Publish Time: 2024-08-27 Origin: Site
2. Overview of Laser Cutting Technology
- Basic Principles of Laser Cutting
- Types of Laser Cutting Equipment
3. Suitability of Laser Cutting for Metal Processing
- Cutting Efficiency & Quality
4. Advantages of Laser Cutting in Metalworking
5. Application Areas of Laser Cutting
6. How to Choose the Laser Cutting Machine for You?
Since its first application in the 1960s, laser cutting technology has experienced rapid technological development and widespread industry popularization. Initially, laser cutting was mainly used in aerospace and military fields, but with the maturity of laser technology, the reduction of equipment costs and the continuous innovation of manufacturing processes, it has gradually penetrated into various industrial fields and become a core technology of the modern processing industry. Especially in the field of metal processing, laser cutting meets the growing market demand with its unique accuracy, speed and flexibility.
In metal processing, laser cutting, as a highly efficient way of processing materials, provides producers with excellent cut quality and extremely high material utilization. Whether it's a complex part process or a high-volume production task, laser cutting machines are able to accomplish the cutting task quickly and accurately. This technology not only reduces production cycle time, but also reduces the need for follow-up processing, further enhancing productivity.
Laser cutting has an extremely wide range of applications in metal processing, covering a wide range of fields such as machinery manufacturing, automotive industry, construction engineering and art design. It can cut a variety of metal materials, including stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum and copper alloy, etc., applicable to a variety of thickness cutting needs. With the advancement of Industry 4.0 trend, the automation and intelligence of laser cutting technology will further promote the innovative development of metal processing. Therefore, for the manufacturing industry, mastering and applying laser cutting technology has become an important factor to enhance competitiveness.
A laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is a type of light that is formed by the amplification of excited radiation. Laser beams are highly monochromatic, coherent and directional, which allows the laser to propagate over long distances in the atmosphere with concentrated energy. In a laser, an excitation medium (e.g. gas, solid or liquid) is excited to produce photons, which are reflected by mirrors to form extremely intense laser beams. These laser beams can be focused through a lens to a very small cutting point, resulting in a high energy density focus.
During the laser cutting process, the laser beam is focused onto the surface of the metal material and the laser energy is converted into thermal energy, which rapidly raises the temperature of the material. At this point, the material reaches its melting point and eventually melts or vaporizes. An auxiliary gas (such as oxygen, nitrogen or air) is often added to the cutting process. The auxiliary gas not only helps to remove the molten metal, but also affects the quality and speed of the cut. The chemical reaction that occurs with the aid of oxygen creates a high temperature that helps to cut thicker metal materials more efficiently.
Laser cutting equipment can be categorized into several main types depending on the laser source:
CO2 Laser Cutting Machine
CO2 laser cutting machines are devices that use carbon dioxide gas as the laser medium and are suitable for cutting non-metallic materials. Its advantages are relatively low cost and good cutting quality, but relatively low power and low efficiency in handling metal materials with large thickness. In addition, the efficiency of CO2 lasers is about 20%-25% at high power.
Fiber Laser Cutting Machine
Fiber laser cutting machines use optical fibers as the laser medium, providing high efficiency, high density and excellent beam quality. Compared to CO2 lasers, fiber laser cutting machines have an electrical energy conversion efficiency of 70%-80%, allowing them to cut thicker metal materials and at a much faster speed. Another advantage of fiber laser machine is that it occupies less space and has low maintenance cost, which makes it a more popular laser cutting equipment in the current market.
Nd:YAG Laser Cutting Machine
Nd:YAG (Neodymium Doped Aluminum Garnet) laser cutting machines use solid-state lasers and are suitable for cutting applications that require high energy pulses. Due to their good beam quality and high energy output, Nd:YAG lasers are suitable for precision cutting and welding, and excel especially in high-end applications such as aerospace and medical devices. However, Nd:YAG machines are larger and have relatively high maintenance costs compared to fiber laser cutters.
In conclusion, laser cutting technology has become an important tool for modern metal processing, and various types of laser cutting machines meet the industry's different needs for cutting efficiency, quality and flexibility. Choosing the right laser cutting equipment will have a direct impact on production efficiency and product quality. Click here to contact Suntop Laser today for more information on laser cutting machines.
Laser cutting technology can be used to process a wide range of metal materials, including but not limited to:
Stainless steel
With excellent corrosion resistance and strength characteristics, it is suitable for a wide range of industrial fields.
Suitable for thin and thick plate processing.
