0
The laser beam is a column of very high intensity light, of a single wavelength, or color. In the case of a typical CO2 laser, that wavelength is in the Infra-Red part of the light spectrum, so it is invisible to the human eye. The beam is only about 3/4 of an inch in diameter as it travels from the laser resonator, which creates the beam, through the machine’s beam path. It may be bounced in different directions by a number of mirrors, or “beam benders”, before it is finally focused onto the plate. The focused laser beam goes through the bore of a nozzle right before it hits the plate. Also flowing through that nozzle bore is a compressed gas, such as Oxygen or Nitrogen.
Focusing the laser beam can be done by a special lens, or by a curved mirror, and this takes place in the laser cutting head. The beam has to be precisely focused so that the shape of the focus spot and the density of the energy in that spot are perfectly round and consistent, and centered in the nozzle. By focusing the large beam down to a single pinpoint, the heat density at that spot is extreme. Think about using a magnifying glass to focus the sun’s rays onto a leaf, and how that can start a fire. Now think about focusing 6 KWatts of energy into a single spot, and you can imagine how hot that spot will get.
How Does the Lens Used Affect the Thickness of the Cut?
The laser cutting process involves focusing a laser beam, usually with a lens (sometimes with a concave mirror), to a small spot which has sufficient power density to produce a laser cut.
The lens is defined by its focal length, which is the distance from the lens to the focused spot. The critical factors which govern the efficiency of the process are the focused spot diameter (d) and the depth of focus (L).
The depth of focus is the effective distance over which satisfactory cutting can be achieved. It can be defined as the distance over which the area of the focused spot does not increase beyond 50%.
The laser focal spot diameter and the depth of focus is dependent on the raw laser beam diameter on the lens and the focal length of the lens. For a constant raw laser beam diameter, decrease in the focal length lens of the focusing lens results in a smaller focal spot diameter and depth of focus. For a constant focus length lens, increase in the raw beam diameter also reduces both the spot diameter and the depth of focus.
To allow comparison between lasers with different beam diameters we therefore use a factor called the focus f-number, which is the focal length, F, divided by the incoming raw beam diameter, D.
The requirements for cutting are as follows:
a) high power density and therefore small focused spot size
b) long depth of focus to process thicker materials with a reasonable tolerance to focus position variation.
Because these two requirements are in conflict with each other, a compromise must be made. The only other consideration is that the shorter the focal length, the closer the lens is to the workpiece, and therefore more likely to get damaged by spatter from the cutting process.
In fact, it would be possible to optimise focal length for each material thickness, but this would involve additional set-up time when changing from one job to another, which would have to be balanced against the increased speed. In reality, changing the lens is avoided and a compromised cutting speed used, unless a specific job has special requirements.
There are many, many other parameters that affect cut quality as well, but when all are controlled properly, laser cutting is a stable, reliable, and very accurate cutting process.
10 years professional laser manufacturing experience and professional research team will help the in-depth development of laser machines. We constantly improve our products making sure our worldwide network of customers receive the best laser cutting and engraving solution possible.
As a company with a "century enterprise" vision, SHANGHAI KASU LASER will continue to pursue providing excellent global laser intelligent solution and insist on innovation to make China's national enterprise shine brightly in the world.
Welcome to contact KASU Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.
Christina Lu
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoit is a very high force of hot stuff that can cut thought steel and other materials.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
When were laser machines for cutting metal first invented?
In 1967 the Laser Machines for cutting metal was invented by the British. They discovered the laser assisted oxygen jet cutting laser machine for cutting metals.
How powerful a fiber laser cutting machine do I need?
If you want to choose the most suitable laser power for your work. It is very necessary tell the laser cutting machine supplier what will you mainly do, what the max thickness will cut by this machine? Then professional supplier will provide professional suggestion and most suitable power for your work.
How does CO2 laser cutting work?
CO2 laser cutting work operates via producing infrared beams. For this reason, special materials are required, such as gold mirror or zinc, as these materials are high in thermal conductivity, which is useful in high power applications.
What is precision laser cutting used for?
Precision laser cutting is used for medical devices and industrial production. Precision laser cutting is guided by a computer and follows a preloaded template.
Where are laser cutting machines available to buy?
Yueminglaser, msslasers, and laserresale offer laser cutting machines for sale. The price of the laser cutting machines differ according to what exactly you are interested in.
What is the average price for a Cutting Laser?
A laser cutting machine costs from $1000 up to $64500. Laser cutting machines are designed for and can be used for cutting various materials like (sheet) metal, plastic, wood, MDF and leather. Used laser cutting machines might be able to be bought cheaper at online auction houses.
How to What Types of Materials Can Be Cut Using the Laser Cutting Services Offered by Central Laser Services at Central Profiles?
Central Laser Services, a division of Central Profiles, offers laser cutting services for a wide range of materials. They use state-of-the-art laser cutting equipment to cut materials with precision and accuracy. Some of the materials that can be cut using Central Laser Services include: Mild Steel: Laser cutting is an efficient way of cutting mild steel up to a thickness of 25mm. Stainless Steel: Laser cutting can be used for both thin and thick stainless steel sheets, making it ideal for a wide range of applications. Aluminium: Laser cutting is an excellent option for cutting aluminium sheets up to a thickness of 12mm, producing clean and precise cuts. Brass: Laser cutting produces high-quality cuts on brass sheets of up to 6mm in thickness. Copper: Laser cutting can be used to produce intricate designs on copper sheets up to 6mm in thickness. Acrylic: Laser cutting is ideal for acrylic sheets of up to 25mm in thickness, producing smooth and polished edges. Central Laser Services can also cut other materials such as plastics, woods, and composites. They can provide custom laser cutting solutions for customers with specific requirements.
Is a laser cutting machine a CAM?
no
Where did the cutting of the name get done at for the Vietnam wall?
A laser cutting factory
Is laser cutting 2D or 3D?
Laser cutting can work with 2D (two dimension) workpiece with plane or flat surface. Laser cutting can work with tubes or special-shaped workpiece which is 3D (three dimension) So laser cutting machines can arrange to cut both 2D and 3D workpieces.
What is the highest rated laser cutting system?
The best laser cutting system will rely on the particular requirements and uses. Leading manufacturers like Trumpf, Amada, and Bystronic are well known for creating effective and high-quality laser cutting machines, but for the most recent information, it's important to take into account the most recent reviews and market insights.
How do you use a laser cutting machine?
Laser cutting machines are CNC machines, so they are controlled by a computer that directs the laser head in the direction of the material to process. Some CO2 flat laser cutting machines use a printer driver so that one can use any drawing application to laser cut/etch/mark.
