Why use auxiliary gas when cut metal material by fiber laser cutting machine?

Why use auxiliary gas when cut metal material by fiber laser cutting machine?

First, the auxiliary gas will start chemical reaction with the metal material, which increases the working capacity.

Second, blowing off the slag by air and clean the cutting seam.

Third, the gas will cool the area around cutting seam, which can avoid shape change of the material.

Last but least, to protect the Focus Lens from combustion products caused by high temperature of laser beam. Normally, O2 ( Oxygen) , N (Nitrogen) and Air is as auxiliary gas for fiber laser cutting.

Their functions are as following respectively.

N2: It’s necessary to use Nitrogen when cutting nonferrrous metal such as Stainless Steel and Aluminum sheet, which can cool and protect the material. As such materials are easy to turn black with Oxygen, using Nitrogen can avoid this phenomenon of going black.

Applicable Materials: Aluminum, Aluminum Alloy, Stainless Steel, Galvanized Steel Sheet, Brass

O2: It’s necessary to use Oxygen when cutting Carbon Steel. As there is many Carbonaceous impurities in carbon steel, using O2 can greatly increase the combusting speed, which as well, accelerating cutting speed. However, there is a disadvantage, the cutting surface will be black. The cutting surface appears black or buff.

Applicable Materials: Stainless steel, Carbon Steel.

Air: Air can be provided by Air Compressor, the price is very low. Although there is about 20% Oxygen in air, the cutting efficiency is far less than Oxygen, nearly same as Nitrogen’s efficiency. The cutting surface appears yellow. Applicable Materials: Aluminum, Aluminum Alloy, Stainless Steel, Galvanized Steel Sheet, nonmetal etc.

Argon: Very expensive, protecting from oxidation and nitridation. Cutting surface appears yellow. Mainly used in Titanium and Titanium Alloy.

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