Carbon steel
Used in a wide range of applications, such as the machine building and construction industries.
Laser cutting enables high precision and high speed cutting.
Aluminum and its alloys
Lightweight and with good corrosion resistance, widely used in aerospace, automotive and electronics.
Cutting parameters need to be adjusted for the high thermal conductivity of aluminum.
Copper and its alloys
Widely used in electronic components due to good electrical conductivity.
Cutting is relatively difficult and is suitable for thin sheet cutting.
Nickel-based alloys
Commonly used in the manufacture of high-temperature resistant components, the laser excels in cutting these metals.
The applicable thickness of laser cutting varies depending on the type of material, and different cutting thicknesses can be realized with different powers of cutters:
Power | Carbon steel (mm) | Stainless steel (mm) | Aluminum (mm) | Brass (mm) | ||||
Ultimate thickness | Actual processing thickness | Ultimate thickness | Actual processing thickness | Ultimate thickness | Actual processing thickness | Ultimate thickness | Actual processing thickness | |
1KW | 12 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
2KW | 16 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
3KW | 22 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 6（4） |
4KW | 25 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 8（5） |
6KW | 25 | 16 | 20 | 14 | 16 | 10 | 12 | 10 |
8KW | 40 | 20 | 30 | 18 | 30 | 16 | 16 | 12 |
12KW | 40 | 22 | 40 | 25 | 40 | 20 | 16 | 16 |
15KW | 60 | 25 | 50 | 30 | 50 | 25 | 20 | 18 |
The table above has listed the tables corresponding to different powers in detail (only for reference). Each material corresponds to the limit thickness and the actual processing thickness. Generally, the thickness of the cut processed by the factory in batches should be based on the actual processing thickness. This will not only guarantee the laser equipment service life and also ensure that the processed materials have good accuracy. If you encounter too thick a plate, you can also cut it, but it must not exceed the limit thickness. If cutting plates of extreme thickness in batches, after a long time, there will be certain errors in the materials, and the life of the laser will be shortened.
The efficiency and quality of laser cutting are important indicators for evaluating its application in the metalworking industry, both of which have a direct impact on the economics of production and the quality of the finished product. Various aspects of cutting efficiency and cutting quality are described in detail below.
1. Cutting efficiency
Cutting efficiency is mainly related to the following factors:
● Cutting speed:
The speed of laser cutting usually depends on the power of the laser, the thickness and type of material. Higher power lasers can achieve faster cutting speeds.
Cutting speed varies from material to material, for example, carbon steel is usually cut at a higher speed than stainless steel and aluminum.
● Laser power:
Cutting efficiency is usually proportional to the output power of the laser. Higher power lasers can cut thicker materials in the same amount of time, increasing productivity.
Modern high power laser cutting machines (e.g. 3000W, 6000W and even 10000W) have been able to achieve fast and efficient cutting of thick plates.
● Material type:
Differences in heat reflectivity, thermal conductivity and melting point of different materials affect the efficiency of laser cutting. For example, aluminum has better thermal conductivity, which may lead to heat diffusion when cutting, reducing cutting speed.
● Cutting Technology:
The auxiliary gas used in the cutting process and the cutting method (e.g., pulsed mode, continuous mode, etc.) can also affect efficiency. Using the right auxiliary gas (oxygen, nitrogen, etc.) can improve cutting speed and quality.
● Degree of automation:
A highly automated laser cutting system can manage the production process more effectively, thus improving overall cutting efficiency.
2. Cutting quality
Cutting quality is another key indicator for assessing the effectiveness of laser cutting, mainly including the following aspects:
● Cutting accuracy:
Laser cutting machine can achieve very high positioning accuracy, usually within ± 0.1 mm error, which makes its performance in complex graphics and fine cutting is particularly outstanding.
The level of cutting accuracy also depends on factors such as the adjustment of the laser and the way the material is mounted.
● Cutting edge quality:
Laser cutting has a smooth cutting edge and usually requires no subsequent processing. The cut produces fewer burrs and the kerf has a high degree of perpendicularity and finish.
Different auxiliary gas choices and cutting parameters (e.g., focus position, cutting speed, etc.) directly affect edge quality.
● Heat affected zone (HAZ):
Heat propagation during the cutting process may affect the material properties in the cutting area, creating a heat affected zone. A smaller heat affected zone reduces material deformation and hardening, thus increasing the feasibility of subsequent processing.
Efficient laser cutting reduces this zone, thereby maintaining the physical properties of the material.
