Introduction
Laser cutting of stainless steel is an efficient and high-quality processing method widely applied in manufacturing. However, during the processing, several issues may arise, such as burr formation and material discoloration. This article explores solutions to common problems encountered in laser cutting stainless steel from a process perspective.
I.Formation of Tiny Regular Burrs
During the laser cutting of stainless steel, tiny regular burrs may form along the cut edge.
Possible Causes:
1.Low Focus Point
Incorrect laser focus point leading to uneven energy distribution and burr formation.
2.High Feed Rate
Excessive cutting speed causing inadequate expulsion of molten metal and burr formation.
Solutions:
1.Raise Focus Point
Adjust the laser focus point to be above the material surface, ensuring uniform energy distribution.
2.Reduce Feed Rate
Decrease cutting speed to allow sufficient time for molten metal expulsion and minimize burr formation.
5mm stainless steel laser cutting
II. Irregular Long Filiform Burrs on Both Sides and Surface Discoloration of Large Sheets
When cutting larger stainless steel sheets, irregular long filiform burrs often form on both sides, accompanied by surface discoloration.
Possible Causes:
1.Low Feed Rate
Slow cutting speed leading to insufficient expulsion of molten metal on both sides.
2.High Focus Point
Incorrectly positioned laser focus point causing uneven energy distribution and burr formation.
3.Low Gas Pressure
Insufficient auxiliary gas pressure unable to effectively blow away molten metal, resulting in burrs.
4.Material Overheating
Excessive heating causing oxidation and discoloration of the material surface.
8mm stainless steel laser cutting
Solutions:
1.Increase Feed Rate
Raise cutting speed to facilitate proper expulsion of molten metal and reduce burr formation.
2.Lower Focus Point
Adjust the laser focus point to be above the material surface, ensuring even energy distribution.
3.Increase Gas Pressure
Appropriately raise auxiliary gas pressure to effectively blow away molten metal and minimize burrs.
4.Cool the Material
Implement material cooling during the cutting process to prevent surface oxidation and discoloration.
III. Irregular Long Burrs on One Side of the Cut Edge
Long irregular burrs may form on only one side of the cut edge.
Possible Causes:
1.Misaligned Nozzle
Incorrect nozzle positioning leading to burr formation on one side.
2.High Focus Point
Incorrectly positioned laser focus point causing uneven energy distribution and burr formation.
3.Low Gas Pressure
Insufficient auxiliary gas pressure unable to effectively blow away molten metal, resulting in burrs.
4.Low Speed
Excessively slow cutting speed leading to inadequate expulsion of molten metal and burr formation.
Solutions:
1.Nozzle Alignment
Adjust the laser cutting machine nozzle position to ensure parallel alignment with the material surface.
2.Lower Focus Point
Adjust the laser focus point to be above the material surface for uniform energy distribution.
3.Increase Gas Pressure
Appropriately raise auxiliary gas pressure to effectively blow away molten metal and minimize burrs.
4.Optimize Speed
Adjust cutting speed to allow sufficient time for molten metal expulsion and reduce burr formation.
IV. Material Ejection from the Top
Material occasionally ejects from the top during laser cutting.
Possible Causes:
1.Low Power
Insufficient laser power, preventing effective melting of the material.
2.Excessive Feed Rate
Extremely high cutting speed causing inadequate material melting.
3.High Gas Pressure
Excessively high auxiliary gas pressure blowing away the material.
Solutions:
1.Increase Power
Appropriately raise laser power to ensure adequate material melting.
2.Reduce Feed Rate
Decrease cutting speed to provide more time for proper material melting.
3.Lower Gas Pressure
Appropriately reduce auxiliary gas pressure to prevent excessive material blow-off.
Apart from the aforementioned common issues, yellowing of the cut edge may also occur:
Possible Causes:
1.Insufficient Oxygen Purity
Use of low-purity oxygen resulting in yellowing of the cut edge.
2.Excessive Laser Power
Extremely high laser power causing charring and yellowing of the cut edge.
3.Slow Cutting Speed
Excessively slow cutting speed leading to prolonged material heating and yellowing.
Solutions:
1.Use High-Purity Oxygen
Ensure the use of high-purity oxygen to enhance cutting quality.
2.Lower Laser Power
Appropriately reduce laser power to prevent charring and yellowing of the cut edge.
3.Increase Cutting Speed
Adjust cutting speed to minimize the duration of material heating and prevent yellowing.