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Views: 0 Author: summy Publish Time: 2025-04-02 Origin: Site
How Laser Cutting Works for Sheet Metal
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| Overview |
Laser cutting is a high-precision, non-contact thermal process that uses a focused laser beam to melt, burn, or vaporize sheet metal along a programmed path. |
| 1. Laser Generation |
The laser resonator generates a high-intensity beam (CO₂, fiber, or Nd:YAG laser). Fiber lasers (1,060 nm wavelength) are most common for metals due to their efficiency and precision. The beam is directed through mirrors or fiber optics to the cutting head. | |
| 2. Beam Focusing |
The focusing lens (or curved mirror) concentrates the laser beam into a tiny spot (~0.1–0.3 mm diameter). The focal point is adjusted to the material’s surface for optimal energy density. |
| 3. Material Interaction |
The laser beam heats the sheet metal to extreme temperatures, causing: Melting (for thin metals). Vaporization (for very high-energy densities). Oxidation (if using O₂ assist gas). Key Physics Behind Cutting: Absorption: Metals absorb laser energy based on wavelength (fiber lasers work best for metals). Thermal Conductivity: Materials like aluminum dissipate heat quickly, requiring higher power. |
| 4. Assist Gas Jet | ||
| A high-pressure gas blows molten metal away, ensuring a clean cut | ||
| Gas Type | Purpose | Used For |
| Oxygen (O₂) | Promotes exothermic reaction (faster cuts) | Carbon steel (oxidizes edges) |
| Nitrogen (N₂) | Prevents oxidation (clean edges) | Stainless steel, aluminum |
| Compressed Air | Low-cost alternative for thin metals | Non-critical parts |
| 5. CNC Motion Control |
The computer-controlled (CNC) system moves the laser head or sheet metal along the programmed path. Precision: Modern lasers achieve ±0.1 mm tolerances or better. |
| 6. Types of Laser Cutting for Sheet Metal | ||
| Type | How It Works | Best For |
| Fusion Cutting | Melts metal + N₂ blowout | Stainless steel, aluminum (clean edges) |
| Flame Cutting | Uses O₂ to burn metal | Thick carbon steel (rougher edges) |
| Sublimation Cutting | Vaporizes material (no melt) | Thin metals, plastics |
| 7. Step-by-Step Process |
Material Loading: Sheet metal is placed on the cutting bed. Piercing: Laser drills a small starter hole. Cutting: Laser follows the CNC path while gas ejects molten metal. Part Removal: Cut pieces are collected; scrap is recycled. |
| 8. Advantages of Laser Cutting |
*Extreme Precision (cuts intricate shapes with tight tolerances). *No Tool Wear (non-contact process). *Fast Setup (ideal for prototypes & small batches). *Minimal Material Waste (narrow kerf width). |
| 9. Limitations |
*Limited Thickness (typically ≤25 mm for steel, ≤15 mm for aluminum). *Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) – Can alter material properties near cuts. *Reflective Metals (e.g., copper, brass) require specialized lasers. |
| 10. Applications |
Automotive: Body panels, exhaust parts. Aerospace: Engine components, brackets. Electronics: Enclosures, heat sinks. Architecture: Decorative metal art, signage.
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