How to solve the problem of thermal damage to materials in laser cutting machines

How to solve the problem of thermal damage to materials in laser cutting machines

During the laser cutting process, thermal damage is difficult to completely avoid, but it can be effectively reduced through the following methods:

Optimize laser cutting parameters:

• Reduce laser power: Reducing laser power can reduce the heat input to the material, thereby reducing the heat affected zone. But this may slow down the cutting speed.
• Increasing cutting speed: Increasing cutting speed can shorten the interaction time between the laser beam and the material, thereby reducing heat transfer. However, excessive speed can lead to a decrease in cutting quality, such as insufficient penetration or bottom slag.
• Using appropriate auxiliary gas and its pressure: Auxiliary gas can help blow away the slag and heat in the cutting area, and selecting the appropriate gas type and pressure is crucial for reducing the heat affected zone.

Choose the appropriate laser cutting mode:

• Pulse laser mode: For highly reflective materials, using pulse laser mode can reduce the dwell time of the laser beam on the material surface, thereby reducing heat accumulation and reflection.

Improve beam quality:

• Using high-quality optical components: Clean lenses and mirrors can ensure optimal focusing of the laser beam, thereby reducing the heat affected zone. Regularly clean optical components and replace them as needed.
• Ensure optical path alignment: Optical path alignment is crucial for ensuring the correct focusing of the laser beam. Regularly inspect and adjust the optical path, especially after replacing optical components.
  Choose appropriate materials:
• Consider the thermal properties of materials: Different materials have different thermal properties. Choosing materials with good thermal conductivity and high melting point can reduce thermal damage.

Other methods:

• Using a heat sink: Placing a heat sink below the cutting area can help absorb excess heat, thereby reducing the heat affected zone.
• Using protective film: Covering the material surface with a layer of protective film can reduce heat accumulation and to some extent prevent surface oxidation of the material.

It should be noted that the optimal solution depends on multiple factors, including the type of laser cutting machine used, the type and thickness of the material, and the required cutting quality. Suggest conducting testing to determine the optimal parameters and methods for specific applications.

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