What is a laser cutting machine?A Detailed Guide
Introduction
Since the laser cutting machine was invented in the 1960s, its application has widened into automotive, aerospace, electronics and other industries, It is an advanced tool for cutting materials accurately and efficiently in various industries. These machines use high-powered laser beams to melt, burn or vaporize materials such as metal, wood, plastic and glass for clean and accurate cutting. The process involves focusing a laser beam through a lens onto the surface of a material and then cutting the surface with high precision. The concept of laser cutting is based on physical and optical principles, making it a complex and efficient manufacturing tool.
In the article, the working principles, basic types and applications of laser cutting machines so as to deeply introduce this Breakthrough technology.
Working principle of laser cutting machines
Operating principles
Laser cutting machines work by using a high-energy laser beam focused on the material to be cut. The laser beam is generated by a laser source, such as a CO2 or fiber laser, and guided to the cutting head through a series of mirrors and lenses. The cutting head contains a nozzle that blows a high-pressure gas (usually oxygen or nitrogen) onto the surface of the material to aid the cutting process. When the laser beam heats the material, it melts or evaporates, resulting in a clean and precise cut. The intensity and focus of the laser beam can be adjusted to suit different materials and cutting requirements.
Generally, laser cutting can be divided into 4 parts:
1. Irradiated by laser beams, the material surface absorbs heat rapidly.
2. The material, with its temperature exceeding the melting point, starts to melt, forming a melt pool.
3. As the temperature rises, the material will evaporate and form steam, and the molten materials will be blown off under the action of steam recoil and high-speed cutting airflow.
4. Laser beams move along the cutting path and form continuous narrow slits in the material. In this way, the cutting process is finished.
Basic components
The basic components of the laser cutting machine include the laser generator, the optical path system, the focal length adjustment system and the workbench. The laser generator is the core component of the laser cutting machine, which is responsible for producing high energy and high density laser beams. The optical path system is responsible for focusing the laser beam onto the workpiece surface and controlling the direction and intensity of the laser beam. The focal length adjustment system can be adjusted according to the different thickness and shape of the workpiece, so as to achieve different precision cutting and processing. The table is the support platform of the laser cutting machine, which is used to fix the workpiece and move the cutting head.
The various components of the laser cutting machine cooperate with each other to complete the high-precision cutting and processing of the workpiece. The laser beam generated by the laser generator is adjusted and focused by the optical path system, which can cut and carve the workpiece in a very short time, with the advantages of high efficiency and high precision. The flexibility and accuracy of the focal length adjustment system ensure that the laser cutting machine can be applied to different materials and processing requirements, improving production efficiency and product quality. The stability and mobility of the table is also an important part of the laser cutting machine, which can effectively fix the workpiece and adjust the position, thus ensuring the accuracy and stability of the processing.
It is obvious that laser cutting is an intricate process, entailing a laser, an optical system, a CNC control system, a cooling system, and other components. At the same time, the setting of cutting parameters should based on processing materials, thickness, geometric patterns and other factors. Only by understanding their working principles and controlling parameters can we fully leverage the highly efficient, accurate and flexible quality of laser cutting machines.
Types of Laser Cutting Machines
There are several types of laser cutting machines on the market, and each type is designed for specific applications and materials. According to the types of lasers, laser cutting machines can be divided into three main categories: cO2laser cutting machines, fiber laser cutting machines and YAG laser cutting machines. Each type of laser has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the material being handled and the desired result.
CO2 laser cutters
CO2 lasers perform well in absorbing non-metals, so they are commonly used to cut non-metallic materials such as wood, acrylic and rubber, CO2 lasers are known for their versatility and ability to cut a variety of materials, and are also one of the most widely used laser cutting machines.
Advantages：
1. Wide application; the non-metal cutting thickness can reach up to 60mm.
2. Narrow slits, small heat-affected zone, and high-quality cutting surface.
3. High-quality laser beams; consistent and steady output.
Disadvantages：
1. Not suitable for metal cutting, especially for materials with high reflection rates.
2. Lower cutting speed and efficiency in thick board cutting
3. Intricate optical system, entailing regular maintenance and calibrating.
4. High energy consumption with electricity-light conversion rate only at 10 to 15%.
5. High energy consumption with electricity-light conversion rate only at 10 to 15%.
Fiber laser cutters
The fiber laser cutting machine uses the fiber doped with rare earth elements as the gain medium, which is more energy saving and faster cutting speed. The laser produced by the fiber laser cutting machine has a very high absorption rate of metals, so they are preferred for cutting stainless steel, aluminum and copper and other metals.
