Fiber Laser Cutting Machine Process

1. Introduction

Fiber laser cutting machines play a crucial role in the modern manufacturing industry. Whether cutting metal or non-metal materials, fiber laser cutting machines can provide millimeter level precision cutting. Not only that, the fiber optic cutting machine can ensure clean edges while ensuring cutting quality, but also minimize subsequent processing, thereby reducing material waste.

In this article, I will comprehensively introduce what a laser cutting machine is, fiber laser cutting machine process, the preparation and precautions before and after cutting, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of fiber laser cutting machines.

2. What is a fiber laser cutting machine?

2.1 fiber laser cutting machine Definition

Fiber laser cutting machine is a device that cuts plates through a high-intensity laser beam. It mainly uses some rare earth elements doped with ytterbium as optical fibers as a conduction medium to amplify the laser beam, and then focus on the surface of the material, so that the material melts at high temperature and completes the cutting. This equipment is mainly used for cutting metal materials, but also in various industries such as aerospace, electronics, and sheet metal processing.

2.2 Differences from other types of laser cutting machines such as CO₂ lasers

Unlike CO2 lasers or other types of lasers, fiber laser cutting machines mainly use a solid-state light source to generate a laser beam with a wavelength of 1.06μm at the speed of light, and then increase the aperture by passing rare earth elements.

Moreover, it has a higher absorption rate of metal materials than other laser cutting machines, and the energy efficiency conversion rate is also higher, and other types of laser cutting machines need to use auxiliary gases and optical components to cut, so its maintenance cost is also relatively high, and it is more difficult to cut than fiber laser cutting machines.

2.3 Core components such as optical fibers, gain media, and lenses

Fiber laser cutting equipment uses ytterbium doped fiber as the main medium for laser, provides energy through pumping, generates laser, amplifies the laser beam, and then uses a collimating mirror to convert the divergent beam into parallel light. Then, using a focusing mirror, it can focus on the surface of the material to form precise cutting.

2.4 Overview of Optical and Cooling Systems

Because laser cutting machines may generate a large amount of heat during the processing, cooling systems and optical systems are needed for assistance. The optical system of the fiber laser cutting machine mainly plays the role of laser transmission.

This equipment mainly adopts a fully enclosed optical path to avoid external environmental interference with cutting. The cooling system mainly uses cold water to continuously remove heat, in order to prevent equipment from overheating and affecting the quality of cutting.

3. Detailed process of fiber laser cutting machine

Fiber laser cutting machine is a highly automated and multi-stage process, from design preparation to laser generation, then to cutting, and finally to product inspection. Each step directly affects the quality of the finished product. This section will mainly introduce the detailed process of fiber laser cutting machine.

3.1 Design and Preparation Stage

The first step in providing cutting is to design the cutting. Designers need to use CAD software to draw the cutting path and the part diagrams of each component, and then convert the design drawings into a format recognizable by the C control system through CAM software. When preparing the processing materials, it is necessary to ensure that the material surface is clean and free of impurities, and to inspect the equipment to ensure that it is not damaged, in order to ensure the quality of cutting.

3.2 Setting machine parameters

Before cutting begins, the operator needs to import the designed file into the control system and set the material thickness, type, laser power, cutting speed, and the need for some auxiliary gases according to their own requirements. If one of the parameters is not set properly, it will affect the quality of cutting. Moreover, it is necessary to make appropriate adjustments based on one’s own experience and accumulated data, in order to cut the desired shape.

3.3 Laser Generation Stage

The generation of laser is due to the laser diode inside the laser, which can generate pump light, thus producing a high-intensity laser beam. Then, by doping rare earth elements such as ytterbium as fiber media, the laser beam is amplified.

Moreover, due to the fiber laser cutting machine, it can generate a laser beam with a wavelength of 1.064 microns, which can be absorbed by metal materials and is particularly suitable for cutting. It can also achieve efficient heat treatment. The stability of laser beam is related to its wavelength, which can affect the cutting quality.

