How to choose auxiliary gas for laser cutting machine equipment

As a general processing method in modern manufacturing, laser cutting machine breaks the traditional processing method and is widely used in all walks of life with a brand-new cutting method, especially fiber laser cutting machine, which has developed rapidly in recent years.

Users who understand fiber laser cutting machines should know that auxiliary gas must be used in the cutting process. So many people are more concerned about the choice of “gas”. Today I will share with you the gas used in fiber laser cutting.

Why add auxiliary gas during processing?

Before figuring out how to choose auxiliary gas, you need understand why the auxiliary gas is used and the role of the auxiliary gas. Experience summary: In addition to blowing away the slag in the coaxial slit, using auxiliary gas can cool the surface of the processed object, reduce the heat-affected zone, cool the focusing lens, and prevent smoke and dust from entering the lens holder to pollute the lens and cause the lens to overheat; In addition, some cutting gases can also protect the base material. The choice of gas pressure and type has a greater impact on the cutting process, and the choice of the type of auxiliary gas will have a certain impact on the cutting performance, including the cutting speed and cutting thickness.

The auxiliary gases that thelaser cutting machine can use mainly include air, nitrogen, oxygen. Below we will introduce the use and characteristics for different auxiliary gases.

1. Air

Air can be provided directly by an air compressor, so the price is very economical compared to other gases. Although the air contains about 20% oxygen, the cutting efficiency is far less than that of oxygen, and the cutting ability is similar to that of nitrogen. A small amount of oxide film will appear on the cut surface, but it can be used as a measure to prevent the coating layer from falling off. The end face of the incision become yellow.

The main applicable materials are aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, copper, brass, electroplated steel plate, etc. However, when the quality requirements of the cutting products are high, aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, etc. are not suitable for air, because air will oxidize the base material.

2. Nitrogen

Some metals use oxygen to form an oxide film on the cutting surface when cutting, and nitrogen can be used to prevent oxidation film from appearing in non-oxidation cutting. Therefore, it has the characteristics of direct welding, painting, and strong corrosion resistance. The cut end is whitish.

The main applicable plates are stainless steel, galvanized steel sheet, brass, aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc.

3. Oxygen

Mainly used for laser cutting carbon steel. While the oxygen reaction heat is used to increase the cutting efficiency in a large format, the oxide film produced will increase the beam spectrum absorption factor of the reflective material. The cut end is black or dark yellow.

Mainly suitable for rolled steel, rolled steel for welding structure, carbon steel for mechanical structure, high-tension plate, tool plate, stainless steel, galvanized steel sheet, copper, copper alloy, etc.

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Email:xintian120@xtlaser.com