The precision cutting industry is dedicated to the creation of intricate designs, such as logos or patterns, with absolute precision from a diverse range of materials, including metal, wood, and fabric. In the past, conventional cutting methods frequently led to inconsistencies or errors. Precision cutting has undergone a significant transformation as a result of the innovative technology of laser cutting machines. This makes the settings of the laser cutting machine particularly important.
The industry has been transformed by laser cutting, which offers a more sophisticated, efficient, and refined method of cutting hard materials such as metal. However, were you aware that laser cutting operates differently on various types of metal? Indeed, that is accurate. In order to achieve the most optimal cut, it is imperative to adjust the laser beam in accordance with the metal’s thickness and type.
We have developed a comprehensive guide to assist you in navigating the unpredictable realm of metal laser cutting. Continue reading to refine your skills and develop into a laser engraving expert.
How Laser Cutting Works with Different Metals
Lasers function similarly to high-powered scissors, cutting through various metals with high precision and speed. Laser cutting technology involves melting or vaporising the material with a focused beam of light, effectively removing it from the laser beam’s path. This process is particularly effective on materials with high melting points, such as stainless steel, aluminium, and copper.
The laser’s pinpoint accuracy enables users to effortlessly cut intricate designs and patterns, making it a popular choice in industries such as automotive and aerospace. Furthermore, laser cutting uses less material and produces cleaner cuts than traditional methods, making it a more environmentally friendly option. All you need are expert operator skills and proper machine calibration to achieve a wide range of precision laser-cutting capabilities on any metal type.
Important Settings: Laser Power, Speed, Frequency, and More
Those wishing to cut metal should first decide which kind of laser they require. Wavelengths of various machines differ. In laser-cutting equipment, a wavelength controls material penetration depth and precision.
Select the right laser based on the material parameters. More fit for cutting organic materials, CO2 lasers have a longer wavelength. Shorter wavelengths and better metal cutting ability define fibre lasers.
The type of metal you cut will also affect the ideal laser cutter settings:
- Laser power determines the cutting ability of the machine. Faster cutting from higher power will come from more heat distortion as well. For delicate chores like etching and engraving as well as for exact and complex cuts, lowering this setting is a better choice.
- Laser speed is the rate of movement of the laser beam over the material. Thicker materials benefit from lower speed settings since you might require more time to pass through the dense layers. Th thinner materials are better suited for higher speed settings since you won’t have to deal with additional material on route.
- Laser frequency is the count of laser pulses in one second. Changing this value is crucial since various materials have different absorption rates of laser energy. Th thinner materials are better suited for a higher frequency; thicker materials benefit from a lower frequency.
A laser-cutting machine’s lifetime can be extended and best results obtained by spending time to guarantee that the laser cutting parameters are suitable for the particular material.
Optimise Laser Cutting Settings for Common Metal Materials
Because there are several optimum parameters to consider, optimising laser-cutter settings for different types of materials can be a difficult task. The following suggestions will help you get started:
Carbon Steel: Thickness and Cutting Speed
If you want to cut carbon steel with a laser-cutting machine, you should consider the material’s thickness. Laser machines are typically used for thin- to medium-thick carbon steel, which translates to around 25mm. If you have thicker steel, you should use plasma machines that are designed to cut through thick and tough materials.
Carbon steel has a high melting point, so a slower cutting speed is required to achieve a clean and precise cut without warping or distorting the metal. This application requires a higher-frequency laser. A CO2 laser with a frequency of at least 1,000 watts is usually sufficient.
Stainless Steel: Making a Clean and Precise Cut
Due to its hardness and strength, stainless steel must be cut at a slower speed than other materials when using a laser cutter. Because of its reflective nature, stainless steel requires a high-frequency setting on the laser-cutting machine for best results. This setting enables a more precise and controlled cut while reducing the possibility of unwanted reflections and heat damage.
In general, the recommended speed for cutting stainless steel with a laser cutter is 10 to 20 mm/s. The frequency should be around 1000 Hz, with laser power ranging from 1-4 kW depending on material thickness.
Aluminium: Understanding Reflectivity and Thermal Conductivity
Aluminium is highly reflective, so laser beams can bounce off the surface and damage the machine. To avoid this, use a shorter wavelength laser, like a fibre laser. Such a machine will better penetrate the aluminium surface without causing excessive reflection.
Thermal conductivity can also be an issue when laser cutting aluminium. The heat generated by the laser can quickly dissipate throughout the material, making it difficult to cut cleanly. To combat this, use a high-powered laser with a power setting of 60-80% and a speed of 10-20 mm/s.
You could also use a cutting gas, such as nitrogen or oxygen, to create a more uniform cut by blowing away any molten metal. With some practice and the right fibre laser engraving settings, you’ll be well on your way to making precise cuts in aluminium and other materials.
Fine-tuning Techniques for Specialised Metal Cutting
Here’s how to improve your technique for using laser-cutter settings for various materials to achieve the desired results.
Copper, Brass, and Other Alloys: Meeting Challenges
Brass, copper, and other alloys can be difficult to cut due to their heat conductivity, which can result in melting and deformation at the cut site. To address this issue, laser-cutting machines typically include specialised nozzles or gases such as nitrogen to help with cooling. It is critical to adjust these parameters to achieve clean, precise cuts while maintaining the structural integrity of the metal.
Coated Metals: Setting Up for Consistent Results
High laser power is required for coated metals to penetrate tough coatings and create deeper engravings, but don’t go overboard. Running in high and constant laser power mode can also cause surface damage.
Remember to use slower cutting speeds with coated metals to avoid damaging the coating. A higher frequency will also result in cuts with smoother edges.
From light metal fabrication to versatile tube cutting, choose the right fibre cutter solutions.
Pendstar understands that cutting different metals and materials can be difficult. That is why we introduced Pendstar’s laser parts and Fibre Laser Cutters. Pendstar’s laser parts and laser cutters provide exceptional power capacity and customisable specifications, meeting the unique needs of every DIYer and professional.
If you need powerful but affordable performance for light metal cutting, Pendstar’s shop may be the answer. Explore the laser parts and laser cutters we have available and get creative today.
