laser cutting metal machine: your FAQs answered by experts

Laser Cutting Metal Machine: Your FAQs Answered by Experts

Learn about the capabilities and advantages of fiber laser cutting machines for metal processing. Discover the types of metals they can cut, maximum cutting thickness, cutting speed, safety precautions, and applications in various industries. Get answers to FAQs about laser cutting metal machine and find the perfect solution for your metal fabrication needs.

Which metals can be cut by a laser cut out machine?

Fiber cutting laser machines are widely used in the metal processing industry due to their high precision and efficiency. Laser cutting machines can process common ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, and more.  

Processable ferrous metals include low carbon steel, medium carbon steel, and high carbon steel with different carbon content, as well as stainless steel and alloy steel.
Non-ferrous metals that can be processed by laser cut out machines include aluminum, copper, titanium, and their alloys. It should be noted that although metal laser cutting machines can cut aluminum and copper, due to their high reflectivity, auxiliary gas can be added during the cutting process to ensure the final cutting effect.  

In addition to ferrous and non-ferrous metals, some other metals are also often cut by fiber laser cutting machines, such as galvanized steel sheets, nickel, gold, and silver.  

The cutting ability of a fiber laser cutting machine is affected by various factors such as laser power, cutting thickness, and auxiliary gas. You need to select appropriate cutting parameters based on different types of metals to achieve the best cutting results.

The cutting thickness of a fiber cutting laser machine depends on factors such as laser power, cutting material type, and auxiliary gas.  

Laser power is directly proportional to the maximum thickness that a laser cutting machine can cut. The higher the laser power, the thicker the metal material that can be cut. For example, a 2000W fiber laser cutting machine can usually cut carbon steel with a thickness of about 15mm. As the laser power increases, a 20kw laser cutting machine can cut carbon steel with a thickness of 65mm.  

In addition, different cutting materials have different cutting difficulties, so the maximum cutting thickness will also vary. For example, with the same laser power, the cutting thickness of carbon steel is usually greater than that of stainless steel.

The type and pressure of auxiliary gas also affect the cutting thickness. For example, using oxygen as an auxiliary gas can increase the cutting thickness of carbon steel.  

If you don’t know how to choose the right laser cutting machine power, it is recommended to consult the professionals of XTLASER laser cutting machine manufacturer, who will recommend suitable equipment based on your actual needs.

The cutting speed of a 4kw laser cutting machine is directly related to the cutting material and its thickness.  

A 4000W laser cutting machine can cut 1mm thick carbon steel at a speed of 33-43m/min; cut 1mm thick stainless steel at a speed of 32-45m/min; cut 1mm thick aluminum at a speed of 35-45m/min; and cut 1mm thick copper at a speed of 25-35m/min.

The thicker the cutting material, the slower the cutting speed. To achieve the ideal cutting speed, it is necessary to adjust it according to the on-site conditions.

Compared to traditional cutting methods such as flame cutting, wire cutting, water cutting, and plasma cutting, laser cutting metal machines combine their advantages.

  • Higher cutting precision and quality

Fiber laser cutting machines use focused laser beams to produce extremely narrow kerfs, which can achieve high-precision and complex cutting, especially suitable for the processing of precision parts and micro-holes. In addition, laser cutting metal machines generate a small heat-affected zone, reducing material deformation and burrs, resulting in smooth and flat cutting edges that usually do not require secondary processing.

  • Fast-cutting speed and high efficiency

Laser cutting speed is much higher than traditional cutting methods, especially in cutting thin metal sheets, it has obvious advantages and can achieve batch cutting, greatly improving production efficiency.
Laser cutting does not require direct contact with the workpiece, effectively avoiding cutting tool wear and workpiece deformation, reducing consumables and maintenance costs.

  • Strong flexibility

Fiber laser cutting machines can cut a variety of metal materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, copper alloy, etc. Any complex graphics can be cut through computer programming to meet your personalized customization needs.

  • Energy saving and environmental protection

Fiber laser cutting machines have high photoelectric conversion efficiency and energy consumption is much lower than traditional metal cutting methods, reducing production costs. In addition, laser cutting produces less waste and harmful gases, and has low noise, making it more environmentally friendly.

  • Rich expandable options

In addition to the above advantages, fiber laser cutting machines also have a prominent advantage of having rich expandable options. If your business grows in the future, you can purchase automatic loading and unloading devices to achieve automation, reduce labor costs, and improve production efficiency. In addition, you can also replace multi-functional cutting heads to achieve multiple functions such as cutting, punching, and beveling.

Fiber laser cutting machines for metal have certain safety risks during operation, so safety precautions must be strictly followed to ensure the safety of operators and equipment.

