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Laser cutting parameters refer to a series of key variables that need to be adjusted and controlled during the actual cutting process, which affect the cutting quality, efficiency and stability. There are many key process parameters that affect the quality and efficiency of laser cutting. The following will explain the common main parameters one by one.
The process parameters of laser cutting refer to a series of key variables that need to be adjusted and controlled during the actual cutting process, which affect the cutting quality, efficiency and stability. The following is a classification and brief description of the main parameters commonly used in the laser cutting process.
Process parameters | Description |
Laser power | Determines the energy intensity of the laser, affecting the cutting thickness and speed |
Cutting speed | Determines the movement speed of the laser head, affecting the cutting quality and efficiency |
Focus position | The position of the laser beam focus relative to the workpiece surface affects the energy concentration |
Assist gas type and pressure | Assists in slag blowing, cooling, reaction, etc., different materials use different gases |
Nozzle diameter and nozzle spacing | Affects the gas ejection method and the cleanliness of the slit |
Sheet material and thickness | Different materials have different laser absorption rates and thermal reactions, and need to adjust parameters to match |
Laser mode and wavelength | For example, fiber laser (1.06μm) and CO₂ laser (10.6μm) are suitable for different materials |
Pulse frequency (for pulsed laser) | Controls the periodicity of laser emission, which is effective for processing certain materials such as ceramics and thin plates |
Spot diameter/quality | The spot size after laser focusing determines the slit width and energy density |
Cutting path (process path) | Optimizing the path sequence can reduce the heat-affected zone, deformation and processing time |
Unit: Watt (w) or kilowatt (kW)
Function: Determines the energy intensity of the laser beam, which is a key factor affecting cutting thickness and speed.
Description: The greater the power, the easier it is to cut thick plates, but it may also cause overburning and rough edges.
Unit: mm/min or m/min
Function: Affects the quality of the cut and the efficiency of the cut.
Description:
Too fast speed: incomplete cutting, slag hanging, rough edges;
Too slow speed: the cut becomes wider, the material is overburned, and the efficiency is low.
Unit: mm (position relative to the workpiece surface)
Function: Determines the focus point of the laser beam, affecting the cutting accuracy and melting effect.
Adjustment method:
For thin metal plates: the focus can be on the surface;
For thick plates: the focus is usually set at a certain depth inside the plate.
Common gases: oxygen (O₂), nitrogen (N₂), air (Air)
Function:
Blow away slag and cool the cut;
React with materials (e.g. oxygen can assist combustion and increase cutting speed).
Gas pressure selection:
Oxygen cutting carbon steel: 0.3–0.8 MPa;
Nitrogen cutting stainless steel or aluminum: 1–2 MPa;
Air cutting: depends on process requirements.
Function: Affects gas flow rate and airflow direction, and thus affects the quality of the cut.
Nozzle gap: The distance between the nozzle and the workpiece surface, generally 0.5–2 mm.
Different materials have different absorption rates, melting points, and thermal conductivity, and the parameter requirements vary greatly:
Carbon steel: Suitable for oxygen, high cutting efficiency;
Stainless steel: Nitrogen can avoid oxidation;
Aluminum and copper: High reflectivity, difficult to cut.
Material | Thickness (mm) | Power (kW) | Gas | Air pressure (MPa) | Cutting speed (mm/min) |
Carbon steel | 6 | 2–3 | oxygen | 0.6 | 800–1200 |
Stainless steel | 3 | 2–3 | nitrogen | 1.2 | 1500–2500 |
Aluminum alloy | 2 | 2–4 | nitrogen | 1.5 | 1000–2000 |
Laser wavelength: commonly 10.6μm (CO₂) or 1.06μm (fiber laser), different wavelengths have different absorption rates for materials.
Spot diameter: affects the slit width and focused energy density.
Pulse frequency (for pulsed laser): affects the melting and cooling process and determines the flatness of the cut.
The importance of laser cutting process parameters is reflected in cutting quality, processing efficiency, cost control, equipment life and other aspects. Reasonable process parameters are the core of achieving high-quality, low-cost and high-efficiency cutting.
Incision finish: Correct parameters can obtain smooth and burr-free incisions.
No ablation on the edge: Appropriate focus, speed and gas can avoid excessive heat-affected zone.
High dimensional accuracy: Reasonable spot control and speed matching can reduce thermal deformation and improve accuracy.
No slag: Good adjustment of cutting gas pressure, nozzle distance, etc. can prevent slag adhesion.
The combination of power, speed and path planning determines the amount of processing completed per unit time.
Reasonable parameters can shorten processing time and increase production capacity.
Different materials (such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, acrylic, etc.) respond differently to lasers.
Only by adjusting the appropriate parameters can the cutting quality of various materials be ensured to be stable.
Reduce scrap rate: Reduce cutting failure rate and save material costs.
Reduce consumables: Use gas, nozzles, etc. more reasonably.
Save energy: Energy consumption is reduced after optimizing laser power and cutting time.
Reduce the loss of components such as lasers, lenses, and nozzles.
Avoid continuous operation under high load and improve system stability.
Wrong parameters | Possible consequences |
Laser power is too low | Incomplete cutting, slag, irregular edges |
Laser power is too high | Burning through of materials, melting and deformation of edges |
Cutting speed is too fast | Incomplete cutting, formation of tails or breakpoints |
Cutting speed is too slow | Slits too wide, enlarged heat-affected zone |
Focus position is not correct | Fuzzy incisions, poor precision or incomplete cutting |
Wrong gas type or pressure | Severe oxidation, rough edges, lots of slag |
Optimize process parameters:
→ Improve product quality
→ Improve processing efficiency
→ Reduce rework and waste
→ Control costs
→ Extend equipment life
The importance of laser cutting parameters is reflected in cutting quality, processing efficiency, cost control, equipment life and other aspects. Reasonable process parameters are the core of achieving high-quality, low-cost and high-efficiency cutting. Reasonable parameter matching is the key to ensuring laser cutting quality (smooth incision, no slag, high precision) and efficiency.