Laser cutting parameters play a key role in achieving high-quality cutting in a variety of industries, from the metal industry to the production of decorative items. With precise control, low material damage and minimal waste, laser cutting is becoming increasingly popular. However, to ensure optimal cutting quality, it is necessary to take into account a number of parameters that affect the efficiency of the process. In this post, we will outline what affects laser cutting quality and what laser cutting settings are most optimal.

Description of contents:

• Laser cutting parameters - type of laser
• Laser cutting parameters - laser power
• C2 laser cutting parameters - cutting speed
• Type of booster gas
• Laser focus
• Material thickness
• Machine parameter settings

Laser cutting parameters - type of laser

What affects the quality of laser cutting? One of the most important laser cutting parameters is the type of laser. Most commonly used in industry are gas lasers (CO2) and fiber lasers.

• C2 lasers are characterized by high power and are ideal for cutting materials such as wood, plastics, leather or thin metal sheets. Their main advantage is their ability to cut materials of greater thickness with high precision. When it comes to CO2 parameters, power and speed must be carefully adjusted to achieve optimal laser cutting. That's why it's so important to adjust the settings properly to prevent unwanted effects, such as material burn-through.

• Fiber lasers offer higher energy efficiency and more precise laser cutting for thin metal materials such as stainless steel, aluminum and copper. Compared to a CO2 laser, they have lower operating costs and longer life. The selection of laser cutting parameters for these devices allows cutting with exceptional precision, which is especially appreciated by industries that require highly accurate components.

Selection of laser cutting parameters - laser power

Laser power is another important parameter that directly affects the quality of cutting. Too low a power level can lead to incomplete cutting of the material, while too high a power level can cause burn-through, especially with thinner materials. Choosing the appropriate power depends on the thickness of the material being cut:

• For thin sheet metal (up to 3 mm), power in the range of 500-1000 W may be sufficient.

• For thicker sheets (over 10 mm), power in the range of 3000-6000 W will be required.

• For thicker sheets (over 10 mm), power in the range of 3000-6000 W will be required.

Optimal laser cutting settings allow to obtain even, smooth cutting edges without additional damage to the material. Selecting laser cutting parameters according to power is crucial to avoid excessive material damage or cutting too slowly. Laser cutting parameters must be well matched to the type of material to ensure the most effective results while minimizing waste.

CO2 laser cutting parameters - cutting speed

Cutting speed is a key element that affects the quality of the cut edge and the time of the entire process. A speed that is too high can result in an uneven cut and, in the case of thicker materials, can even result in a broken cut. On the other hand, a speed that is too low can cause burn-through or excessive heating of the material, resulting in deformation. The optimum cutting speed depends on the type of material, its thickness and the laser parameters set.

Through the precise selection of speed, it is possible to obtain an even cutting edge without unnecessary deformation, which translates into quality laser cutting. The CNC cutting machine manufacturer offers dedicated settings to optimize this parameter depending on the material. Cutting speed is of paramount importance in obtaining clean, even edges without dirt or bumps.

Gas booster type

The laser cutting process uses booster gases to improve the quality of the cut and remove molten material from the cutting area. The most commonly used gases are:

• Oxygen - mainly used for cutting carbon steel. With oxygen, it is possible to achieve a higher cutting speed, but it can cause oxidized edges.

• Azotium - used for cutting materials that cannot have oxidized edges, such as stainless steel. Nitrogen provides a clean cut without contamination or corrosion, but is more expensive than oxygen.

• Air - most commonly used for cutting lightweight materials such as wood, acrylic and plastics, offering sufficient efficiency at lower cost.

Choosing the right gas depends on the material and the expected quality of the cutting edge. Laser cutting in metal requires special attention to gas selection to avoid edge damage or contamination. The use of appropriate booster gases allows for high-precision cutting, which is crucial in the production of components with tight dimensions.

Laser focus

Laser focus refers to the concentration of the light beam at a given cutting point. Proper laser focus is critical to the precision and quality of the cut. Too much focus blur can lead to distorted edges, and too little focus can make the cut incomplete. Laser cutting settings in this range must be precisely adjusted to achieve the desired result. Optimal focal length settings produce an even, smooth edge without burrs or undercuts, which is especially important when cutting thin materials.

Thickness of material

Another factor that affects the quality of laser cutting is, of course, the thickness of the material being cut. The thickness of the material has a direct impact on the CO2 laser cutting parameters. Thicker materials require more laser power and reduced cutting speed. Note that for thicker materials, cutting may be more time-consuming and require a more precise selection of booster gases to avoid burn-through and uneven edges.

Machine parameter settings

Modern laser cutting machines, including CNC cutters, are equipped with advanced control systems that allow precise setting of all process parameters. Different machines have different capabilities, such as adjusting laser power, cutting speed, and the ability to automatically adjust the focal length depending on the thickness of the material. Optimal setting of machine parameters is crucial for achieving high quality cutting.

Summary

How to improve laser cutting quality? Laser cutting quality depends on many factors, including the type of laser, power, cutting speed, booster gas, focal length and material thickness. Each of these elements must be carefully selected and properly adjusted to achieve the desired result. By precisely controlling these parameters, laser cutting can be used to produce components of exceptional quality, resulting in less material loss, higher levels of precision and production efficiency. The laser-cutting is a tool that, in the hands of specialists, can produce results that surpass traditional machining methods.