Advantages：
1. Fiber optic transmission with a simple optical path entails no maintenance.
2. A small focused light spot with high power and density delivers high efficiency.
3. With the electricity-light conversion r ate reaching 30 to 50 percent, they save energy and are environmentally friendly.
4. Solid-state design, compact size, high reliability
5. Materials with high reflectivity, such as aluminum, copper, and brass that can be processed with high reflectivity.
Compared with CO2 laser cutters, fiber laser cutters' cutting speed for metal materials is 2 to 3 times that of CO2 laser cutters and is hardly affected by material reflectivity. However, they have limitations on non-metal cutting, and the costs are high.
YAG laser cutters
The YAG laser cutting machine is a type of solid-state laser cutting equipment based on the yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) crystal doped with neodymium ions (Nd3+). Its working wavelength is close to that of fiber lasers, hence the YAG laser cutting machine is primarily used for metal cutting as well.
Advantages：
1. Low costs with high cost-effectiveness
2. Allow for highly reflective materials, such as aluminum and copper.
3. High-quality laser beams produce a perfect cutting effect.
4. With low power, they are mainly used for thin board cutting thickness and speed performance cutting.
Disadvantages：
1. Pump diodes and crystals are both consumables with a short service life.
2. The photoelectric conversion efficiency is low, generally less than 3%.
3. Limited power, their performance in cutting thickness and speed are not as good as fiber laser cutters.
4. Intricate structures with high maintenance costs.
In summary, CO2 laser cutting machines are suitable for cutting non-metals, fiber laser cutting machines are more suitable for cutting metals, while YAG laser cutting machines have a moderate cost performance ratio and can be used as entry-level equipment. Users should weigh their choices based on factors above. With technology advancements, fiber laser cutting machines are expected to replace CO2 laser cutting machines to be the mainstream in more fields.
Application of laser cutting machine
The industry applications of laser cutting machines are diverse and widely distributed. They are commonly used in the automotive industry to cut sheet metal parts for body and interior trim with high precision and efficiency. Used in the aerospace industry to cut complex shapes and designs of aircraft parts, thereby reducing manufacturing time and costs. Used in the electronics industry for precise cutting of circuit boards and electronic components. In the signage industry, laser cutters are used to create complex and detailed designs on materials such as acrylic and metal. Laser cutters are also used in the fashion industry to precisely cut fabrics and textiles.
In the manufacturing industry, laser cutting machines play a vital role in producing high-quality products with complex designs and shapes. They are used to cut metals, plastics, wood and other materials precisely and quickly, making them an essential tool for modern manufacturing processes. The use of laser cutting machines has completely changed the design and production methods of products, improving efficiency and saving costs for enterprises.
One of the main advantages of laser cutting machines is their ability to cut complex shapes and designs with high precision. This makes them ideal for industries that require complex parts and components, such as the medical and aerospace industries. Laser cutting machines can also be used to engrave and mark materials, further expanding their range of applications.
Advances in laser technology have led to the development of more sophisticated laser cutting machines with greater accuracy, speed and versatility. The company continuously invests in the latest laser cutting technology to remain competitive in the market and meet the changing needs of its customers. Laser cutting machines have become an indispensable tool for industries that require precision cutting and forming materials.
Conclusion
In short, laser cutting machines are advanced tools that play a vital role in various industries and can precisely cut materials. Their working principle involves using a high-power laser beam to melt or vaporize the material, resulting in a clean and polished cut. There are different types of laser cutting machines to choose from, and businesses can choose the laser cutting machine that best suits their needs and requirements. Laser cutting machine has a wide range of industry applications, making it an essential tool for modern manufacturing processes. As technology continues to advance, laser cutting machines will continue to develop and shape the future of industrial production.
After knowing this, you can visit our website, if you need to learn more about laser cutting machine knowledge or buy a machine, you can also consult our sales staff, they can recommend you the best laser cutting machine or CNC machine for you.
