What knowledge is required to learn laser cutting operations

Laser cutting, as one of the most popular material processing methods at present, has a wide range of application fields, and has been fully used in many industries such as automobile manufacturing, hardware processing, tableware and kitchenware, clothing and leather, advertising decoration, aerospace, etc.
For new operators, it is not difficult to learn how to control laser equipment. You only need to master three types of knowledge.

1. Map recognition and mapping
Drawing recognition is one of the basic introductory knowledge for laser operations. Laser equipment itself cannot create images, and to process them, pre prepared patterns need to be imported. For operators, they need to have a basic understanding of coordinate systems and vector graphics, as well as concepts such as format, coordinates, and vector graphics. At the same time, they need to have basic knowledge of image editing software such as CAD, CDR, and AI. Usually, the design part is completed by colleagues, and for general operators, a basic understanding of this part is sufficient.

In addition to general drawing knowledge, operators also need to understand the relevant operations of laser software for images. Although different laser boards correspond to different laser software and operation methods may vary, mainstream laser software will not have significant differences in the main functions of image processing. This part requires manufacturer training or self-learning to understand.

2. Basic knowledge of laser processing
The method of laser cutting is to irradiate the surface of the workpiece with a laser beam, and through the conversion of electrical, optical, and thermal energy, the temperature at the point where the beam is irradiated rapidly rises. After the material melts and vaporizes, holes are formed, and as the beam moves, the connection between the holes gradually forms lines. Unlike traditional cutting, laser cutting is a non-contact thermal processing with light as the processing medium, so the corresponding knowledge points are also greatly different.

In this regard, we need to understand various knowledge related to laser, including laser power, pulse frequency, laser speed, types and pressures of auxiliary gases, focal position, and other factors that affect cutting.

This type of knowledge is the core point of laser operation, which has the most direct impact on the processing results and requires the most effort to learn. For example, how to adjust laser power when processing materials with different thicknesses, how to achieve fast and stable laser speed when facing pattern sizes, and how to choose laser focus to avoid burrs.

3. Knowledge related to machine tools
This section is a general knowledge of the mechanical industry, including motors, motion shafts, cooling systems, etc. Students or practitioners in related fields should have learned or understood the relevant knowledge. Relatively speaking, this is a part that operators are more familiar with. The difference lies in the unique knowledge of the circuits and indicator lights on laser equipment. For students with basic knowledge, this part can be understood by just a few hands-on exercises.