● Cutting shapes and complexity:
Laser cutting can easily handle complex geometries and subtle patterns, greatly expanding design possibilities.
For example, laser cutting can be utilized to achieve outstanding 3D effects or specially shaped parts.
● Post-processing needs:
A high-quality cutting surface not only reduces the time for post-processing grinding and treatment, but also reduces processing costs and improves overall productivity.
3. Parameters affecting cutting efficiency and quality
● Laser wavelength and focus:
Reasonable control of the laser wavelength and focus point position can optimize the cutting effect. Focus position is too high or too low will affect the cutting effect.
● Cutting speed and power ratio:
Reasonable setting of cutting speed and laser power ratio is very critical. Too fast a speed may lead to incomplete cutting, too slow may lead to the expansion of the heat-affected zone.
● Material thickness:
As the material thickness increases, the cutting time will increase accordingly, so there is a need to balance between thickness and processing efficiency.
● Operator experience:
Experienced operators are able to reasonably adjust parameters according to material properties, equipment status and cutting needs to achieve higher efficiency and quality.
In industrial production, laser cutting is widely used because of its high efficiency and high quality, which can meet the needs of various complex designs and mass production. By continuously optimizing the cutting parameters, improving the machine performance and increasing the operating experience, the efficiency and quality of cutting can be further improved, thus promoting the continuous development of the metal processing industry. Click here to contact Suntop Laser today to learn more about laser cutting.
Laser cutting usually adopts gas-assisted cutting (such as oxygen and nitrogen) to improve the cutting effect:
1. Oxygen cutting
Applicable materials: mainly used for cutting carbon steel.
Working principle: In the cutting process, the laser beam heats up the surface of the material, and the auxiliary oxygen will react with the melted metal to form an oxidation reaction to release more heat. This process improves the cutting speed and gives better quality cuts.
Advantages:
Faster cutting speed: the combustion of oxygen generates additional heat and facilitates the cutting process.
High quality of cut: fewer burrs and melt drops, smooth surface.
Economical: Oxygen cost is relatively low and cutting efficiency is high.
Disadvantages:
Since the oxidation reaction may cause oxidation of the cutting edge, it is less suitable for applications that require higher surface quality after cutting.
2. Nitrogen cutting
Applicable materials: mainly used for cutting materials such as stainless steel and aluminum.
Working principle: In laser cutting, nitrogen is used as a protective gas to avoid material oxidation, and at the same time reduce the heat-affected zone and effectively control the thermal deformation of the edge.
Advantages:
Avoiding oxidation: the material will not affect the surface quality due to oxidation during the cutting process, which is suitable for high precision requirements.
Reduction of thermal influence: deformation and stress at the cutting edge are reduced by cooling action.
Adaptable: can be used for a wide range of metal materials, especially suitable for those applications that require high surface quality.
Disadvantages:
Relatively high cost, nitrogen supply adds some processing costs compared to oxygen.
When choosing gas-assisted cutting, it is necessary to reasonably choose oxygen or nitrogen as the auxiliary gas according to the nature of the material to be cut, the required cutting quality and economic considerations. Both have their applicable scenarios and advantages and disadvantages in order to realize the best cutting effect in the laser cutting process.
Laser cutting offers a variety of significant advantages in metal processing, and the following are some of the key benefits:
1. High precision and quality
High cutting precision: laser cutting enables extremely high cutting precision, suitable for complex shapes and fine details.
Smooth cutting edges: Compared to traditional cutting methods, laser cutting results in smoother cutting edges, reducing the need for subsequent processing.
2. Versatility
Adaptable to a wide range of materials: laser cutting can be applied to a wide range of metal materials (e.g. carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, copper, etc.) and can also handle non-metallic materials.
Can cut different thicknesses: laser cutting machine can handle different thicknesses of materials by adjusting the laser power and cutting speed.
3. Speed and efficiency
Fast cutting: the fast speed of laser cutting can improve the production efficiency, especially suitable for mass production.
High degree of automation: modern laser cutting machines are usually equipped with advanced CNC systems, which can realize automated operation and reduce manual intervention.
4. Highly adaptable
Design flexibility: laser cutting can easily handle complex patterns and designs, suitable for diverse manufacturing needs.
Rapid design change: Due to its CNC characteristics, design changes only require modification of the program in the computer, without the need to change the tool or mold, flexible and efficient.
5. Saving raw materials
Reduced material loss: laser cutting has a very fine cutting gap, which can minimize material waste and improve the utilization of raw materials.
