What is the principle of operation of a laser machine for metal sheet?

The laser machine can process alloys, non-ferrous iron and low alloy steel.

Laser cutting is considered to be one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways of blank cutting of metal. The use of this technology completely eliminates the need to use expensive and explosive gas cylinders. For this type of cutting, electricity is sufficient. The process itself is as follows: a concentrated laser beam heats the surface of the material being processed to the melting point, which leads to the evaporation of the metal along with other combustion products. The jet is formed using active (oxygen) and inactive (argon) gases. The jet is ignited by a high-voltage pulse.

Laser for Metal Cutting

Features of laser cutting:

Compared with other types of cutting, laser metal cutting machine can process a variety of alloys, non-ferrous iron and low alloy steel. In terms of speed, this type of cutting is superior to gas-oxygen, but on condition that the thickness of the metal does not exceed 30 mm. The laser cutting machine itself has a CNC and a large sawing table. This allows you to process large parts. Software management practically reduces human participation in the production process to zero. From the operator, you only need to enter the exact layout data and follow how everything happens. Additional advantages of laser cutting include:

High precision, quality;

Edge smoothness. After cutting, they are obtained without sagging, burr;

Minimum deformation of the workpiece. This is possible due to local impact on a certain area of the metal;

Versatility. If necessary, you can make a product of complex geometric shape from the workpiece.

In addition to the advantages, there are several negative points. For example, for precise manufacturing of a part, the workpiece must be located in relation to the cutter in a strictly perpendicular position. With small deviations in the plane, the finished product will not correspond to the layout. In addition, when cutting thin sheets of metal, the cut quality will be slightly worse. If we take the thickness of the workpiece for comparison, then the air-plasma method can process a nominal thickness of 60 mm, and with a laser it is possible to cut metal up to 100 mm.

How to extend the life of a laser machine

High workloads and high order volumes can adversely affect equipment performance. In addition, the constant effect of high temperatures on the torch itself should be taken into account. It is possible to determine that the equipment needs repair or maintenance by the quality of the cut and the time it takes to complete the work.

To avoid unforeseen situations and production downtime, regular technical inspection and maintenance should be carried out. This will slightly delay the replacement of components. Details, components and mechanisms tend to wear out, develop pledged resources. This is a natural process. Therefore, you should purchase all the necessary components in advance in order to make a quick replacement in case of a breakdown to continue the production process.