In modern manufacturing, laser cutting technology has become an indispensable and important equipment for many enterprises with its high precision, high efficiency and diversified processing capabilities. This article will explore the main processes of laser cutting machines in depth to help readers better understand the principles and applications of this advanced technology.

Ⅰ. Principles and basic composition of laser cutting

1. Principle of laser cutting

Laser cutting is the process of using a high-power density laser beam to irradiate the workpiece, so that the irradiated material quickly melts, vaporizes, ablates or reaches the ignition point, and at the same time uses a high-speed airflow coaxial with the beam to blow away the molten material, thereby realizing the process of cutting the workpiece. Laser cutting is one of the thermal cutting methods.

2. Basic composition of laser cutting machine

Laser cutting machine is mainly composed of laser, laser cutting head, machine tool, control system and auxiliary gas system. Among them, the laser is the core component of laser generation; the laser cutting head is responsible for focusing and transmitting the laser; the machine tool provides a stable working platform; the control system is used to command the operation of the entire equipment; the auxiliary gas system provides the necessary protection and blowing functions for the cutting process.

Ⅱ. Main process types of laser cutting machines

1. Vaporization cutting

Vaporization cutting is an extreme case in the laser cutting process. When the laser power density is very high, the surface temperature of the material rises to the boiling point very quickly, which is enough to avoid melting caused by heat conduction. This cutting method is mostly used for cutting extremely thin metal materials and non-metallic materials (such as paper, cloth, wood, plastic and rubber, etc.).

2. Melting cutting

When the laser power density is moderate, the material is heated to above the melting point but not to the vaporization temperature under the irradiation of the laser beam. At this time, the non-oxidizing gas (such as argon, nitrogen or inert gas, etc.) ejected from the nozzle coaxial with the laser beam blows the molten material away from the cutting seam to form an incision. This cutting method is suitable for cutting most metal materials.

3. Oxygen-assisted melting cutting

Oxygen-assisted melting cutting is similar to oxyacetylene cutting, except that it uses laser as a preheating heat source and uses the chemical reaction heat generated by active gases such as oxygen and the material being cut to accelerate the melting process of the material. This cutting method has a faster cutting speed, a narrower incision and less oxide. But it also has some disadvantages, such as the incision is prone to slag and the edge is difficult to control.

4. Slicing and controlled fracture

Slicing and controlled fracture is a special process of laser cutting, mainly used for the processing of brittle materials (such as glass, ceramics, etc.). A groove of a certain depth is scratched on the surface of the material by a laser beam, and then an external force is applied at the groove to break the material. This process has the advantages of high precision, high speed and low cost.

III. Application fields and advantages of laser cutting machine

1. Application field

Laser cutting machine is widely used in the processing field of metal and non-metal materials, including sheet metal processing, aviation, aerospace, electronics, electrical appliances, subway accessories, automobiles, food machinery, textile machinery, engineering machinery, precision accessories, ships, metallurgical equipment, elevators, household appliances, craft gifts, tool processing, decoration, advertising, metal external processing and other manufacturing and processing industries.

2. Advantages and characteristics

High precision: The laser cutting machine adopts advanced CNC system and servo motor drive mode to ensure high-precision cutting effect.

High efficiency: Compared with traditional processing methods, laser cutting machines have higher processing efficiency and shorter processing cycles.

Diversification: Laser cutting machines can process various complex graphics and contours to meet the diverse needs of different industries.

Environmental protection and energy saving: Laser cutting machines generate low noise, no pollution and low energy consumption during processing, which meets the environmental protection requirements of modern industry.

Ⅳ. Development trends and challenges of laser cutting machines

With the advancement of science and technology and the development of industry, laser cutting machines are also constantly upgrading and innovating. In the future, laser cutting machines will develop in the direction of higher precision, higher speed, wider adaptability and more intelligence. However, while pursuing high performance, they also face multiple challenges such as cost control, technological innovation and market competition. Therefore, for laser cutting machine manufacturers, it is necessary to continuously increase R&D investment, improve product quality and service levels to cope with market changes and challenges.

In short, as an advanced manufacturing technology, laser cutting machines have played an increasingly important role in modern industry. By deeply understanding its principles, process types and application fields, we can better grasp its development trends and give full play to its advantages in industrial production.