Factors Affecting the Cutting Quality of Fiber Laser Cutting Machines and How to Improve It

Fiber laser cutting machines have become an indispensable tool in modern industrial manufacturing, thanks to their high precision and fast cutting speed. However, achieving optimal cutting quality requires a thorough understanding of the factors that influence the cutting process and the ability to control them effectively. In this article, we will explore the standards for judging the cutting quality of laser cutting machines, the factors that affect the cutting quality, and tips for improving the cutting performance.

Standards for Judging the Cutting Quality of Laser Cutting Machines

1. Roughness: The depth of the vertical lines formed on the laser-cut section determines the roughness of the cut surface. A smoother cut is characterized by lighter lines, which not only improves the appearance of the edge but also affects the friction properties.

2. Verticality: For sheet metal thicknesses exceeding 10mm, the verticality of the cutting edge is crucial. As the laser beam moves away from the focal point, it becomes divergent, causing the cut to widen towards the top or bottom. The more vertical the edge, the higher the quality of the cut.

3. Cutting Width: The cutting width is particularly important when forming precise contours inside the part, as it determines the minimum inward warping of the profile. The cutting width increases with the sheet thickness, and to ensure consistent high precision, the machining area of the workpiece should remain constant regardless of the kerf width.

4. Texture: When cutting thick plates at high speed, the molten metal may not appear in the kerf below the vertical laser beam but instead is ejected behind the laser beam, forming curves on the cutting edge. Reducing the feed rate at the end of the cutting process can help eliminate the formation of these lines.

5. Burr Formation: The presence and severity of burrs are important factors in determining the quality of laser cutting. Burr removal requires extra work, so minimizing their formation is essential for achieving high-quality cuts.

6. Material Deposition: During the laser cutting process, the workpiece surface is coated with a special oily liquid before the material is melted and perforated. Vaporization and various materials do not require customers to use wind to remove the cut, but upward or downward discharge can form deposits on the surface.

7. Dent and Corrosion: These defects adversely affect the trimmed surface and appearance, and they should generally be avoided in cutting mistakes.

8. Heat-Affected Zone: The area near the cut is heated during laser cutting, causing changes in the metal structure, such as hardening in some cases. The heat-affected zone is the depth of the area where the internal structure changes.

9. Deformation: If the part is heated sharply from cutting, it may deform, which is particularly important in fine machining where contours and connections are often only a few tenths of a millimeter wide. Controlling laser power and using short laser pulses can reduce part heating and avoid deformation.

Factors Affecting the Quality of Fiber Laser Cutting

1. Laser Output Power: The size of the laser power and the quality of the model have a significant impact on the cutting process. Higher laser power allows for cutting thicker materials and affects the accuracy of the workpiece size, cutting width, and surface roughness. However, excessive power can lead to over-melting and combustion, while insufficient power may result in incomplete slag removal.

2. Beam Characteristics of Lasers: The kerf width is closely related to the focused spot diameter, as the power density and energy density of laser irradiation depend on the spot diameter. To obtain a larger power density and energy scale, the spot diameter should be as small as possible during laser cutting.

3. Laser Cutting Speed: The cutting speed is inversely proportional to the density and thickness of the material being cut when other parameters remain unchanged. The optimal cutting speed will result in a smooth cut surface without dross formation. Excessive speed may cause incomplete cutting and sparks, while slow speed can lead to over-melting and widening of the slit.

4. Auxiliary Gas: The assist gas, usually launched coaxially with the laser beam, protects the lens from contamination and blows away slag at the bottom of the cutting zone. Both the pressure and type of gas affect the roughness of the cut section and the generation of slag.

5. Material Surface Roughness: While fiber laser cutting is not limited by the shape of the workpiece, it is affected by the surface roughness. A smoother material surface leads to better cutting quality, emphasizing the importance of machine tool stability and a suitable working environment.

6. Thickness of Metal Material: The output power of fiber laser cutting machines determines the suitable thickness range for different materials. For example, machines with power below 1000W are suitable for cutting carbon steel up to 14mm and stainless steel up to 6mm, ensuring good cutting quality and speed. Thicker materials may result in slower cutting speed and lower quality, while thinner materials can be cut with excellent quality without requiring subsequent processing.

Tips for Improving the Cutting Quality of Laser Cutting Machines

1. Reduce Glitches: Check the laser output, ensure a circular spot coaxial with the nozzle center, and inspect the optical system for foreign objects, dust, slag, or cracks on the lens. Adjust cutting parameters or gas purity to find the optimal settings.

2. Avoid Deformation: Control laser power or use short laser pulses to reduce metal heating and prevent deformation. Dents and corrosion should be avoided as they adversely affect the cutting edge.

3. Solve Cut-In Failure: Slow down the cutting speed, clean contaminated mirrors, replace focusing mirrors, and readjust the optical path to ensure the laser spot is concentric with the nozzle center. Polish the surface of copper and aluminum to deal with high reflectivity, and clean debris inside the nozzle regularly. Adjust gas pressure and replace distilled water in the cooling system as needed.

At Tianchen Laser, we understand the importance of achieving high-quality cuts with fiber laser cutting machines. Our state-of-the-art equipment is designed to deliver exceptional precision, speed, and versatility, catering to the diverse needs of various industries. With a range of models to choose from, we offer solutions for cutting both thin and thick materials, as well as metals and non-metals.

Our fiber laser cutting machines are built with top-quality components and advanced technology, ensuring reliable performance and minimal maintenance. We prioritize providing comprehensive support and training to our customers, empowering them to optimize their cutting processes and achieve the best possible results.

If you're looking to enhance your manufacturing capabilities and achieve superior cutting quality, we invite you to explore Tianchen Laser's range of fiber laser cutting machines. Our knowledgeable team is ready to provide personalized guidance and help you select the perfect machine for your specific requirements. Contact us today to learn more about how Tianchen Laser can help you unlock the full potential of fiber laser cutting technology and take your manufacturing to the next level.