3.4 Laser transmission and focusing

The generated laser beam is transmitted to the inside of the cutting head through ytterbium doped optical fibers, and then the angle of the laser beam is adjusted and focused by some optical elements, so that it can be focused into a very small spot, which can be used to cut the sheet. There are also several important optical components that need attention, such as the protection of the lens, to prevent slag from contaminating the lens during cutting.

It is also important to pay attention to the use of nozzles because they can export auxiliary gas and protect the quality of the beam. Finally, the autofocus system is designed to adjust the height of the focus according to the thickness and type of the sheet during cutting, ensuring the quality of the cut.

3.5 Material Interaction and Cutting Execution

When the light spot formed by the laser beam gathers on the surface of the material, it heats and melts the material, and then quickly completes the cutting. Of course, during cutting, some auxiliary gases are also needed, which are nitrogen and oxygen. Oxygen is used to accelerate the oxidation reaction and increase the cutting speed.

However, sometimes excessive oxidation reaction can affect the cutting quality of the material, so nitrogen is needed to avoid excessive oxidation and improve the smoothness of the cut. These auxiliary gases need to be sprayed out through nozzles, which can not only blow away the slag during cutting. And it can also improve production efficiency.

3.6 CNC Control and Path Motion

Laser cutting machines usually require CNC numerical control systems. The system can import design drawings, but design drawings can only be read from CAD or CAM files, so it is necessary to convert the design drawings into a certain format. Then import CAD or CAM design drawings, input the required parameters into the control system, and through appropriate adjustments, you can see the approximate shape of the material forming.

All preparation work before cutting is completed, and the fiber laser cutting machine can move accordingly. Among them, G code is the most common programming language, and its content can include starting point, path, speed, etc. The system can automatically adjust during the cutting process, and with the help of servo motors and slide rails, it can achieve high-precision positioning and material forming.

3.7 Waste disposal and post-treatment

When cutting, if slag is generated, it needs to be treated in a timely manner to avoid affecting the cutting quality. The system of the machine can automatically recycle or discharge waste materials to ensure the safety of the working environment.

After completing the cutting, it is necessary to ensure that the laser cutting machine has been turned off and then follow the operating instructions. Firstly, it is necessary to stop the current cutting, turn off the laser, stop the power supply, and ensure that everything in the system is stopped before cleaning can proceed.

Generally, it is necessary to clean the remaining materials and waste on the workbench, but it is necessary to wait until all of these waste materials have cooled down to avoid harm to operators and the risk of fire. Then, clean the internal residue of the machine and ensure that all tools are put back in their original positions.

3.8 Closing and Finished Product Inspection

Finally, it is necessary to observe whether the quality of cutting meets customer requirements and industry standards. If there are uneven cutting edges, cutting marks, burning or discoloration, subsequent treatment of the material is required.

And it is also necessary to check the cutting accuracy, which can be verified by using calipers and laser rangefinders to ensure compliance with standards. In these standardized situations, it is necessary to generate inspection reports based on these data for subsequent tracking and record keeping.

4. Preparation and precautions before/after cutting

4.1 Preparation before cutting

4.1.1 Material fixation

In order to ensure the quality of cutting, it is necessary to ensure that the processed material is stably placed on the worktable, usually using fixtures or suction cups and other equipment to avoid movement during the cutting process, which ultimately leads to insufficient accuracy of the cutting material and damage to the equipment.

4.1.2 Surface Cleaning

When cutting materials, it is necessary to keep them clean. If there are oil stains, dust, and other impurities on the material, it will affect the absorption ability of the laser, ultimately leading to uneven or unformed material cutting, and even contaminating the optical system. It is generally recommended to use dry cloth, alcohol, or professional cleaning agents to clean the surface of materials.

4.1.3 Parameter Setting

Due to the different types, thicknesses, and parameters of materials, the required laser power may vary, and it is necessary to ensure that the laser can cut through but not melt through. And it is necessary to ensure that the light spot remains minimal and to concentrate the laser. Due to the adjustment of air pressure, auxiliary gases such as oxygen and nitrogen are needed to balance the quality of slag and cutting edges.