6. Low heat affected zone
Low thermal deformation: Since laser cutting concentrates heat at the cutting point, the heat affected zone (HAZ) is small, reducing material deformation and stress caused by thermal influence.
7. Relatively low post-processing requirements
Less post-processing: Because of the high quality of the cut produced by laser cutting, there is usually less need for subsequent processing, helping to save time and costs.
8. Safety and environmental friendliness
Less Pollution: The laser cutting process produces relatively little waste and usually produces no harmful gases, which is in line with modern environmental requirements.
Non-contact processing: Laser cutting does not touch the material, which reduces mechanical friction and wear and prolongs the service life of the equipment.
Taken together, the advantages of laser cutting in metal processing make it one of the important cutting technologies in modern industry, especially suitable for high-precision, high-volume and diversified production needs of the environment. Click here to contact Suntop Laser today for a free laser cutting test.
Laser cutting technology is widely used in the field of metal processing due to its high precision, efficiency and versatility. Following are some of the major application areas of laser cutting metal processing:
1. Manufacturing
Automotive industry: for cutting body structure parts, components and decorative parts to meet the demand for lightweight and high strength.
Mechanical equipment manufacturing: in the production of castings, mechanical parts and equipment frames, laser cutting can achieve high precision cutting.
2. Sheet metal processing
Sheet metal parts production: Widely used in the manufacture of sheet metal parts, including chassis, shells, brackets, etc., capable of quickly cutting out complex shapes.
Customized production: small batch customization based on customer demand, flexible and efficient.
3. Packaging Industry
Packaging equipment: used to cut and process metal frames and parts of packaging machinery to meet the needs of different shapes and sizes.
4. Electrical and electronic industry
Electronic components: used to cut complex shapes of electrical equipment shells, connectors, heat sinks, etc. to ensure high precision and surface quality.
Circuit board processing: some special materials for circuit board cutting can also use laser technology.
5. Aerospace
Aerospace parts: in aircraft manufacturing, laser cutting can cut high-strength alloy materials to ensure cutting accuracy and surface finish.
Spacecraft components: for precision machining of spacecraft shells and structural parts.
6. Elevator and escalator industry
Elevator parts: laser cutting technology is widely used in the processing of structural parts, guide rails, door frames and other parts of elevators and escalators.
7. Furniture manufacturing
Metal furniture: It is used to cut parts of metal furniture (such as tables, chairs and storage cabinets, etc.) to enhance the aesthetics and personalization of the design.
8. Medical Equipment
Medical Device Manufacturing: Laser cutting is used to produce advanced medical devices and tools, such as surgical instruments, implants, etc., with high resource utilization and high hygiene requirements.
9. Art and decoration
Metal sculpture and artwork: Laser cutting can be used to produce intricate metal artwork, decorative objects, and metal decorative elements in high-end architecture.
Customized billboards: laser cutting enables fine text and pattern cutting, which is suitable for commercial advertising and signage production.
10. Construction
Architectural Decoration: Laser cutting is used in the manufacture of metal screens, balcony railings, door and window frames, etc. in building facades and interior decoration.
Laser cutting technology has become an important metal processing method in many industries due to its outstanding advantages. Click here to contact Suntop Laser today for more information.
There are several factors involved in choosing the right laser cutting machine for you, here are some key points to consider and steps to help you make an informed decision:
1. Determine the material to be cut
Material Type: First, identify the type of material you will primarily be cutting (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, copper, plastic, wood, etc.).
Material Thickness: Different laser cutting machines have different cutting capabilities for different thicknesses of materials and need to be selected based on actual needs.
2. Laser type selection
Fiber laser: suitable for metal cutting, especially thin and thick plates, high efficiency and good cutting quality.
CO₂ laser: suitable for cutting organic materials (such as wood, plastic, paper, etc.), but the cutting ability of metal is general.
YAG laser: suitable for high-precision metal processing, but relatively expensive.
3. Cutting power
Power requirements: the power of the cutting machine directly affects the cutting speed and ability. Usually, the higher the power, the stronger the cutting speed and thickness capability. Choose the right power range to meet your production needs.
4. Cutting accuracy and speed
Determine your requirements for cutting accuracy and production efficiency needs. Different models of laser cutting machines may have significant differences in technical specifications, so pay attention to their cutting accuracy and speed when choosing.
5. Machine size and working range
According to your workspace and production needs to choose the right machine size and cutting range, to ensure that you can meet the actual cutting needs.
