Four aspects: the quality of laser cutting is judged

By mastering the various process factors that influence the quality of the machined surface when using a laser cutting machine, we can implement strategies to enhance the surface quality and optimize the overall machining results. For most applications involving laser cutting, the quality of the process typically involves several key aspects:

1. A smooth cutting surface with minimal texture and no brittle fractures. During laser cutting, molten material traces often appear below the vertical laser beam. These traces form curved lines along the cutting edge, which closely follow the movement of the laser beam. To address this issue, reducing the feed rate at the end of the cutting process can significantly eliminate the formation of these lines.

2. Narrow slit width (which primarily depends on the diameter of the laser beam spot and the quality of the laser tube). While the slit width generally doesn't impact the overall quality of the cut, it plays a crucial role when creating intricate contours within parts. The slit width directly affects the smallest achievable meridian of the profile. As the sheet thickness increases, so does the width of the slit. To maintain consistent precision across varying slit widths, the workpiece should remain stationary within the laser cutting machine's processing area.

3. Good verticality of the slit with a minimal heat-affected zone. When processing materials thicker than 18 mm, the perpendicularity of the cutting edge becomes critical. If the laser beam diverges as it moves away from the focal point, the cut may widen toward the top or bottom of the material. A cutting edge that deviates just a few hundredths of a millimeter from the vertical line indicates higher cutting quality.

4. Minimal thermal impact on the material. As a thermal cutting process, laser cutting inevitably generates heat, which can affect the material in several ways: a) heat-affected zone; b) depressions and corrosion; c) material deformation. The heat-affected zone refers to the area near the slit where the material’s structure changes due to high temperatures, potentially causing hardening. Depressions and corrosion can mar the cutting edge, impacting the aesthetic quality of the final product. Material deformation is particularly problematic in precision cutting, where even slight changes in temperature can distort delicate contours. To mitigate these effects, controlling laser power and using short laser pulses can minimize component heating and prevent distortion.

In conclusion, understanding and managing these factors is essential for achieving optimal results with laser cutting technology. By fine-tuning parameters such as feed rate, laser power, and pulse duration, users can significantly enhance the quality of their cuts and achieve the desired precision in their manufacturing processes.