Fiber Laser Cutting Technology-Stainless Steel Material
Fiber laser cutting technology of stainless steel is an efficient and precise processing technology widely used in manufacturing, construction and automotive industries. This article mainly introduces the types of laser cutting stainless steel materials, auxiliary gases, precautions, etc.
1. Types of Stainless Steel that Can Be Cut with Fiber Laser Cutting Technology
Austenitic Stainless Steel: Austenitic stainless steel is the most common type of stainless steel with strong corrosion resistance, toughness and weldability.
Ferritic Stainless Steel: Ferritic stainless steel has high corrosion resistance and good oxidation resistance, but relatively low strength and toughness. Ferritic stainless steel can be effectively processed by laser cutting, but the cutting speed and quality may not be as good as austenitic stainless steel. At the same time, they are not weldable.
Martensitic Stainless Steel: Martensitic stainless steel has high strength and hardness, good wear resistance, but relatively poor corrosion resistance. Due to their low nickel content and low tendency to work hardening, their machinability is much better.
2. Auxiliary Gas Selection and Gas Purity
Various auxiliary gases, such as oxygen, nitrogen, air, etc., are often used in stainless steel laser cutting. Different gas types have different cutting section effects. Oxygen is a black cross section, air is light yellow, and nitrogen can keep the original color of stainless steel from being oxidized. Nitrogen is the preferred auxiliary gas for stainless steel cutting. Nitrogen is an inert gas that can protect the laser cutting surface well, but because it isolates oxygen, it reduces the processing efficiency.
Oxygen and Nitrogen Purity
Oxygen: high cutting speed, can cut thick plates. Purity recommendation: ≥99.999%
Nitrogen: avoid oxidation of the cutting edge, so the workpiece does not need to be reprocessed. Purity recommendation: ≥99.995%.
3. Focus Position
Different focal points have different thicknesses, materials, and qualities that can be cut. Different materials and thicknesses need to be adjusted to different focal points. Before cutting, measure the actual zero focus. Only with the zero focus as the benchmark can the cutting process parameters be tested and analyzed. Stainless steel cutting uses negative defocus as the main process selection direction.
| Name and focus position | Fiber laser cutting technology materials and cross-section characteristics |
| Zero focal length: The laser focus is on the surface of the cutting workpiece |
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| Negative focal length: The laser focus is below the surface of the cutting workpiece |
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| Positive focal length: The laser focus is above the surface of the cutting workpiece |
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4. What Size Air Compressor Do you Need?
When choosing an air compressor, it is key to understand the flow and pressure of the compressed air used.
The flow rate of an air compressor, usually referred to as free exhaust air delivery (FAD), can be measured in cubic meters per minute (m3/min), liters per second (l/s), or cubic meters per hour (m3/h). In short, flow rate is the ability of the compressor to continuously perform work within an acceptable time frame. The required flow rate is determined by the length of time required to complete a given job.
Pressure can be measured in pounds per square inch (Psi) or bar (metric pressure measurement). Knowing the required working pressure of the equipment ensures that the compressor can provide the required pressure.
5. Precautions
Make Sure the Fan is Set Correctly
When fiber laser cutting technology, if the material is blown up by too much air, it may cause uneven cuts or incomplete cuts. Ensure that the wind speed and wind direction of the fan are appropriate to avoid splashback. If the air flow is insufficient, it may cause the optical components to be blocked by molten metal or smoke, affecting the transmission efficiency of the laser.
Make Sure the Depth of Focus is Set Correctly
The setting of the depth of focus directly affects the cutting quality. Make sure the focus position is correct, which should usually be on the surface of the material or slightly below the surface. Measure the size and shape of the cut regularly to ensure that it meets the design requirements. If you find that the cut is uneven, you may need to adjust the depth of focus or cutting parameters.
Ensure that the Optics are Clear
Keep the laser lens and reflector clean to ensure the strength and quality of the laser beam. Check the optics regularly for damage or wear and replace them if necessary.
Notes on Nitrogen Use
If you use nitrogen as an auxiliary gas, check the cut for yellow or brown stains, which may be a sign of oxidation. If oxidation is found, it may be that the nitrogen flow rate is too low to effectively remove oxygen. Adjust the nitrogen flow rate to ensure the quality of the cut.
Observe the Heat-Affected Zone
Look for a wide heat-affected zone around the cut (such as melting or discolored/blue cuts), which may indicate a problem in the cutting process. If you find signs of melting on the bottom surface, it may be that the feed speed is too slow or the laser power is too high. Adjust the cutting parameters based on the observations to optimize the cutting effect.
Summary
Fiber laser cutting technology of stainless steel materials is an efficient and precise processing process that is suitable for a variety of industries. High-quality cutting results can be achieved through reasonable process flow and parameter settings.
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