How to correctly select auxiliary gas for fiber laser cutting machine?
Users of fiber laser cutting machines should know that auxiliary gas must be used in the cutting process. This is also true. Many people are more concerned about the issue of “gas”.
So, today I will take you to talk about why auxiliary gas should be added in the cutting process of fiber laser cutting machine and how users can use auxiliary gas reasonably.
Functions of auxiliary gas
Blowing away the slag in the coaxial slit, the auxiliary gas can also cool the surface of the processed object, reduce the heat-affected zone, cool the focusing lens, and prevent smoke and dust from entering the lens holder to pollute the lens and cause the lens to overheat; in addition, some cutting Gas can also protect the base material. The choice of gas pressure and type has a great influence on the cutting process, and the choice of the type of auxiliary gas will have a certain impact on the cutting performance, including cutting speed, cutting thickness, etc.
Common auxiliary gas
Air
Air can be provided directly by an air compressor, so the price is very cheap compared with other gases. But the cutting efficiency is far less than that of oxygen, and the cutting ability is similar to that of nitrogen.
Applicable materials ：
Aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless copper, brass, electroplated steel plate, non-metal, etc.
However, when the quality requirements of the cutting products are high, aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, etc. are not suitable for air, because air will oxidize the base material.
Nitrogen
Some metals use oxygen to form an oxide film on the cutting surface when cutting, and nitrogen can be used to prevent oxidation film from appearing in oxidation-free cutting. As a result, it can be directly welded, painted, and has strong corrosion resistance. The cut end is whitish.
Applicable materials:
Plates are stainless steel, electroplated steel plate, brass, aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc.
Oxygen
Mainly used for laser cutting carbon steel. While the oxygen reaction heat is used to increase the cutting efficiency in a large format, the oxide film produced will increase the beam spectrum absorption factor of the reflective material. The cut end is black or dark yellow.
Applicable materials:
Rolled steel, rolled steel for welding structure, carbon steel for machine structure, high tension plate, tool plate, stainless steel, electroplated steel plate, copper, copper alloy, etc.
Argon
Argon gas is an inert gas, used in laser cutting machine cutting to prevent oxidation and nitriding, and also used in welding. Compared with other processing gases, the price is high and the cost increases accordingly. The cut end is whitish.
Applicable materials:
Titanium and titanium alloys.
Selection of auxiliary gas
Many gases can be used universally, and the important thing is to consider the cutting cost and product requirements. For example, after cutting the product, it needs to go through painting and other processing procedures, and then air can be used as the cutting gas, which can reduce a lot of costs. Therefore, in the cutting process, the gas must be selected according to the characteristics of the product.
