5 Fiber Laser Cutting Problems and Solutions

Source:razorteklaser  Time:2024-10-16

In the process of using a fiber laser cutting machine, whether you are a novice or an experienced user, you will inevitably encounter some big and small problems. Therefore, in this article, we have listed five common fiber laser cutting problems and their solutions to help you avoid these problems.

1. Inconsistent cutting quality:

Inconsistent cutting quality in laser cutting operations can seriously affect the appearance and dimensional accuracy of the final product. If you encounter this issue, you may notice differences in cutting depth, rough or uneven edges, and in some cases, the laser may not be able to fully penetrate the material.

One of the main reasons for inconsistent cutting quality is the use of laser settings that are not suitable for the material or thickness. Each material has specific requirements for laser power, speed, and focus. If these parameters are not accurately adjusted, the laser may not be able to cut evenly on different parts of the material.

Solution: Adjust laser power and cutting speed for each project

Before starting the project, refer to the cutting speed chart and test with waste materials to find the optimal settings for laser power, speed, and focus. By conducting test cutting, you can ensure that the parameter settings have been finely adjusted for specific materials and thicknesses.

Whenever possible, choose materials with consistent performance across the entire workpiece or different workpieces for large-scale projects. This is particularly important for materials like wood, as natural variability can significantly affect cutting quality.

2. Difficulty in cutting reflective materials:

Reflective materials such as aluminum, copper, and brass can reflect laser beams, resulting in low cutting efficiency and potential damage to the laser system, as well as affecting safety due to the reflection of high-energy light. Reflective materials can hinder the accuracy and quality of cutting, limiting the range of materials that can be used with laser cutting machines.

Solution: Use pulsed laser mode designed specifically for reflective materials

The use of a pulse laser mode specifically designed for cutting reflective materials can solve this problem. Unlike continuous wave (CW) lasers, which emit a constant beam, pulsed lasers emit short, controlled laser energy pulses.

Pulse laser mode reduces the chance of reflection back into the laser system. By emitting short and intense pulses, it minimizes the time for the laser beam to come into contact with the reflective surface. This will reduce the possibility of the laser beam reflecting in harmful directions, thereby protecting your laser equipment and improving cutting quality.

3. Rapid wear of cutting components:

If the cutting parts wear out quickly, it will have a negative impact on the accuracy and efficiency of the cutting process. This problem is caused by the high-intensity characteristics of laser cutting, where components such as lenses, nozzles, and mirrors are affected by extreme conditions, including high temperatures, debris generated during the cutting process, and continuous laser radiation. Over time, these components will gradually deteriorate, which may lead to motor failure.

Solution: Use high-quality consumables and optimize cutting parameters to reduce heat

Firstly, invest in purchasing high-quality components that can withstand the harsh environment of laser cutting. Although the initial cost may be high, in the long run, they can provide higher long-term value by reducing frequent replacements and maintaining optimal cutting performance over the long term.

Secondly, cutting parameters should be optimized to reduce the wear of cutting components. Laser power, cutting speed, laser focus position, and air or gas pressure can be adjusted to create the most efficient settings for cutting materials. By fine-tuning these parameters, you can minimize the heat affected zone and reduce the heat load on materials and cutting components.

4. Material thermal damage:

If you find that the cutting edge is burnt, excessively melted, or the cutting material is deformed, this may be caused by thermal damage. This problem mainly occurs when excessive heat is generated during the cutting process. If the heat exceeds the melting point of the material, it can cause deformation, burning, and other damage. The fundamental cause of thermal damage is usually the use of laser power settings higher than the required power.

Solution: Reduce the laser power to the minimum level required for clean cutting.

The most effective strategy to prevent thermal damage is to calibrate the laser power to the lowest level required for clean and efficient cutting. Here, you need to balance the temperature difference. If the power is too low, there may be incomplete cutting or multiple passes required. This will prolong the cutting time and increase material waste. If the power is too high, it may cause thermal damage. Therefore, finding the appropriate laser power setting is very important.

If you have any further questions about fiber laser cutting or are interested in fiber laser cutting machines, please feel free to contact our technical service personnel at any time.