How Thick Can a Fiber Laser Head 500W Cut?

Fiber laser cutting machine is a cutting device with excellent performance. In the field of metal sheet processing, fiber laser cutting machine has always been recognized as the fastest laser processing equipment. However, different metals have different properties, so the processing capacity of fiber laser cutting machine is also different.
According to theoretical calculations, the fiber laser cutting machine can cut an additional 1mm thickness for every 100w power increase. Therefore, a fiber laser head 500w machine should be able to cut 5mm metal materials. However, the actual situation is not the case. When the equipment is in operation, there will be a certain amount of energy loss when the electrical energy is converted into light energy and then into heat energy. Therefore, in actual cutting, it cannot reach the ideal theoretical value. So, how big is the cutting capacity of a 500w fiber laser cutting machine? This article explains the factors that affect the cutting capacity of a fiber laser cutting machine from the following aspects.

1. Material Type

Copper and aluminum: They are high-reflective materials and are difficult to cut (damage to the laser, long-term cutting is not recommended). The general cutting thickness can reach about 2mm.
Stainless steel: The material is relatively hard and more difficult to cut than carbon steel. The general cutting thickness can reach 3mm.
Carbon steel: Because of its high carbon content, the material is relatively soft and easier to cut. The general cutting thickness can reach 4mm.

2. Cutting Speed

The cutting speed is one of the key factors affecting the thickness and quality of laser cutting. Faster cutting speeds may cause rough cutting edges, uneven cutting surfaces, and even scorching or slag residues, affecting the cutting effect and thickness.
At higher cutting speeds, the laser beam may not be able to effectively penetrate thicker materials, resulting in incomplete cutting or insufficient cutting depth.
The appropriate cutting speed can ensure that the laser head effectively melts the material during the cutting process to achieve the desired cutting effect.

3. Beam Quality

The beam quality has a direct impact on the cutting thickness and cutting effect of the fiber laser head 500W. A laser head with high beam quality can focus the laser beam to a smaller focus. The smaller the focus, the higher the energy density. This means that during the cutting process, the laser can melt the material more effectively, thereby achieving a deeper cutting thickness. A smaller focus can improve the cutting accuracy and detail performance, which is suitable for cutting complex shapes.

4. Auxiliary Gas

Oxygen: When cutting carbon steel, oxygen as an auxiliary gas can promote the combustion reaction, increase the cutting speed and cutting thickness. The presence of oxygen can increase the heat generated during the cutting process, allowing the laser to melt and cut thicker materials more effectively.
Nitrogen: Nitrogen is commonly used to cut materials such as stainless steel and aluminum. Its function is to reduce oxidation and maintain the finish of the cut edge. Although the cutting speed of nitrogen may be lower than that of oxygen, it can provide better cutting quality in the cutting of thicker materials.
Air: In some cases, air can also be used as an auxiliary gas, but its effect is usually not as good as oxygen and nitrogen. Oxygen in the air may cause oxidation of the cut edge and affect the cutting quality.
The effect and thickness of fiber laser head 500w cutting can be optimized by selecting the appropriate gas type, adjusting the gas flow rate, and controlling the heat input.

Summary

The factors that affect the cutting thickness of the fiber laser head 500W are multifaceted, including material type, cutting speed, beam quality, auxiliary gas, etc. For different applications and materials, optimizing the configuration of these factors is the key to achieving efficient cutting. By understanding and reasonably adjusting these factors, the cutting quality and work efficiency of the fiber laser cutting machine can be significantly improved, providing high-quality cutting solutions for various industrial applications.

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