4.2 Post cutting processing

After cutting is completed, the machine cannot be turned off immediately. It is necessary to observe whether the material and equipment have heat. If there is heat, do not touch the machine directly. Wait until the machine has completely cooled down before processing.

4.2.1 Cleaning optical lenses

During the cutting process of the machine, some impurities may adhere to the surface of the lens, affecting the transmission and aggregation of the laser beam, thereby affecting the quality of the cutting. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly use lens specific cleaning paper to clean the lens.

4.2.2 Replacing the protective window

Due to the possibility of excessive heat during cutting, the protective window may be damaged. Therefore, operators need to regularly inspect the protective window. If any damage is found, the protective window needs to be replaced immediately. If not replaced for a long time, it will affect the cutting quality and may damage the optical equipment due to laser reflection, which will have an impact on the machine.

4.2.3 Equipment Cooling Inspection and Maintenance

During the cutting process, the equipment may generate a large amount of heat. In this case, the cooling system is used to ensure sufficient cooling of the laser and power supply. Then, the safety system needs to be checked to ensure the safety of the working environment.

Not only that, it is also necessary to check the water level and quality of the cooling system. If any problems are found, they need to be replaced and refilled in a timely manner. This is to maintain the normal operation of the machine and extend its service life.

5. Fiber laser cutting machine advantages and disadvantages

5.1 Fiber Laser Cutting Machine Advantages

Due to the ability of fiber lasers to use high-energy laser beams to melt materials, smooth and high-quality cutting can be formed, greatly reducing subsequent processing, minimizing material loss, and providing product aesthetics and functionality. Not only that, laser cutting equipment can also cut different patterns without the need to replace molds. It is generally suitable for cutting various metal materials, and some models can also support functions such as punching and marking.

Compared with traditional carbon dioxide laser cutting machines, fiber laser cutting machines are generally suitable for cutting medium thin sheets. Due to their short wavelength and high absorption rate, fiber laser cutting machines can cut reflective metals. The difference between it and the carbon dioxide laser cutter is that the carbon dioxide laser cutter requires auxiliary gas and optical lenses, so the maintenance cost of the fiber laser machine is relatively low.

Moreover, its structure is compact and does not require a large laser tube and reflection system. Its average service life is much longer than that of the carbon dioxide laser cutter, and the long-term use cost will be lower.

5.2 Fiber Laser Cutting Machine Disadvantages

Laser cutting machines not only have advantages, but also have some drawbacks. Its initial investment cost is relatively high, and it has a limit on the thickness of the material. Generally, it can only cut medium thin sheets. For some specific materials such as PVC, toxicity may occur during the cutting process, and protective systems need to be equipped to avoid health risks for operators.

In terms of technology, he is equipped with CNC programming and laser systems, which require corresponding technical foundations and high technical requirements for operators and maintenance engineers. In addition, the company also needs to train operators in CAD or CAM, parameter settings and other technologies to fully utilize the fiber laser cutting machine.

If there is no good protection, lasers may cause potential harm to human eyes and skin due to their high-intensity light source, so it is necessary to comply with the safety guidelines of laser equipment. Although the consumables of fiber laser machines are relatively small, their maintenance costs are not low, and the maintenance period may affect production plans, thereby increasing operating costs.

6. Conclusion and action recommendations

As introduced above, the technology of fiber laser cutting machine is remarkable for its high efficiency, high precision, and multifunctionality. It can accurately cut various materials and can also be applied to many industries.

However, during laser cutting, it is necessary to strictly follow the operating procedures of the laser cutting machine. If one of the steps is incorrect, it may cause personal injury and equipment damage.

RAYMAX has achieved many accomplishments in industrial manufacturing with its high-precision fiber laser cutting machine, and has also mastered the cutting-edge technology of laser cutting machines. If you want to learn more about fiber laser cutting machines, please feel free to consult our raymaxtech.com website. We will be at your service 24 hours a day and look forward to your inquiry!

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)