What is a Laser Cutting Head?

Simply described, a laser cutting head is a component of a laser cutting machine that directs the laser beam onto the cutting material using a lens. It plays an important role in determining cutting speeds, precision, quality, and efficiency.As a result, a laser cutting machine must have the right cutting head to make superior cuts, increasing productivity and decreasing downtime.

Businesses work with a laser-cutter professional to determine the best cutting head for their needs. Now, that is doable, but there are other options. As you read this article, you will have enough information to determine which cutting head is best for you by the end.

To effectively use the cutting head and get the most out of it, you’ll need technical assistance from the laser cutter maker. So, make sure to work with someone who is trustworthy.

Types of Laser Cutting Heads

• Fixed Focal Length Cutting Heads have predetermined focal lengths. This implies that it cannot adjust the distance between the lens and the material being sliced.
• Auto-focus Cutting Heads have adjustment sensors. These sensors automatically change the distance between the lens and the cut material, ensuring consistent and clean results. As a result, they are useful when cutting materials with uneven or curved surfaces.
• Capacitive Sensor Cutting Heads uses a capacitive sensor to keep a constant distance between the material and the lens, ensuring consistent and clean cuts. As a result, the distance between the two does not change during the fiber laser-cutting operation. This is also appropriate for uneven surfaces.
• Non-contact Cutting Heads do not make contact with the material being cut. Instead, they use a high-pressure gas stream to eliminate any undesirable workpiece material. This eliminates the possibility of uneven or nonsmooth edge cutting. Furthermore, because the gas stream has enough laser power to cut through the material, the cutting head is not required to come into contact with it.

Comparison Of Different Types Of Laser Cutting Heads

So far, we’ve covered four major categories of cutting heads. Let us compare them so that you can make an informed decision on which is best for you.

Fixed Focal Length VS. Auto-Focusing Cutting Heads

• Cost: Auto-focusing cutting heads are more expensive than fixed focal length.
• Operation: A fixed focus cutting head allows for easier operation compared to other options.
• Cutting Precision: Auto-focusing cutting heads improve cutting precision by automatically adjusting distances.
• Material Compatibility: Auto-focusing cutting heads efficiently cut through thinner materials, while fixed focal length heads are better suited for thicker materials.
• Maintenance: Easier maintenance with a fixed focus cutting head.

Capacitive Sensors VS. Non-Contact Cutting Heads:

• Cost: Higher cost for capacitive sensor cutting head.
• Operation: Non-contact cutting heads are easier to use than capacitive sensors.
• Cutting Precision: Capacitive sensor cutting heads offer improved cut precision.
• Material Compatibility: Non-contact cutting heads can cut through thicker materials faster with higher laser power, while the alternate works faster on thinner materials.
• Maintenance: Higher maintenance costs and time required for capacitive sensor cutting heads.

Other Important Considerations: All-Round

• If you frequently work with reflective materials, consider using a non-contact or capacitive sensor cutting head on your laser cutters.
• Businesses who often cut through materials with variable thicknesses can benefit from an auto-focusing cutting head on their laser cutting equipment.
• Non-contact cutting heads generate tremendous gas pressures. As a result, they are unsuitable for working with warp-prone materials since they can produce deformation.

The difference between the four major mainstream laser cutting head brands on the market

• Precitec(Germany): The German fiber laser manufacturer makes high-quality parts and machinery. Since 1971, the brand has been known for durability and precision. Precitec has many laser heads for various laser equipment. Some products include medium power range laser heads, 2D heavy-duty laser heads for difficult processes, automated 2D cutter heads up to 40 kW, sophisticated 3D cutting heads, etc.
• IPG Photonics(USA): IPG Photonics a US-based company that makes laser cutters and welders. They provide industrial laser systems for many uses. Laser heads, scanning heads, process monitoring, collimators, and associated components are also made by IPG. Everything needed to run laser-cutting machines is sold by the company. The laser cutting heads work with fiber, CO2, and YAG lasers.
• Raytools (Switzerland): Raytools is a prominent Swiss company that specializes in producing top-quality optics and heads for laser processing. Founded in 2005 and based in Glarus, Switzerland, the company has positioned itself as a pioneering presence in the field of industrial laser technology. Raytools places a significant emphasis on their extensive assortment of laser cutting head solutions. These cutting heads are specifically engineered to meet the needs of various 2D and 3D laser cutting applications in different sectors.
• LT Ultra (Germany): LT Ultra is a leading German laser processing head and beam guidance company. The Herdwangen-Schönach-based company has developed revolutionary laser material processing methods for over 30 years. Product focus at LT Ultra is superior 2D and 3D laser processing heads. Modular, water-cooled 2D CO2 welding heads improve processing quality and productivity. The company offers tilt and rotary-tilt heads for 3D applications with ultra-precision engineering for accuracy and endurance.
• Bochu(China): BOCHU, formed in 2008, provides automation solutions for laser cutting, welding, micro-machining, and other sophisticated manufacturing. BOCHU focuses on laser processing automation product development. The company developed nesting, optimization, laser cutting, and tube cutting control software individually. The FSCUT series of laser cutting CNC systems, industrial software for smart factories, the FSWELD welding automation solution, and precision processing CNC systems are among BOCHU’s many offerings. The corporation grows using its own products.
• WSX(China): Shenzhen Worthing Technology Co., Ltd. is a top laser head manufacturer specializing in fiber cutting and welding head R&D, manufacturing, sales, and service. We are members of Guangdong Laser Industry Association and Shenzhen Laser Intelligent Manufacturing Association.

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Laser Cutting Head?

We understand how difficult it is to find a cutting head when you don’t know where to begin. Here are some essential criteria that can help you progress in the right way.

• Cutting Thickness: Different cutting heads provide varying levels of cutting thickness. As a result, you must be certain of the thickness of the materials you intend to cut. This ensures that you have the correct specifications for your laser cutter.
• Cutting Speed: Similar to cutting thickness, cutting heads have varying speeds. Again, make sure you get the correct cutting speed for the material you’re working with.
• Precision and Accuracy: Certain cutting heads, such as the auto-focusing one, are more precise and accurate than others. It is entirely up to you; your cutting requirements will define your desired level of precision. Once you know this, you may purchase the appropriate cutting head. This can also take a few trials before you find the ideal cutting head for your laser cutter.
• Material Type: Cutting heads vary and may not be suitable for all materials. As a result, it is advisable to double-check that the cutting head you are purchasing is capable of cutting through the material on which you will be working.
• Maintenance: While some cutting heads, such as fixed focal, require minimum maintenance, a capacitive sensor cutting head requires more. Therefore, keep this in one because maintenance has a direct impact on the lifespan of the cutting head.
• Cost: Cost is a key consideration for any company choice. You should get a product that is within your budget. As a result, conduct extensive research on the costs and features available. Don’t spend more for features you don’t need. Stick to the standards while keeping future expansion plans in mind.

Conclusion

With its high speeds and great precision, laser-cutting technology has transformed the production process. Businesses that continue to use traditional cutting machines must keep up with competitors that have installed laser cutters in their facilities.

However, to get the best results from a laser cutter, certain aspects must be in the proper sequence, and the cutting head is simply one of them. Another crucial component is the laser machine’s nozzle, which you may read about here.

Improve Your Manufacturing with Our Advanced Laser Parts

Pendstar’s commitment to quality means that we recognize that each customer is unique and offer original laser cutting heads that are suited to your specific company requirements. Whether you require a basic cutting machine, a customized solution, or any laser parts, we have the experience and technology to produce unrivaled results.