Gas Selection Strategy In Laser Cutting Process Flow
Laser cutting is a high-precision and high-efficiency metal processing method widely used in the industrial field. Gas plays an important role in the laser cutting process, as it not only protects the cutting material but also affects the cutting quality and efficiency. Therefore, selecting the appropriate gas is crucial in the laser cutting process. This article will explore the gas selection strategy in the laser cutting process.
Common laser cutting gases
In laser cutting technology, common cutting gases include nitrogen, oxygen, and inert gases such as argon. Different gases have different characteristics and applicable scenarios during the cutting process.
1. Nitrogen: Nitrogen is an inert gas that has good cutting effects. It can effectively prevent the oxidation of molten metal and help eliminate impurities generated during the cutting process. In some applications that require high cutting quality, nitrogen is often used as the main cutting gas.
2. Oxygen: Unlike nitrogen, oxygen is a chemically active gas in laser cutting. By increasing the oxygen concentration, the cutting speed and cutting thickness can be improved, but it will have a certain impact on the cutting quality. Therefore, when choosing to use oxygen, it is necessary to weigh and adjust according to specific cutting requirements.
3. Inert gas: Inert gases such as argon are mainly used to protect the cutting seam, material surface, and cutting head during laser cutting. It has strong thermal conductivity and stability, which can protect the cutting tools and workpieces during the cutting process, reduce negative effects such as oxidation and thermal deformation during the cutting process.
Gas selection strategy
In the laser cutting process, selecting the appropriate gas has a significant impact on cutting quality, speed, and cost. Here are some gas selection strategies for reference:
1. Choose gas based on material type: Different materials have different requirements for gas selection. For example, for cutting ordinary carbon steel, nitrogen is a commonly used cutting gas; Oxygen is usually indispensable for cutting stainless steel and aluminum alloys. Therefore, when selecting gas, it is necessary to choose according to the type of cutting material to ensure cutting quality while improving efficiency.
2. Considering the cutting requirements comprehensively: Different cutting requirements may lead to different requirements for gas performance. For example, in situations where high cutting speed is required, increasing the oxygen concentration appropriately can improve the cutting speed; In cases where high cutting quality is required, inert gas should be used to protect the cutting process.
3. Consider economy and environmental friendliness: When choosing a gas, cost and environmental factors should also be taken into account. Nitrogen and oxygen are common cutting gases with lower costs, but they can cause certain environmental pollution; Inert gases are relatively expensive, but environmentally friendly. Therefore, when selecting a gas, it is necessary to consider both cost and environmental friendliness, and choose the gas that is most suitable for one's own situation.
summary
The selection of gases in the laser cutting process is an important step in ensuring cutting quality. When selecting gas, comprehensive consideration should be given to the type of cutting material and cutting requirements. Common cutting gases include nitrogen, oxygen, and inert gases, which play different roles in the cutting process. Choosing the appropriate gas can not only improve cutting quality and speed, but also enhance cutting efficiency, reduce costs and pollution. Therefore, a reasonable gas selection strategy is of great significance for the stability and sustainable development of laser cutting technology.
