You are here: Home » News » Fiber Laser Cutting Machine Blog » How To Choose Metal Laser Cutter With Suitable Laser Power And Get High Precision?

How To Choose Metal Laser Cutter With Suitable Laser Power And Get High Precision?

Views: 501     Author: XD laser     Publish Time: 2021-01-21      Origin: XD laser

Inquire

How To Choose Metal Laser Cutter With Suitable Laser Power And Get High Precision?

Brief introduction:

Laser cutting technology has become a cornerstone in the metalworking industry, offering unparalleled precision and efficiency. Choosing the right metal laser cutter with suitable laser power is crucial for achieving high precision in your projects. This blog post will guide you through the process of selecting the perfect metal laser cutter for your needs.

The main powers for a laser metal cutter is 1KW,1.5KW,2KW,3KW,4KW,6KW,8KW,10KW,12KW and so on. So many different laser powers,how to choose?

Understanding Laser Power

Laser power is measured in watts and directly affects the cutting capabilities of the machine. The higher the power, the thicker and tougher the materials you can cut. However, it's not just about the maximum power; the stability and consistency of the laser output are equally important.

Factors to Consider

1. The material you need to cut now or 1 year later

  Before you buy a metal laser cutter,please confirm the material you need to cut 80% of time.Please also think about the material you may need to cut after one year and the thickness. You may need to cut 3mm steel this year,but maybe need to cut steel 12mm one year later. Once the laser power is confirmed,it is hard to change,please confirm 100%. By the way, some materials like aluminum and copper are harder to cut than steel,you need to choose higher laser power when you need to cut aluminum and copper. Besides,metal tube also need higher power than that for metal plate. For metal tube laser cutter,you always need 1.5KW or bigger laser powers.

2. The cutting ability of laser power you need to know

 Roughly speaking,fiber laser cutting machine power 1KW cuts stainless steel up to 6mm,carbon steel up to 12mm.1.5KW cuts SS up to 7mm,MS up to 14mm.2KW cuts SS up to 8mm,MS up to 18mm,3KW cuts SS up to 10mm,MS up to 20mm.4KW cuts SS up to 12mm,MS up to 23mm. The higher the laser power,the thicker it can cut and the faster the speed. But the high precision laser cutter is not suitable for cutting steel more than 30mm.

3. Do not choose too high laser power

  The higher the laser power,the higher the cutting speed.But the higher the power,the higher the price. Some factories have enough budget and want to choose a laser cutter 12KW or more. When confirm their requirements,6KW laser cutter is always suitable for them. It is a waste of money to take too high laser power. By the way, very few time you will need fiber laser to cut steel more than 25mm.Sometimes 12KW or more laser power do not cut 30mm very easy as you think.

4. Cutting Speed: Higher power allows for faster cutting speeds, which can significantly increase productivity.

5. Edge Quality: 

The power of the laser also influences the quality of the cut edges. Higher power can provide smoother and cleaner cuts, reducing the need for post-processing.

Selecting the Right Laser Cutter

  1. Laser Source: There are different types of laser sources, such as CO2, fiber, and disk lasers. For metal cutting, fiber and disk lasers are more common due to their higher efficiency and power density.

  2. Machine Stability: A stable machine frame and a robust design ensure that the laser cutter can handle the vibrations and heat generated during the cutting process without affecting precision.

  3. Beam Quality: The quality of the laser beam is crucial for precision cutting. Look for a machine with a high-quality optical system that minimizes beam distortion.

  4. Focusing System: An autofocus system can adjust the laser beam's focus according to the material's thickness, ensuring consistent cutting quality across different materials and thicknesses.

  5. Control System: Advanced control systems with features like real-time monitoring and adaptive control can compensate for variations in material properties and maintain cutting precision.

  6. Software Capabilities: Cutting software should support complex designs and offer features like nesting, which optimizes material usage, and simulation, which helps predict and avoid potential issues.

  7. Cooling System: An efficient cooling system is essential to maintain the laser's performance and prolong its lifespan.

  8. Safety Features: Ensure the machine complies with safety standards and includes features to protect the operator, such as emergency stop buttons and safety enclosures.

  9. After-Sales Support: Consider the manufacturer's reputation, warranty, and after-sales support services, including training, maintenance, and spare parts availability.

Achieving High Precision

  1. Calibration: Regular calibration of the machine ensures that it maintains its cutting accuracy over time.

  2. Operator Training: Well-trained operators understand how to set up jobs correctly and make adjustments as needed to achieve the best results.

  3. Material Handling: Proper material handling and fixture systems ensure that the material remains stable during the cutting process, reducing the risk of errors.

  4. Post-Processing: Even with high precision, some post-processing may be necessary. Understanding what is required can help in setting expectations and planning the workflow.

  5. Continuous Improvement: Stay updated with the latest advancements in laser cutting technology to continuously improve your cutting processes.

Conclusion

Choosing the right metal laser cutter with suitable laser power is a balance between understanding your cutting needs, investing in quality equipment, and ensuring ongoing maintenance and operator training. By following the guidelines in this blog post, you can make an informed decision and achieve high precision in your metal laser cutting projects.

Remember, precision is not just about the machine; it's also about how you use it. With the right combination of equipment, skill, and attention to detail, you can unlock the full potential of your metal laser cutting machine.


Related Blogs
Laser Machine Blogs

QUICK LINKS

PRODUCTS

CONTACT US

Mob/Whatsapp: +86-15169026664
                          +86-15169026368
Skype:               juliali01
Tel: +86-531-85737929
Email: info@xdlasers.com
Add: No.26th Building, Feicui Qinghe, Licheng District, Jinan, Shandong, China
Copyright © Jinan Xundi Laser Equipment Co.,Ltd