Fiber Laser Metal Cutting Machine

In simple terms, laser cutting is not a "constant power consumption" operation. Its total power consumption mainly depends on the power of the laser itself, auxiliary equipment, and cutting process parameters.   I. Core Reason: Why do different materials have different power consumption? The essence of laser cutting is to use a high-energy-density laser beam to heat the material to its melting or vaporization point, while using an auxiliary gas to blow away the molten material, thereby forming a cut seam. Due to the different physical and chemical properties of various materials, the energy required to complete this process varies greatly. The absorption rate of materials Different materials have different absorption rates for lasers of different wavelengths. For instance, fiber lasers (with a wavelength of approximately 1.06μm) have a high absorption rate for metallic materials, but an extremely low absorption rate for certain non-metals, such as transparent plastics and glass. Materials with low absorption rates require higher laser power to initiate and maintain the cutting process, which means that the laser needs to output more energy and consume more electricity.   The melting point and vaporization point of the material Cutting metals (such as steel and aluminum) : It requires extremely high energy to melt them. Stainless steel is more difficult to cut than carbon steel because of its poor thermal conductivity and the viscosity of its molten material. Aluminum and copper, due to their high reflectivity and high thermal conductivity, require an extremely high initial power to penetrate, resulting in huge power consumption. Cutting non-metallic materials (such as acrylic, wood, and fabric) : CO2 lasers (with a wavelength of approximately 10.6μm) are typically used, as these materials have a good absorption rate at this wavelength. Their melting or ignition points are much lower than those of metals, so usually lower laser power is required and the total power consumption is also smaller.   Material thickness This is one of the most crucial factors. The thicker the material, the deeper the penetration depth required, and the laser needs to cut at a higher power and a slower speed. The energy consumed for cutting a 20mm thick steel plate is much higher than that for cutting a 1mm thick steel plate of the same type.   The role and consumption of auxiliary gases Oxygen: It is used when cutting carbon steel and undergoes an exothermic reaction with the metal. This part of the reaction heat helps with the cutting, thus reducing the demand for laser energy. Nitrogen: It is used when cutting stainless steel or aluminum, serving to protect and ensure high-purity cutting. It does not provide additional heat and relies entirely on laser energy to melt the material, thus requiring a higher laser power. At the same time, air compressors or nitrogen generators themselves are also major power consumers. Compressed air: An economical option, but its cooling effect may increase the loss of some laser energy. Ii. Analysis of Power Consumption Composition The total power consumption of a laser cutting machine comes from three major parts:   Laser: This is the main power-consuming unit. But it doesn't always operate at full power. During standby, perforation, low-speed cutting and high-speed cutting, its output power changes dynamically, and thus the power consumption is also different. Motion system: including servo motors, drivers, guide rails, etc., it is responsible for moving the laser head. The power consumption of this part is relatively stable. Auxiliary system Cooler: The greater the power, the higher the cooling demand, and the greater the power consumption of the cooler. Air compressor/air supply system: It provides clean and dry air for the optical path and gas path, with considerable power consumption. Exhaust fan/dust collector: It can extract the smoke and dust generated during cutting, with relatively high power. Numerical control system (CNC) : Low power consumption.     if you have more ideas, please contact us! Tel: +86 -18855551088 Email: Info@Accurl.com Whatsapp/Mobile: +86 -18855551088

Fiber laser cutting machine with its high power density, high precision and high efficiency characteristics, widely used in the processing of a variety of materials, especially good at metal cutting. The following is the main material classification and precautions for its application: First, metal materials (main application areas） 1. Carbon steel (Mild steel) - Excellent cutting effect, can handle a wide range of thickness (usually up to 30mm, high power models up to 50mm or more) - Smooth incision, controllable oxidation layer, suitable for automobile manufacturing, mechanical processing, etc. 2. Stainless Steel - Suitable for thin sheet to medium thick plate (common thickness 0.5~20mm), oxidation cutting or nitrogen protected cutting (to avoid oxidation). - Commonly used in food machinery, medical equipment and other industries with high surface quality requirements. 3. Aluminum and aluminum alloys - Cutting challenges: High reflectivity can cause laser damage, requiring the use of anti-reflective coatings or dedicated models. - The applicable thickness is usually thin (≤10mm), and it is widely used in aviation and electronics industries. 4. Copper (pure copper, brass, bronze) - High reflectivity, high power laser (≥2000W) and nitrogen assisted cutting. - Commonly used for precision components such as electrical components and radiators. 5. Other metals Titanium alloy: common in the aerospace field, requires inert gas protection to prevent oxidation. Nickel alloys (such as Inconel) : high temperature resistant materials, suitable for energy and chemical equipment. - Galvanized sheet: commonly used in the construction industry, pay attention to zinc vapor emissions when cutting. Two. Non-metallic materials (limited application) The fiber laser wavelength (1.06μm) has a low absorption rate for non-metals, and it is generally not recommended to cut the following materials, but there are still individual cases: 1. Some plastics: such as ABS, acrylic (the edge may be carbonized), need low power, high-speed cutting. 2. Composite material: carbon fiber reinforced material (CFRP) can be cut, but it is easy to layer, requiring fine parameter adjustment. 3. Precautions: - Cutting non-metals may produce toxic gases (such as chlorine), requiring strict ventilation. - Non-metallic cutting is more recommended CO2 laser (wavelength 10.6μm, higher absorption rate).     Third, not applicable materials  1. Wood, leather, cloth: easy to burn, serious edge coking, low efficiency. 2. Glass and ceramics: brittle materials, laser thermal stress is easy to lead to fragmentation. 3. When high reflective materials are not processed: such as mirror copper and aluminum, special processes are required to prevent damage to the laser head. Four. Key influencing factors 1. Laser power: High power (such as 6000W or more) can improve cutting thickness and efficiency. 2. Auxiliary gas: - Oxygen: enhanced carbon steel cutting ability (oxidation reaction heat release). - Nitrogen: used for non-oxidation cutting of stainless steel and aluminum, the gas purity is high. 3. Material surface state: Oil, coating or rust may affect the cutting quality.   Sum up The core advantage of fiber laser cutting machine is metal processing, especially the efficient cutting of stainless steel and carbon steel; Specific configuration is required for highly reflective metals (copper, aluminum); Non-metal cutting capacity is limited, need to choose carefully. In practical applications, parameters should be adjusted according to material characteristics and safety specifications should be strictly observed.