How to Choose the Right Metal Cutting Head for Your Application?

As the core component of the fiber laser cutting machine, the laser metal cutting head will directly affect the plate cutting effect. Therefore, it is necessary to correctly select the appropriate cutting head model and use it in a standardized manner to improve the cutting ability and effect of the laser cutting equipment.

1. Understand the Basic Principles of Laser Cutting

The laser metal cutting head creates high temperatures on the surface of the material by focusing the laser beam, causing the material to melt or vaporize, thereby achieving cutting. Understanding this principle helps to choose the right cutting head design and configuration.

2. Determine the Cutting Material

Different materials (such as stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, copper, etc.) have different requirements for laser cutting heads. You need to be clear about the type of material to be cut to select the right cutting head.
Stainless steel and carbon steel: usually require high-power lasers and suitable metal cutting head designs to ensure cutting quality.
Aluminum and copper: These materials have high reflectivity and may require specially designed cutting heads to improve cutting efficiency.

3. Choose the Right Focal Length

The focal length of the laser cutting head is an important factor affecting cutting quality and efficiency. The choice of focal length should be adjusted according to the material thickness and cutting type.
Short focal length: suitable for high-precision cutting of thin materials.
Long focal length: suitable for cutting thicker materials and can provide greater cutting depth.

4. Consider the Design of the Metal Cutting Head

The design of the laser cutting head includes the optical system, gas flow and cooling system, etc. Choosing the right design can improve cutting efficiency and cutting quality.
Optical system: High-quality lenses and reflectors can improve the focusing ability of the laser beam and ensure cutting accuracy.
Gas flow: The auxiliary gas used in the cutting process (such as oxygen, nitrogen or air) will affect the cutting effect. Choosing the right gas flow design can improve the cutting quality.

5. Choose the Right Laser Power

Laser power directly affects the cutting speed and cutting ability. Choose the right laser power according to the thickness and type of the material.
Thin materials usually require lower laser power, but faster cutting speed.
Thick materials require higher laser power to ensure effective cutting.

6. Evaluate Cutting Speed and Accuracy

Cutting speed and accuracy are important considerations when selecting a laser metal cutting head. According to the application requirements, choose a cutting head that can meet the cutting speed and accuracy requirements.
High-precision cutting requires a higher quality optical system and a more stable laser source.
Fast cutting may require a higher power laser and an optimized cutting head design.

7. Consider the Durability of the Metal Cutting Head

Laser cutting heads are subject to high temperatures and wear during use, so it is necessary to choose durable materials and designs. At the same time, consider the convenience of maintenance and replacement of the cutting head.
Material selection: Materials that are resistant to high temperatures and wear can extend the service life of the cutting head.

8. Perform a Trial Cut

Before the final selection, a trial cut can help verify the performance of the selected metal cutting head. Through trial cutting, you can observe the cutting effect, cutting speed, and cutting quality, so as to make necessary adjustments.

9. Maintenance

1. Before using the cutting head, it is recommended to wrap a layer of tape around the cutting head (use tear off the tape without residual glue) to prevent dust from entering the gap during later maintenance;
2. Once the lens inside the metal cutting head is dirty or damaged, it is recommended to replace it. It is not recommended to remove it for cleaning to avoid secondary and more serious pollution;
3. In addition to replacing the lower protective lens, the cutting head can be operated on the cutting machine. The upper protective lens and collimating and focusing lens must be replaced in a dust-free environment above Class 1000;
4. Check the cutting head lens. First use white paper to check whether there are black spots on the red light of the 10,000-watt fiber laser, then use low-power laser, use black photosensitive paper to check whether there are spots on the light spot, and finally take out the lens for inspection under a microscope.

Summary

Choosing the right laser metal cutting head is essential to ensure the efficiency and cutting quality of the laser cutting process. By following the above steps, you can choose the right laser cutting head for your application, thereby improving cutting efficiency and ensuring cutting quality.

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