. Analysis of reasons for poor cutting quality

‌Mismatch of laser output power and mode‌

The output power and cutting mode of the laser directly affect the cutting quality. If the output power is too low or the cutting mode does not match the material, the cutting speed will be slow and the cutting surface will be rough.

‌Inaccurate focus position‌

The focus position is a key factor affecting cutting accuracy. If the focus position is too far or too close, the laser beam energy distribution will be uneven, thus affecting the cutting quality.

‌Improper cutting speed‌

Cutting speed that is too fast or too slow will affect the cutting quality. Too fast may lead to incomplete cutting, while too slow may cause overheating of the cutting surface and produce heat-affected zone.

‌Improper selection of auxiliary gas pressure and type‌

The type, pressure and flow rate of auxiliary gas also have an important impact on cutting quality. Different materials require different auxiliary gases, and too high or too low pressure will affect the cutting effect.

‌Influence of material properties‌

The type, thickness and physical properties of the material (such as thermal conductivity, reflectivity, etc.) will also affect the cutting quality. For example, high reflectivity materials will reflect part of the laser, resulting in reduced cutting efficiency.

‌Improper equipment maintenance‌

After the equipment has been running for a long time, if it is improperly maintained, such as lens contamination, nozzle clogging, etc., it will also affect the cutting quality.

2. Parameter adjustment optimization strategy

‌Adjust laser output power and mode‌

Select the appropriate laser output power and cutting mode according to the thickness and characteristics of the cutting material. For thick plate materials, the output power can be appropriately increased; for high reflectivity materials, a cutting mode that better matches the material can be selected.

‌Accurately adjust the focal position‌

Through trial cutting and measurement, accurately adjust the focal position to ensure that the laser beam can accurately focus on the material surface. For materials of different thicknesses, the focal position needs to be adjusted accordingly.

‌Optimize cutting speed‌

Select the appropriate cutting speed according to the characteristics and thickness of the cutting material. Through trial cutting and observing the cutting effect, gradually adjust the cutting speed to achieve the best cutting quality.

‌Reasonably set auxiliary gas‌

Select the appropriate auxiliary gas type, pressure and flow rate according to the type and thickness of the cutting material. For example, for easily oxidized materials such as carbon steel, oxygen can be selected as the auxiliary gas and the gas pressure can be appropriately increased; for non-oxidizable materials such as stainless steel, nitrogen or inert gas can be selected as the auxiliary gas and the gas pressure can be appropriately reduced.

‌Consider material properties‌

For different types of cutting materials, adjust the cutting parameters to adapt to their characteristics. For example, for high reflectivity materials, the laser power can be increased or the cutting speed can be reduced; for materials with good thermal conductivity, the cutting speed can be appropriately increased to reduce the heat affected zone.

‌Strengthen equipment maintenance‌

Maintain the laser cutting machine regularly, including cleaning the lens, checking the nozzle, replacing aging parts, etc. Ensure that the equipment is in good working condition to improve the cutting quality.

III. Precautions in practice

‌Safety first‌

When adjusting and optimizing parameters, be sure to ensure that the equipment is in a stopped state and disconnect the power supply. Avoid making adjustments during the operation of the equipment to prevent accidents.

‌Gradual adjustment‌

Parameter adjustment should be carried out step by step. After adjusting one parameter each time, observe the changes in the cutting effect. Avoid adjusting multiple parameters at one time, which makes it impossible to accurately judge the impact of each parameter on the cutting quality.

‌Record data‌

In the process of adjusting parameters, record the parameter values ​​and cutting effects of each adjustment. By comparing and analyzing data, the best parameter combination can be found faster.

‌Continuous learning‌

Laser cutting technology continues to develop, and new materials and processes continue to emerge. As a practitioner or user in the laser cutting machine industry, you should continue to learn new technologies and new knowledge to improve your professional quality and skill level.

In summary, the problem of poor cutting quality of laser cutting machines can be optimized by adjusting parameters. When adjusting parameters, it is necessary to comprehensively consider factors such as laser output power, focal position, cutting speed, auxiliary gas and material properties. Through reasonable parameter settings and effective equipment maintenance, the cutting quality of laser cutting machines can be significantly improved, contributing to the development of modern manufacturing.