6. Software compatibility
Check if the cutting machine is compatible with your existing design software. Many industries use specific software for design, so it is important to ensure seamless connectivity between software.
7. Brand and after-sales service
Choosing a laser cutting machine from a well-known brand usually comes with better quality and customer support. It is also important to understand the manufacturer's after-sales service, maintenance policy and technical support.
8. Cost budget
Make a reasonable budget, including the purchase cost, maintenance cost, and consumables cost. Ensure that the equipment you choose is within your budget and can meet your business needs at the same time.
9. Safety and environmental protection
Check the safety features of the cutting machine and compliance with local environmental regulations. Ensure that the equipment is safe to use and meets emission standards.
10. Test run or demonstration
If possible, arrange a test run or observe a demonstration to confirm whether the performance of the equipment in actual cutting meets your requirements.
By taking the above factors into consideration, you will be in a better position to select the right laser cutting machine to meet your production needs and business objectives. Click here to contact Suntop Laser today for a free laser cutting test.
There may be several reasons for choosing Suntop Laser as a brand of laser cutting machine, here are some common benefits and features that may make you consider choosing this brand:
1. High quality equipment
Advanced technology: Suntop Laser is committed to utilizing the latest in laser technology and innovative designs to provide efficient and accurate cutting solutions.
Durability and Reliability: Its products are often known for their high-quality materials and precision manufacturing processes, ensuring that the models are durable and stable in operation.
2. Wide range of application scenarios
Diversified material cutting: Suntop Laser's equipment is suitable for cutting a wide range of materials, including metal, wood, plastic, etc., to meet the needs of different industries.
A variety of models to choose from: According to the market demand, Suntop offers a variety of models and specifications, which can provide customers with diversified choices.
3. Superior cutting performance
High speed and accuracy: Laser cutting machines usually have high cutting efficiency and accuracy, which ensures cutting quality and maintains excellent performance even when dealing with complex shapes.
High power options: Different power options are available to enable customers to choose according to specific cutting needs such as material type and thickness.
4. User-friendly operation
Easy-to-use control system: Suntop's machines are usually equipped with a user-friendly interface, making operation easy and users can get started quickly.
Software compatibility: Compatibility with common design software contributes to a more efficient workflow.
5. Strong after-sales service
Technical Support: Provide comprehensive technical support and training to ensure that problems encountered by customers in the course of use can be resolved in a timely manner.
Maintenance and Service Guarantee: Good after-sales service and maintenance program can reduce the customer's operational risk.
6. Cost-effective
Reasonable price: Suntop Laser is usually competitive in price, providing good cost performance, so that customers can get a higher rate of return on investment.
Choosing a machine from Suntop Laser means that you are looking for a high-performance, highly reliable laser cutting machine that meets a wide range of cutting needs. In addition, good after-sales service and user support are key factors that set Suntop apart. Click here to contact Suntop Laser today and make sure you know exactly what you need before you buy so you can make the best choice.
Laser cutting technology has demonstrated many significant advantages in metal processing, making it an important part of modern manufacturing. Firstly, laser cutting provides high precision and quality cutting effect, capable of handling complex shapes and fine details, guaranteeing the precision and consistency of the final products. Secondly, laser cutting offers high processing speeds and efficiencies, making it particularly suited to mass production and enabling flexible application in environments with a high degree of automation. In addition, the technology is highly adaptable to materials, capable of cutting different types and thicknesses of metallic and non-metallic materials, which enhances production flexibility and adaptability, reduces material loss and lowers production costs. Meanwhile, due to the lower heat-affected zone and excellent cutting quality, laser cutting reduces the need for post-processing, which saves time and cost for enterprises.
Laser cutting has a broad application outlook across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, medical devices, art and decoration, and more. As the requirements for processing precision and product quality in various industries continue to improve, laser cutting technology will continue to play its advantages to meet the needs of different fields. At the same time, the rise of personalization and small-lot customized production makes the application of laser cutting in the customized market a huge potential.
Continuous technological advancement is crucial to the metal processing industry. The development of new-generation laser cutting equipment not only improves processing speed and accuracy, but also promotes the realization of more efficient and environmentally friendly production processes. In addition, the wave of smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 has made it possible to combine laser cutting with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data. This will further enhance the flexibility, intelligence and automation of metal processing, and promote the overall efficiency of the industry as well as the transformation of production methods. Therefore, technological progress not only enhances the competitiveness of laser cutting in metal processing, but also opens up new opportunities for the future development of the entire industry.