With the continuous development of the sheet metal processing industry, more and more enterprises are adopting high-power laser cutting technology to improve production efficiency and product quality. This article will introduce the application of high-power laser cutting in the sheet metal processing industry from three aspects: cutting technology, cutting methods, and cutting operations.
I. Cutting technology
High-power laser cutting technology uses a high-energy density laser beam to instantaneously melt and vaporize the surface of the sheet metal, making it separate quickly. This cutting method has the advantages of fast cutting speed, high precision, and smooth cutting surface. High-power laser cutting technology is mainly applicable to the cutting and processing of materials such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and copper alloy. During the cutting process, the control of the laser beam’s power, speed, focal length, and other parameters is crucial. Optimizing these parameters can make the cutting quality more stable and efficient.
II. Cutting methods
High-power laser cutting technology mainly uses two cutting methods in the sheet metal processing industry: continuous cutting and pulse cutting. Continuous cutting refers to the laser beam continuously moving on the object’s surface for cutting, which is suitable for thinner sheet metal materials. Pulse cutting refers to the laser beam cutting the object’s surface in the form of pulses, which is suitable for thicker sheet metal materials. The advantage of pulse cutting is that it can reduce the size and depth of the molten pool, thereby reducing the heat-affected zone and making the cutting surface smoother. Moreover, it can better control the cutting size.
III. Cutting operations
In high-power laser cutting operations, the following points need to be noted:
- Select a suitable worktable: Laser cutting needs to be placed on a flat and stable worktable to ensure cutting accuracy and quality.
- Adjust the laser cutting machine parameters: Depending on the different cutting materials and thicknesses, the laser power, speed, focal length, and other parameters need to be adjusted to ensure the cutting effect.
- Safety measures: When laser cutting, it is necessary to wear protective goggles to avoid the laser’s harm to the eyes.