What is a laser cutting machine?A Detailed Guide
Introduction
Since the laser cutting machine was invented in the 1960s, its application has widened into automotive, aerospace, electronics and other industries, It is an advanced tool for cutting materials accurately and efficiently in various industries. These machines use high-powered laser beams to melt, burn or vaporize materials such as metal, wood, plastic and glass for clean and accurate cutting. The process involves focusing a laser beam through a lens onto the surface of a material and then cutting the surface with high precision. The concept of laser cutting is based on physical and optical principles, making it a complex and efficient manufacturing tool.
In the article, the working principles, basic types and applications of laser cutting machines so as to deeply introduce this Breakthrough technology.
Working principle of laser cutting machines
Operating principles
Laser cutting machines work by using a high-energy laser beam focused on the material to be cut. The laser beam is generated by a laser source, such as a CO2 or fiber laser, and guided to the cutting head through a series of mirrors and lenses. The cutting head contains a nozzle that blows a high-pressure gas (usually oxygen or nitrogen) onto the surface of the material to aid the cutting process. When the laser beam heats the material, it melts or evaporates, resulting in a clean and precise cut. The intensity and focus of the laser beam can be adjusted to suit different materials and cutting requirements.
Generally, laser cutting can be divided into 4 parts:
1. Irradiated by laser beams, the material surface absorbs heat rapidly.
2. The material, with its temperature exceeding the melting point, starts to melt, forming a melt pool.
3. As the temperature rises, the material will evaporate and form steam, and the molten materials will be blown off under the action of steam recoil and high-speed cutting airflow.
4. Laser beams move along the cutting path and form continuous narrow slits in the material. In this way, the cutting process is finished.
Basic components
The basic components of the laser cutting machine include the laser generator, the optical path system, the focal length adjustment system and the workbench. The laser generator is the core component of the laser cutting machine, which is responsible for producing high energy and high density laser beams. The optical path system is responsible for focusing the laser beam onto the workpiece surface and controlling the direction and intensity of the laser beam. The focal length adjustment system can be adjusted according to the different thickness and shape of the workpiece, so as to achieve different precision cutting and processing. The table is the support platform of the laser cutting machine, which is used to fix the workpiece and move the cutting head.
The various components of the laser cutting machine cooperate with each other to complete the high-precision cutting and processing of the workpiece. The laser beam generated by the laser generator is adjusted and focused by the optical path system, which can cut and carve the workpiece in a very short time, with the advantages of high efficiency and high precision. The flexibility and accuracy of the focal length adjustment system ensure that the laser cutting machine can be applied to different materials and processing requirements, improving production efficiency and product quality. The stability and mobility of the table is also an important part of the laser cutting machine, which can effectively fix the workpiece and adjust the position, thus ensuring the accuracy and stability of the processing.
It is obvious that laser cutting is an intricate process, entailing a laser, an optical system, a CNC control system, a cooling system, and other components. At the same time, the setting of cutting parameters should based on processing materials, thickness, geometric patterns and other factors. Only by understanding their working principles and controlling parameters can we fully leverage the highly efficient, accurate and flexible quality of laser cutting machines.
Types of Laser Cutting Machines
There are several types of laser cutting machines on the market, and each type is designed for specific applications and materials. According to the types of lasers, laser cutting machines can be divided into three main categories: cO2laser cutting machines, fiber laser cutting machines and YAG laser cutting machines. Each type of laser has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the material being handled and the desired result.
CO2 laser cutters
CO2 lasers perform well in absorbing non-metals, so they are commonly used to cut non-metallic materials such as wood, acrylic and rubber, CO2 lasers are known for their versatility and ability to cut a variety of materials, and are also one of the most widely used laser cutting machines.
Advantages：
1. Wide application; the non-metal cutting thickness can reach up to 60mm.
2. Narrow slits, small heat-affected zone, and high-quality cutting surface.
3. High-quality laser beams; consistent and steady output.
Disadvantages：
1. Not suitable for metal cutting, especially for materials with high reflection rates.
2. Lower cutting speed and efficiency in thick board cutting
3. Intricate optical system, entailing regular maintenance and calibrating.
4. High energy consumption with electricity-light conversion rate only at 10 to 15%.
5. High energy consumption with electricity-light conversion rate only at 10 to 15%.
Fiber laser cutters
The fiber laser cutting machine uses the fiber doped with rare earth elements as the gain medium, which is more energy saving and faster cutting speed. The laser produced by the fiber laser cutting machine has a very high absorption rate of metals, so they are preferred for cutting stainless steel, aluminum and copper and other metals.
