1. Four factors affecting the cutting performance of fiber laser machines

1.1 Power:

Power is an important factor of laser cutting machines, also because it determines the energy density of the laser beam. The laser cutting machine uses a high-power laser beam to convert light energy into heat energy, so that the material is partially melted and vaporized, to realize the cutting and processing of the material. The higher the laser power, the faster the cutting speed and the thicker the material that can be cut. However, higher laser power can also lead to increased operating costs and a greater risk of thermal damage to the material being cut.

Any device has its lifespan. The same is true for laser-cutting machines. After a long time of use, the power of the laser will drop, which will directly affect the cutting performance of the laser cutting machine.

1.2 Focal length:

The cutting performance of a fiber laser cutting machine can be affected by the focal length. The focal length refers to the focal length of the lens in the optical system of the laser cutting machine, which determines the diameter of the focused laser beam. The focal length determines the spot size at which the laser beam hits the material being cut. A shorter focal length produces a smaller spot, resulting in higher energy density and more precise cutting. However, a shorter focal length also reduces the depth of focus, which means the machine has to be at a consistent distance from the material being cut to get good results.

Specifically, changes in focal length can affect the following:

1.2.1 Cutting quality:

The size of the focal length directly determines the diameter of the laser beam after focusing, and the laser energy density after focusing will change, thus affecting the cutting quality. When the focal length is short, the energy density of the laser beam after focusing will increase, and the cutting speed will become faster, but it is prone to burnout; and when the focal length is long, the energy density of the laser beam after focusing will decrease, and the cutting speed will increase. Will be slower, but the cut quality will be better.

1.2.2 Cutting speed:

A change in focal length also affects cutting speed. Generally speaking, a fiber laser cutting machine with a shorter focal length can achieve higher cutting speed, but its cutting quality may be reduced; while a fiber laser cutting machine with a longer focal length can achieve higher cutting quality, but its cutting quality may be reduced. Cutting speed will be limited.

1.2.3 Cutting thickness:

The change in the focal length will also affect the maximum cutting thickness of the fiber laser cutting machine. Generally speaking, fiber laser cutting machines with shorter focal lengths can cut thicker materials, while fiber laser cutting machines with longer focal lengths are suitable for cutting thinner materials.

Therefore, the focal length is one of the important factors of the fiber laser cutting machine. In practical applications, it is necessary to select the appropriate focal length according to the specific cutting material, cutting requirements, and equipment performance.

1.3 Cutting speed

Cutting speed refers to the speed at which the laser beam of the fiber laser cutting machine passes through the material to be cut. Faster cutting speeds can increase productivity and reduce production costs, but can also affect cut quality.

Cutting speeds that are too high can result in rough or uneven cuts, while speeds that are too slow can cause excessive heat damage and result in wider cuts. The increase in cutting speed can increase production efficiency, but too high a cutting speed may affect the cutting quality. The following is the effect of cutting speed on the cutting performance of a fiber laser cutting machine:

1.3.1 Cutting quality:

The faster the cutting speed, the shorter the action time between the laser and the workpiece, which may result in reduced cutting quality, such as increased surface roughness, widened kerf, etc.

1.3.2 Cutting depth:

As the cutting speed increases, the action time between the laser and the workpiece becomes shorter, which may limit the increase in cutting depth and affect the cutting effect.

1.3.3 Cutting speed and power:

In general, increasing the cutting speed requires increasing the laser power to maintain a certain cutting quality. Therefore, if the cutting speed is too high, it may be necessary to increase the laser power, which will increase equipment cost and energy consumption.

1.3.4 Workpiece material:

The range of cutting speed is different for different materials, so it needs to be adjusted according to the material characteristics.

The cutting speed has an important impact on the cutting performance of the fiber laser cutting machine, and it needs to be reasonably selected and adjusted according to the specific workpiece material and requirements.

1.4 Maintenance

The maintenance of the laser cutting machine is very important to avoid overloading the equipment. Ensuring the correctness of the operator’s operation is the main reason to ensure the performance of laser cutting equipment.

1.4.1 Optical path cleaning:

The optical path of the fiber laser cutting machine contains optical elements such as lenses and reflectors. During use, these elements will gradually reduce the light transmittance due to the influence of impurities such as dust and oil. Therefore, regular cleaning of the optical components in the optical path can ensure the stability of the laser output and the stability of the cutting effect.

1.4.2 Water-cooling system maintenance:

Fiber laser cutting machines usually use a water-cooling system to cool the laser. If the water temperature of the water-cooling system is too high or the circulation is not smooth, the temperature of the laser will rise, which will affect the output power and life of the laser. Therefore, regular cleaning of the water cooling system and replacement of key components such as water coolers and water pumps can ensure the normal operation of the water cooling system.

1.4.3 Laser maintenance:

The core component of the fiber laser cutting machine is the laser. The stable performance and life of the laser are related to the use environment and maintenance of the laser. Therefore, regularly checking the working status of the laser, replacing damaged parts, etc. can ensure the performance and life of the laser.

1.4.4 Machine maintenance:

The machine components of the fiber laser cutting machine, such as guide rails, transmission systems, etc., also need to be maintained during long-term use. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment of machine parts can ensure the normal operation of the machine, to ensure the stable cutting quality.

Equipment maintenance has a crucial impact on the cutting performance of fiber laser cutting machines. Regular maintenance can ensure the normal operation of the equipment and the stability of cutting quality.

2. Corresponding measures

Aiming at the reasons for the performance degradation of the laser cutting machine, Normaltan China summarizes the corresponding measures to effectively avoid the degradation of the cutting performance of the laser cutting machine.

2.1 Maintenance of fiber laser cutting machine equipment.

If the equipment works for a long time, it will inevitably cause the loss of parts, which will affect the cutting performance of the equipment. Please refer to N.C. Equipment Maintenance Manual for daily maintenance work to ensure the working efficiency of the equipment.

2.2 Operating machine standardization

Standardize the operation of the machine. Strictly follow the operation manual of the fiber laser cutting machine equipment. Relevant operators need to receive equipment training. Only after the operator has passed the equipment training can he be competent to operate the equipment. To ensure the normal operation and work efficiency of the fiber laser cutting machine, and avoid the occurrence of safety accidents.

Other factors that affect the cutting performance of a fiber laser cutting machine include the quality of the optical components, the stability of the machine, and the experience and skills of the operator. Correct use of a laser cutting machine can optimize its work efficiency, thereby improving work efficiency.

To sum up, after we understand the reasons that affect the performance of the laser cutting machine, we can better play its role and improve work efficiency.