Laser cutting machine can cut most metal materials, but each material has its own characteristics. So what kind of gas should be used for different metal materials during laser cutting?
1. Carbon steel
General laser cutting machine cutting carbon steel materials, the gas used will vary according to the thickness. Generally, when cutting with oxygen, the cutting edge will be slightly oxidized. For 4mm thick plates, the high-pressure cutting with nitrogen as the processing gas will be better, and the knife edge will not be oxidized. For plates with a thickness greater than 10mm, good results can also be obtained by using special laser electrode plates and painting oil on the surface of the workpiece during processing.
2. Stainless steel
When cutting materials, it doesn't matter if the edge is oxidized. You can use oxygen for laser cutting of stainless steel; If it is necessary to obtain edges free of oxidation and burrs, it is recommended to use nitrogen cutting.
3. Aluminum
In metal materials, aluminum has high reflectivity and thermal conductivity. Generally, when the thickness of aluminum plate is less than 6mm, laser cutting machine can still be used for cutting, depending on the alloy type and laser capacity. When cutting with oxygen, the cutting surface will be rough and hard; When nitrogen is used, the cutting surface will be smooth.
Pure aluminum has high purity and is not easy to cut. Only when the "reflection absorption" device is installed on the optical fiber laser cutting machine system can the aluminum material be cut, otherwise the laser equipment components will be easily damaged.
4. Copper and brass
Copper and brass are also highly reflective and conductive materials. Generally, brass with thickness less than 1mm can be cut by nitrogen laser; Copper with thickness less than 2mm can also be cut, and oxygen must be used for laser cutting. At the same time, it is recommended to install a "reflection absorption" device on the optical fiber laser cutting machine system to avoid damaging components when the laser cutting machine cuts copper and brass.
