Key Factors in Laser Welding Nozzle Selection

Selecting the right laser welding nozzle is critical to achieving optimal welding performance, maximizing efficiency, and ensuring the quality of the finished weld. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a laser welding nozzle.

1. Single-Layer VS Double-Layer

Single-layer laser welding nozzles are used for melting cutting, that is, using nitrogen as auxiliary gas, cutting stainless steel and aluminum plates, etc., using single-layer laser nozzles with specifications of 1.4-3.0mm.

Double-layer laser nozzles are generally used for oxidation cutting, that is, using oxygen as auxiliary gas, for cutting carbon steel, using double-layer laser nozzles with specifications of 1.5-3.0.

Double-layer laser welding nozzles are also supersonic nozzles. After passing through the inner core, the gas will undergo secondary expansion to increase the gas speed, and then reach the working surface through the end hole. The advantage of this is that it can reduce the generation of shock waves and increase the gas speed, thereby increasing the efficiency of gas participation in cutting, taking away slag and heat.

Double-layer nozzles are generally used for high-speed cutting because of their high gas flow rate. Double-layer nozzles are generally used for cutting carbon steel with oxygen. They are fast, but the cutting seam is wide, and the cutting surface will be black (oxidized).

2. Chrome Plating VS No Chrome Plating

The laser welding nozzle is a relatively important component of the laser cutting machine. During the laser cutting process, the capacitor signal is collected and transmitted to the signal processor through the ceramic ring, so as to keep the laser head tracking the distance of the workpiece during the cutting process, guide the gas to pass through the workpiece smoothly, and form high pressure near the nozzle outlet to speed up the cutting speed, take away the slag, and protect the internal lens of the laser head.

After chrome plating, the laser welding nozzle can form a protective film, which can prevent the slag from splashing on the nozzle surface when cutting materials, thereby damaging the nozzle.

3. Nozzle Aperture

The aperture of the nozzle controls the gas flow and the shape of the gas field, which is very important for the cutting quality. Nozzles with different apertures are mainly used for cutting plates of different thicknesses. Thin plates use smaller nozzles, and thick plates use larger nozzles. The laser welding nozzle apertures are: 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6.0, etc. (unit: mm), the most commonly used are: 1.0, 1.2, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and the most commonly used are 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0.

Generally, when using a laser cutting machine to cut thin plates below 3mm, it is recommended to use a nozzle with a diameter of 1mm, and for thicknesses above 3mm, it is recommended to choose a nozzle with a diameter of 1.5mm. When cutting metal plates above 10mm, generally choose a laser welding nozzle with a diameter of 2mm or more.

4. Cooling Requirements of Laser Welding Nozzle

Heat Dissipation: Actively cooled (water- or air-cooled) nozzles can prevent overheating and extend the life of the nozzle. Evaluate whether the application has cooling requirements due to high duty cycles or intense laser exposure.

5. Other Parameters

Other parameters mainly include thread type, outer diameter size, and height size. The thread types are mainly M11\M14\M15; the height dimensions are mainly concentrated in 11mm-30mm, and the most common are 11mm and 15mm; the outer diameter dimensions are mainly 28mm-32mm, and the outer diameter dimension of the bullet head is mainly 10.5mm.

Summary

Proper laser welding nozzle selection is critical to optimizing the performance of your laser welding operation. By considering factors such as design, material, airflow, thermal management, and production requirements, you can select the right nozzle to improve the efficiency and quality of your welding process. Always consult the equipment manufacturer and industry standards to ensure compatibility and performance.

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