Frequently Asked Questions about Laser Cutting Machines: How to Optimize Cutting Quality?

As an important equipment in modern industrial manufacturing, the quality of laser cutting machines is directly related to the final quality of the product and the production efficiency of the enterprise. However, in actual operation, laser cutting machines often encounter some problems that affect cutting quality. This article will provide a series of answers and suggestions for optimizing cutting quality for these common problems.

‌1. Factors affecting cutting quality of laser cutting machines‌

Before discussing how to optimize cutting quality, we first need to understand the main factors affecting laser cutting quality. These factors include laser power, cutting speed, focal position, auxiliary gas, workpiece material, and cutting path. Each factor has an important impact on the final cutting quality.

‌2. Strategies for optimizing cutting quality‌

‌Adjusting laser power‌

Laser power is one of the key factors affecting cutting quality. If the power is too small, the incision is not easy to cut and the surface is rough; if the power is too large, the incision may be too wide or even burn the material. Therefore, according to the type, thickness and cutting requirements of the material, reasonable adjustment of laser power is an important step to optimize cutting quality.

‌Optimize cutting speed‌

The cutting speed also has an important influence on the cutting quality. If the speed is too fast, the slag in the cut cannot be discharged in time, resulting in a decrease in the surface quality of the cut; if the speed is too slow, the cut may be deformed due to overheating. Therefore, in actual operation, the appropriate cutting speed should be selected according to the characteristics of the material and the cutting requirements to obtain the best cutting effect.

‌Adjust the focal position‌

The influence of the focal position on the cutting quality cannot be ignored. If the focal position is too high or too low, the roughness of the cut surface will increase. Therefore, before cutting, the focal position should be accurately adjusted according to the thickness of the material and the cutting requirements to ensure that the laser beam can be accurately focused on the cut surface to obtain the best cutting effect.

‌Select the right auxiliary gas‌

The auxiliary gas plays the role of heat dissipation, flame retardant or combustion support, and blowing off the molten stain in laser cutting. Different auxiliary gases need to be selected for different materials. For example, for metal materials, oxygen is usually used as an auxiliary gas because it can react with high-temperature metals to increase cutting speed and efficiency; while for non-metallic materials, inert gases such as nitrogen are often used to prevent excessive combustion.

‌Optimize cutting path‌

The planning of cutting path is equally important for cutting efficiency and quality. By optimizing the cutting path, cutting time can be reduced and production efficiency can be improved; at the same time, a reasonable cutting path can also ensure the stability of the laser beam during the cutting process, thereby obtaining better cutting quality.

‌Regular maintenance and care‌

The maintenance and care of the laser cutting machine is also an important part of optimizing cutting quality. Regularly cleaning the optical path system and checking the performance status of components such as the laser source and the cutting head can ensure the normal operation of the laser cutting machine and the stability of the cutting quality.

‌III. Case analysis‌

Take a metal processing company as an example. When the company used a laser cutting machine to cut stainless steel plates, it encountered problems such as rough cut surface and slow cutting speed. After analysis, it was found that it was caused by insufficient laser power and too fast cutting speed. In response to these problems, the company adjusted the laser power and cutting speed, and optimized the cutting path. After adjustment, the cutting quality was significantly improved, the cut surface was smoother, and the cutting speed was greatly improved.

‌IV. Suggestions and Prospects‌

In order to further optimize the cutting quality of laser cutting machines, it is recommended that relevant companies strengthen the training and management of operators, improve their operating skills and levels; at the same time, actively introduce advanced laser cutting technology and equipment, and continuously improve their own technical level and market competitiveness. In addition, with the continuous development of automation and intelligent technology, laser cutting machines will develop in a more efficient, intelligent and environmentally friendly direction in the future, bringing more innovations and breakthroughs to industrial manufacturing.

In summary, optimizing the cutting quality of laser cutting machines requires multiple aspects, including adjusting laser power, optimizing cutting speed, adjusting focus position, selecting appropriate auxiliary gas, optimizing cutting path, and regular maintenance and maintenance. Only by comprehensively considering these factors can we ensure that the laser cutting machine can achieve the best cutting effect in actual operation.