LASER CUTTING – CNC, HIGH TECH CNC LASER CUTTING APPLICATION

Laser cutting is an extremely developed industry in recent years. In particular, CNC laser cutting technology is widely used in mechanical processing, machinery manufacturing, metal processing: iron, steel, stainless steel… CNC laser technology is increasingly upgraded, and equipped with extremely advanced technology.

This article will help you better understand high-tech CNC laser cutting to apply to your work.

CNC laser cutting method is no longer too strange to many customers today, especially for mechanical processing facilities. Applied in most fields. From machine manufacturing to high-end interior and exterior decoration products. With high precision, using laser beams instead of cutting blades limits dust and dirt after each cut, at the same time laser beams are not corroded, saving time for repair, replacement or maintenance.

Especially products using laser cutting stainless steel, stainless steel is very durable but extremely flexible, making the processing process easier. Producing finished products with high aesthetics, without burning, tarnishing, or deformation of the blank. At the same time, the cuts are always smooth, fine, sharp… No jagged edges like conventional cutting methods. Saving processing time after cutting makes the processing time faster and the cost cheaper.

1. What is a laser?
2. What is laser cutting?
3. Types of lasers used for cnc cutting
4. The working principle of fiber laser cutting machine.
5. What materials can fiber lasers cut?
6. Laser cutting advantages & disadvantages
6.1 Laser cutting advantages
6.2 Disadvantages of cnc laser cutting
7. Application of cnc metal laser cutting.
7.1 Cutting the code
7.2 CNC pattern cutting
7.3 Cutting machine parts

7.4 Making advertising signs

7.5 Partitions, decorative walls

1. What is a laser?

To use a laser machine to cut metal, high-power laser sources are needed. The laser beam melts, combined with the blowing gas to make the cut circuit brighter and smoother.

2. What is laser cutting?

Laser cutting is the process of using a laser beam, converging at a point to melt the material, creating other pre-established material shapes. The laser cutting process is applied to glass, wood and metal materials such as iron, steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, etc.

With the nature of a narrow beam, laser cutting will help achieve extremely high precision. This is the most outstanding point of laser beams compared to other types of beams such as plasma or oxygen/gas.

3. Types of lasers used for cnc cutting

Currently, there are 2 popular laser cutting technologies on the market: gas laser (Co2 laser) and fiber laser (fiber laser). Each type has different advantages, but the most popular type today is fiber laser.

Co2 laser cutting: This is a type of laser created in a Co2 gas environment. The condition for gas laser is that the laser light has high adhesion and light beam. It is mainly used to cut non-metals, especially plastics, wood, mica, glass, etc.

Fiber laser cutting: Fiber laser creates a very small beam and is 100 times more intense than Co2, so it is often used to cut and engrave metal. Metal is a material with high hardness, so it needs to be processed by a method that ensures the best quality and aesthetics. CNC fiber laser is the most effective metal processing method.

A few years ago, Co2 Laser technology (Co2 laser cutting machine) was the most widely used, however, thanks to technological developments, including modern CNC technology, fiber laser cutting machines are becoming more and more popular thanks to their outstanding advantages. So what is the operating principle of the fiber laser cutting machine that is sought after by the entire steel industry.

4. The working principle of fiber laser cutting machine.

Fiber laser cutting machine is made up of a cnc system combined with a laser emission system. The laser emission system includes a laser source and a laser cutting head that will emit laser beams. The laser beam is combined and melts the metal.

The cnc control system has the function of automatically controlling the movement of the axes according to a pre-written equation. The laser beam moves at high speed, creating cutting lines with high precision.

In addition, a cnc laser machine also has a gas system that helps blow away the molten slag layers, making the cut circuit shiny and slag-free.

