Basic Knowledge of Laser Cutting Products

1. What Is Laser Cutting

Laser cutting is a manufacturing process that uses a high-energy laser beam to melt, burn, or vaporize materials in order to achieve high-precision cutting of metals and non-metals.

Laser cutting features:

• High precision

• Smooth cutting edges

• Fast processing speed

• High automation level

• Suitable for complex geometries

It is widely used in:

• Sheet metal fabrication

• Metal processing industry

• Automotive parts

• Electronics industry

• Kitchen appliances

• Medical equipment

• Advertising industry

• New energy equipment

2. Principle of Laser Cutting

The laser source generates a high-energy beam that is transmitted through:

1. Focusing lens

2. Fiber optic cable or reflective mirrors

3. Cutting head

The beam is focused onto the material surface.

At the same time, an assist gas is used:

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Compressed air

Functions include:

• Melting the material

• Blowing away molten material

• Cooling the cutting zone

3. Main Types of Laser Cutting

3.1 Fiber Laser Cutting

Currently the most widely used technology.

Features:

• High cutting speed

• High precision

• Low maintenance cost

• Suitable for metal materials

Applicable materials:

• Carbon steel

• Stainless steel

• Aluminum

• Copper

• Galvanized steel

3.2 CO₂ Laser Cutting

Suitable for:

• Non-metal materials

• Thick sheet processing

Materials:

• Acrylic

• Wood

• Plastic

• Fabric

3.3 YAG Laser Cutting

An older technology, less commonly used today.

Features:

• Lower cost

• Lower efficiency

4. Common Materials for Laser Cutting

Metal Materials

Non-Metal Materials

5. Laser Cutting Process Parameters

5.1 Laser Power

Higher power means:

• Thicker materials can be cut

• Faster cutting speed

5.2 Cutting Speed

Affects:

• Edge quality

• Burr formation

• Heat-affected zone

5.3 Focus Position

Affects:

• Kerf width

• Cutting quality

5.4 Assist Gas

6. Recommended Cutting Thickness (Reference)

Carbon Steel

Stainless Steel

7. Laser Cutting Quality Standards

7.1 Cutting Edge Requirements

• No obvious burrs

• No slag or dross

• Smooth cutting edge

7.2 Dimensional Accuracy

• ±0.1 mm (standard)

• ±0.05 mm (precision cutting)

7.3 Heat-Affected Zone

• Minimal deformation

• Minimal burning

7.4 Minimum Hole Size

Recommended:

Generally:

Minimum hole diameter ≥ material thickness

8. Common Defects in Laser Cutting

9. Comparison with Other Cutting Methods

10. Design Considerations for Laser Cutting

10.1 Avoid Very Small Holes

• Risk of burning

• Deformation issues

10.2 Avoid Sharp Corners

Recommended:

• Add radius corners

• Reduce stress concentration

10.3 Part Spacing

Recommended:

• ≥ material thickness

10.4 Narrow Structures

Avoid:

• Extremely thin and long features

• Risk of deformation

11. Post-Processing Operations

Common secondary processes include:

• Bending

• Welding

• Grinding

• Powder coating

• Electroplating

• Polishing

• Tapping

12. Main Components of Laser Cutting Equipment

• Laser generator

• Cutting head

• CNC control system

• Cooling system

• Gas supply system

• Working table

13. Applications of Laser Cutting

Automotive Industry

• Brackets

• Reinforcement parts

• Body components

Home Appliances

• Panels

• Enclosures

Electrical Industry

• Control cabinets

• Distribution boxes

Advertising Industry

• Illuminated signs

• Metal nameplates

14. Safety Requirements

Mandatory:

• Wear protective eyewear

• Avoid direct laser exposure

• Ensure proper ventilation and smoke extraction

• Fire prevention measures

15. International Standards