Advantages：
1. Fiber optic transmission with a simple optical path entails no maintenance.
2. A small focused light spot with high power and density delivers high efficiency.
3. With the electricity-light conversion r ate reaching 30 to 50 percent, they save energy and are environmentally friendly.
4. Solid-state design, compact size, high reliability
5. Materials with high reflectivity, such as aluminum, copper, and brass that can be processed with high reflectivity.
Compared with CO2 laser cutters, fiber laser cutters' cutting speed for metal materials is 2 to 3 times that of CO2 laser cutters and is hardly affected by material reflectivity. However, they have limitations on non-metal cutting, and the costs are high.
YAG laser cutters
The YAG laser cutting machine is a type of solid-state laser cutting equipment based on the yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) crystal doped with neodymium ions (Nd3+). Its working wavelength is close to that of fiber lasers, hence the YAG laser cutting machine is primarily used for metal cutting as well.
Advantages：
1. Low costs with high cost-effectiveness
2. Allow for highly reflective materials, such as aluminum and copper.
3. High-quality laser beams produce a perfect cutting effect.
4. With low power, they are mainly used for thin board cutting thickness and speed performance cutting.
Disadvantages：
1. Pump diodes and crystals are both consumables with a short service life.
2. The photoelectric conversion efficiency is low, generally less than 3%.
3. Limited power, their performance in cutting thickness and speed are not as good as fiber laser cutters.
4. Intricate structures with high maintenance costs.
In summary, CO2 laser cutting machines are suitable for cutting non-metals, fiber laser cutting machines are more suitable for cutting metals, while YAG laser cutting machines have a moderate cost performance ratio and can be used as entry-level equipment. Users should weigh their choices based on factors above. With technology advancements, fiber laser cutting machines are expected to replace CO2 laser cutting machines to be the mainstream in more fields.
Application of laser cutting machine
The industry applications of laser cutting machines are diverse and widely distributed. They are commonly used in the automotive industry to cut sheet metal parts for body and interior trim with high precision and efficiency. Used in the aerospace industry to cut complex shapes and designs of aircraft parts, thereby reducing manufacturing time and costs. Used in the electronics industry for precise cutting of circuit boards and electronic components. In the signage industry, laser cutters are used to create complex and detailed designs on materials such as acrylic and metal. Laser cutters are also used in the fashion industry to precisely cut fabrics and textiles.
In the manufacturing industry, laser cutting machines play a vital role in producing high-quality products with complex designs and shapes. They are used to cut metals, plastics, wood and other materials precisely and quickly, making them an essential tool for modern manufacturing processes. The use of laser cutting machines has completely changed the design and production methods of products, improving efficiency and saving costs for enterprises.
One of the main advantages of laser cutting machines is their ability to cut complex shapes and designs with high precision. This makes them ideal for industries that require complex parts and components, such as the medical and aerospace industries. Laser cutting machines can also be used to engrave and mark materials, further expanding their range of applications.
Advances in laser technology have led to the development of more sophisticated laser cutting machines with greater accuracy, speed and versatility. The company continuously invests in the latest laser cutting technology to remain competitive in the market and meet the changing needs of its customers. Laser cutting machines have become an indispensable tool for industries that require precision cutting and forming materials.
Conclusion
In short, laser cutting machines are advanced tools that play a vital role in various industries and can precisely cut materials. Their working principle involves using a high-power laser beam to melt or vaporize the material, resulting in a clean and polished cut. There are different types of laser cutting machines to choose from, and businesses can choose the laser cutting machine that best suits their needs and requirements. Laser cutting machine has a wide range of industry applications, making it an essential tool for modern manufacturing processes. As technology continues to advance, laser cutting machines will continue to develop and shape the future of industrial production.
After knowing this, you can visit our website, if you need to learn more about laser cutting machine knowledge or buy a machine, you can also consult our sales staff, they can recommend you the best laser cutting machine or CNC machine for you.
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Tel
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