Lakštinio metalo pjovimas lazeriu: procesas, privalumai ir trūkumai

What Is Sheet Metal Laser Cutting?

Subtractive manufacturing processes are critical for the modification of materials for part fabrication. Sheet metal laser cutting is one of the standard methods for cutting and removing components from a workpiece. The technique involves cutting out pieces of material using laser beams.

The laser cutting technique runs on computer numerical control (CNC) technology, which accounts for its impeccable precision. Before the CNC cutting or laser cutting operation, the operator must have input codes or programs detailing designs or patterns into the computer.

The Sheet Metal Laser Cutting Process

Laser cutting metal involves using laser beams to melt metals and alloys, thereby causing smooth, sharp cuts. The laser cutting process consists of two operations working in synchrony.

The first involves the material absorbing the focused laser beam – the energy that causes the cut. The second involves the cutting nozzle, concentric to the lasers, providing the process gas required for the cutting. The gas protects the processing head from vapors and splashes and helps remove excesses from the kerf.

There are essentially three methods for laser cutting sheet metal.

1. Laser Beam Fusion Cutting

The laser beam fusion cutting process uses an inert gas, mostly nitrogen. The low-reaction process gas continuously vaporizes the cutting gap of the material. As the molten material gets removed, inert gas prevents oxidation at the cutting edge without interfering with the process.

This laser cutting method is suitable for cutting flat, thin sheets of aluminum alloys and stainless steel that require high aesthetic appeal and fewer finishing operations.

2. Laser Beam Sublimation Cutting

As the name suggests, laser beam sublimation cutting evaporates the material. Instead of melting the material like other laser cutting processes, they are immediately changed from solid to gas – sublimation.

Like fusion cutting, laser beam sublimation cutting uses inert gases to blow the material’s vapor out of the kerf. So, there are no oxidants on the cutting edge. It is often used in cutting organic materials like wood, leather, textiles, etc.

3. Laser Beam Flame Cutting

Laser beam flame cutting uses a combustible gas – oxygen to thrust out the molten material. The laser heats the workpiece creating spontaneous combustion after melting the material. The oxygen gas provides more energy for the cutting process through oxidation – an exothermic reaction.

Flame cutting is ideal for cutting mild steel and fusible materials such as ceramics. This cutting process may cause burns on the cutting surface since the gas is an oxidant. Proper optimization of the process parameters will help prevent the formation of burrs.

Types Of Lasers For Sheet Metal Cutting

Manufacturers usually use three different kinds of lasers for cutting materials. Each laser type has distinguishing features and is best suited to cutting specific materials. Below is an overview of the three types of lasers for cutting.

1. Fiber Lasers

Fiber laser cutting machines use fiberglass for cutting. They generate very high power for powerful precision cuts. This laser belongs to a family of solid-state lasers from a “seed laser” enhanced by special glass fibers.

These lasers are suitable for cutting almost all materials, from metals to alloys, non-metals including wood, glass, and plastics. Besides cutting, they are ideal for other operations like annealing and engraving.

In addition, they are the most durable lasers, having an extended service life of more than 25,000 hours and requiring less maintenance.

2. CO₂ Lasers

CO₂ lasers produce laser beams by running an electric current through a tube filled with a mixture of inert gases, mainly nitrogen and helium. They are the most common laser forms because they are efficient and cost-effective and cut several kinds of materials at high speed.

However, they produce less cutting power compared to fiber lasers. Hence they are not an excellent choice for sheet metal laser cutting. Typically, manufacturers prefer to use them for cutting non-metals and organic materials like wood, paper, acrylic, etc.

3. Crystal Lasers (Nd: YAG or Nd: YVO)

Crystal lasers generate their beams from either Nd: YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnerk kartu, kad stabilizuotų ruošinį, kad būtų galima atsargiai tvarkyti medžiagą.

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