The Influence of Auxiliary Gas on Laser Cutting
When the laser cutting machine cuts carbon steel. It usually uses auxiliary gas. Common auxiliary gases include oxygen, nitrogen, and air. One of the functions of the auxiliary gas is to blow away the residual waste to achieve the best cutting effect. The second is to use gas to chase away the metal slag while protecting the lens to prevent the slag from sticking to the lens and affecting the cutting quality. What is the difference between these three gases when cutting carbon steel?
First of all, the laser cutting machine uses air as the auxiliary gas and the cost is very low. Air cutting saves the high cost of auxiliary gas. Air contains about 20% oxygen, but the cutting power is far less than that of oxygen, and the cutting ability is similar to that of nitrogen. A small amount of oxide film will appear on the cut surface.
It is suitable for aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless copper, brass, plated steel plate, non-metal, etc. However, when the quality requirements of cutting products are high, aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, etc. are not suitable for air, because the air will oxidize the mother material so that the cut surface is blackened.
Secondly,the laser cutting machine chooses oxygen as the auxiliary gas. Oxygen cutting is the most common and traditional cutting method. The advantage of a laser cutting machine using oxygen is mainly reflected in the cost of the gas. For example, there is no need to frequently change the auxiliary gas when cutting carbon steel. It can increase cutting efficiency and facilities management.
Finally, for laser cutting, nitrogen can also be selected as an auxiliary gas. When oxygen is used as an auxiliary gas, an oxide film will be formed on the cutting surface. But the use of nitrogen can prevent the appearance of the oxide film and form a non-oxidized cutting.