Principle of operation of metal laser cutting method

First, you must fully prepare the drawing, the blank with the required thickness and size. Then move the blank to the correct position, set up the drawing into the Laser machine system
From the cutting head, a laser beam with high energy will be emitted, converging to a point on the blank. Thanks to the lens system, a large amount of heat will be generated to melt the material at that point.
With high pressure, the laser beams will push the molten part out of the blank and fall below the machine frame.
The laser head moves according to the pre-set drawing, creating shapes, motifs, patterns, letters … as required

5. What materials can fiber lasers cut?

Laser machines can cut most metals such as iron, steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, etc. depending on the needs of use.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel laser cutting often requires high precision and fast cutting speed, so laser machines used for cutting stainless steel are often equipped with the highest quality components. In particular, the machine table when cutting stainless steel often has to withstand large acceleration, so the weight of the machine table must be guaranteed.

Stainless steel is a reflective material, so when cutting stainless steel, there is often a decrease in power after a period of use. Therefore, EMC recommends that you choose high-quality power sources to cut stainless steel. High-quality laser sources such as IPG often minimize the decrease in power.

Iron, steel
Cutting iron, steel with cnc laser requires high precision and extremely meticulous details. The accuracy when cutting iron, steel is rated up to 99%. Compared with some plasma cutting methods, cutting iron, steel with laser gives higher speed, more precise cutting circuit and almost no slag.

With carbon steel, laser cutting machine can easily handle the most detailed way. With steel with high alloy content, the laser machine operator’s technique is also higher.

6. Laser cutting advantages & disadvantages

6.1 Laser cutting advantages

High precision, can cut even small details.
High production speed.
Reduce production costs.
Compatible with wide range of materials.
No risk of contamination.
Narrower groove width.
Can cut a variety of materials.
Ensure uniformity between products, no technical errors.
Can easily cut many products with high thickness.

6.2 Disadvantages of cnc laser cutting

Users need high skills and large investments.
High investment costs.

7. Application of cnc metal laser cutting.

Fiber laser cutting machines can cut many types of materials with different thicknesses. Therefore, laser cutting machines can be applied to many jobs such as cutting codes, cnc patterns, machine parts, etc.

7.1 Cutting the code

Cut the code with a laser cutter, fast and precise cutting speed, smooth cutting circuit, less burr. With thick code types, it is necessary to choose the appropriate laser power source. For example, a 1kw laser cutting machine can cut up to 12mm of black steel, but with an IPG laser source, it can cut black steel up to 70mm.

7.2 CNC pattern cutting
CNC patterns in interior and exterior decoration are becoming popular for villas or townhouses. CNC patterns processed by laser cutting machines have many advantages such as: Diverse designs, sizes, styles, … Help customers choose the right model for their home.

CNC patterns are usually CNC gates, CNC fences, CNC railings, CNC partitions … These are the most popular CNC pattern products, often chosen by customers for laser cutting. If you have a laser cutting machine, pay attention to the pattern file samples to increase your competitive advantage.

7.3 Cutting machine parts

High cutting speed and accuracy up to 99%, CNC laser cutting technology is also applied to cutting machine parts. Cutting machine parts with sizes from large to small a few centimeters with absolute precision.

Mechanical manufacturing industry with products such as elevators, industrial kitchens, fans, … Including metal parts from large to small. Finished parts can be assembled immediately without going through milling and turning.

7.4 Making advertising signs

Using laser cutting method to cut letters, numbers, characters, logos … to make advertising signs is one of the most popular products used today. With a shiny, beautiful surface, it attracts maximum attention from customers. Moreover, advertising signs are often placed outside the store, so that customers can easily see them, so they are easily damaged by the environment. However, when using stainless steel signs, you can be completely assured of their durability and longevity.

7.5 Partitions, decorative walls

In order to replace outdated walls, metal laser-cut partitions were born. They not only help divide the space but also act as decorations to make the space more eye-catching. With many unique designs from antique patterned partitions with a solemn style. To floral patterned partitions that bring a new innovation, with many rich colors, suitable for both classical and modern architectural styles.

For houses with large areas, using partitions helps the space become less empty, creating a cozy feeling for the family. As for houses with small areas, partitions save a lot of space, do not block the view. At the same time, it also creates more private space for the owner.