The positioning of the focal point can greatly influence the brightness and shape of the cut on the workpiece, whereas the size of the focal point has a notable impact on both the width of the gap and the shape of the cut.

To ensure impeccable part quality, it is essential to select the right nozzle. The size of the nozzle determines the gas shape and volume, which directly impacts the form and functionality of the gas beam.

In order to reach the processing threshold, which is the point at which the material starts to melt, you need to supply enough energy per unit of surface area. The formula for this can be found here: energy per surface area unit = irradiance x exposure time on workpiece.

When it comes to laser operations, you have the option to choose between continuous wave and pulsing modes. This gives you the ability to control whether the laser energy is delivered to the workpiece in a continuous or intermittent manner. So, which mode will you select to confidently accomplish the task?

Cutting speed is determined by the specific cutting task and the material being processed. Using a higher laser power enables faster cutting capability. However, as the thickness of the material increases, cutting speeds tend to decrease. It is crucial to select an appropriate cutting speed for each material to avoid potential issues such as increased surface roughness and the formation of burrs. By choosing the correct speed, optimal results can be achieved.

CO2 lasers typically produce laser light that is polarized in a straight line. This polarization has a significant impact on the quality of the cut. The direction in which the light oscillates determines how smooth the edges will be. If the light oscillates in the same direction as the cut, the edges will be smoother. On the other hand, if the oscillation is perpendicular, there may be burrs. To achieve the best cutting quality, it may be necessary to switch from straight-line polarization to circular polarization. The degree of polarization is an important factor in determining the quality of the cut and the accuracy of the circular polarization. Solid-state lasers, on the other hand, consistently provide good cutting results regardless of the cutting direction.

Depending on the cutting procedure, different process gases are used. Argon and nitrogen gases have specific advantages as cutting agents: they do not react with any metal that melts into the kerf, while also shielding the cutting area from environmental factors. The process gases are pushed through the kerf at varying pressures, depending on the cutting procedure used.

By using high laser power and a gas mixture of nitrogen and oxygen, burrs in mild steel and aluminum can be effectively reduced. The degree of reduction depends on factors such as the material type, alloy, quality level, and sheet thickness, which is usually between six and twelve millimeters. It is worth noting that these factors have a significant impact on the improvement of part quality.

With precise laser beam cutting, individual bores are connected using pulsed laser energy, with overlaps of 50 to 90% to form a kerf. The brief pulses generate high levels of peak pulse power and intense irradiance on the workpiece surface, resulting in minimal heating up of components, enabling the cutting of intricate parts without any heat distortion or heating distortion problems. This technique is extremely accurate and efficient.

Fusion cutting is a highly effective technique that utilizes nitrogen or argon cutting gas at a pressure of 2-20 bar to produce a precise cut without any burrs or oxides. This method distinguishes itself from others, such as flame cutting, where undesired residues can be left on metal surfaces in the kerf area, necessitating additional post-cutting adjustments.

Flame cutting utilizes oxygen as its cutting gas, which is subsequently blown into the kerf with a pressure of up to 6 bar. The metal is melted and oxidized by the flame, thereby supplying energy to sustain the laser beams. Flame cutting allows for exceptionally rapid cutting speeds and is capable of effortlessly processing thick sheet metals and mild steels.

Sublimation cutting is often used for precise tasks that require high-quality cutting edges, with minimal melting. A laser vaporizes material without excessive melting, and its pressure causes meltouts from kerfs in both upward and downward directions. This method allows for clean cuts in both directions. An assist gas, such as nitrogen, argon, or helium, protects the cutting area from environmental conditions and prevents oxide buildup on the cutting edges. In summary, sublimation cutting is a precise and effective method for achieving clean and high-quality cuts.