Which auxiliary gases can be used for laser cutting

As a general processing method in modern manufacturing, laser cutting machines break traditional processing methods and are widely used in all walks of life with brand-new cutting techniques, especially fiber laser cutting machines, which have developed "rocket-like" in recent years. Then, the laser cutting machine must use auxiliary gas during the cutting process. This is also a problem that many users are more concerned about. Today, the laser will talk about why the laser cutting machine needs to add auxiliary gas during the cutting process and how the user is reasonable. Use auxiliary gas well.

Why add auxiliary gas to laser cutting machine processing

Before clarifying how to choose the auxiliary gas of the laser cutting machine, we must first understand why the auxiliary gas is used and the role of the auxiliary gas. After many years of experience in the laser cutting industry, the use of auxiliary gas can not only blow away the slag in the coaxial kerf, but 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 and polluting the lens. And cause the lens to overheat. The choice of gas pressure and type has a greater impact 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 and cutting thickness.

How to choose auxiliary gas for laser cutting machine

The auxiliary gases that can be used by the laser cutting machine are mainly oxygen, nitrogen, air and argon. Below we will introduce the uses and characteristics of different auxiliary gases for your reference only.

1. Air

Air can be provided directly by an air compressor, so the price is very cheap compared with other gases. Although the air contains about 20% oxygen, the cutting efficiency is far less than that of oxygen, and the cutting ability is similar to that of nitrogen. A small amount of oxide film will appear on the cut surface, but it can be used as a measure to prevent the coating layer from falling off. The end face of the incision is yellowed.

The main applicable materials are aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless copper, brass, electroplated steel plate, non-metal and so on.

2. 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 non-oxidation cutting. The non-oxidized cutting surface has the characteristics of direct welding and painting, and strong corrosion resistance. The cut end is whitish.

The main applicable plates are stainless steel, electroplated steel plate, brass, aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc.

3. Oxygen

Mainly used for laser cutting machine to cut 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.

Mainly suitable for rolled steel, rolled steel for welding structure, carbon steel for mechanical structure, high tension plate, tool plate, stainless steel, electroplated steel plate, copper, copper alloy, etc.

4. Argon

Argon 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 higher and the cost is correspondingly increased. The cut end is whitish.

The main applicable materials are titanium, titanium alloys and so on.