Laser radiation protection

The laser emitted by the laser cutting machine during the cutting process is a high-energy invisible light, and direct exposure to the light source can cause serious damage to the eyes, even blindness. Therefore, operators must wear laser safety glasses and ensure that they comply with the laser wavelength and power level. In addition, even if wearing protective glasses, do not stare at the laser beam or its reflected light. Protective glasses have a service life, and it is very necessary to regularly check the integrity of laser safety glasses and protective covers. If any damage occurs, they should be replaced in time.  

Fire and smoke protection

Sparks and high temperatures are generated during the laser cutting process, and the occurrence of fire and the accumulation of smoke should be avoided. A fire extinguisher should be equipped near the laser cutting metal machine to extinguish fires in time. Smoke and harmful gases will be generated during the cutting process, and an effective smoke exhaust system should be installed to ensure the air quality of the working environment. Keep the work area clean and tidy, and remove flammable materials such as paper, cloth, and plastic in time.
 
Electrical safety

To avoid electric shock accidents in the work area, ensure that the equipment is properly grounded. Avoid operating the equipment in a humid environment to prevent electric leakage accidents. Regularly check wires and plugs, and replace them promptly if they are damaged.

Operational safety

Operators should receive professional training and be familiar with the operating procedures and safety precautions of the laser cutting machine for sheet metal before operating it. Non-professionals cannot modify the equipment or change safety settings without authorization. During the cutting process, some parts of the machine will become hot, and contact should be avoided to prevent burns.

The safe operation of fiber laser cutting machines is crucial, and all safety regulations must be strictly followed during use to ensure the safety of operators. If you have any questions or uncertainties about the equipment, please consult the professional technicians of the equipment manufacturer in time.

CNC machine laser cutting machines are widely used in various metal processing industries due to their high precision, high efficiency, and flexibility.

  1. Automotive industry: Fiber laser cutting machines are used for cutting sheet metal parts of car bodies and processing complex car parts such as engine cylinder blocks and gearbox housings. 
  2. Decoration industry: Laser cutting is often used for cutting metal curtain walls, metal doors and windows and other building decoration materials in the decoration industry, as well as processing metal components such as stair handrails and railings. 
  3. Kitchenware industry: CNC machine laser cutting machines are suitable for cutting thin stainless steel, which can meet customers’ customized production needs. 
  4. Sheet metal processing: Accurately and efficiently cut various sheet metal and graphic parts, saving materials and improving production efficiency.
  5. Cabinet industry: CNC machine laser cutting machines can achieve high-speed cutting of thin sheet metal, such as electrical control cabinets, express cabinets, etc. 
  6. Fitness equipment: Laser cutting metal machines can meet the cutting needs of sheet metal and pipes, and cooperate with plate and pipe laser cutting machines to achieve efficient production. 

CNC machine laser cutting machines provide efficient and precise solutions for the production and manufacturing of various industries, promoting the development of industrial automation and intelligent manufacturing.

XTLASER provides comprehensive and timely technical support services. You can contact us through various methods such as phone, email, and WhatsApp. Our customer service and technical support team is online 24 hours a day, and they will respond to your needs within 30 minutes.  

After receiving your technical request, we will arrange for a dedicated person to contact you and inquire about your confusion in detail. You can upload relevant pictures or videos to help technicians better understand the actual situation of the machine.

The technician will provide remote diagnostic services, analyze the cause of the equipment failure, and guide you through troubleshooting or simple repair operations by phone or video. Be sure to operate under the guidance of professional technicians, and do not disassemble or repair the equipment without authorization to avoid further damage to the equipment.

If the fault cannot be resolved remotely, you can make an appointment with a technician for on-site repair.

XTLASER generally accepts T/T and L/C payments. You can pay the full amount at once, or you can pay in stages, such as paying a 30% deposit when signing the contract and paying the remaining 70% before the equipment is shipped.
Most customers choose to pay in installments because this can reduce the buyer’s risk.

If you have any questions about payment methods, it is recommended to consult XTLASER. We have experienced sales staff and technical teams, and you will get professional advice and help here.

Harmful gases:
Laser cutting machines produce less smoke and waste compared to traditional metal processing methods. In the actual cutting process, metal materials will react with oxygen at high temperatures to generate metal oxide fumes. If air is used as an auxiliary gas, nitrogen, and oxygen will react at high temperatures to produce nitrogen oxides, which are harmful to the environment and human health.

Countermeasures:
XTLASER’s laser cutting machines are equipped with efficient follow-up smoke and dust removal systems, which can absorb harmful gases generated during the cutting process at any time. In addition, keeping the workplace well-ventilated is an effective way to reduce the concentration of harmful gases.

Waste:
Metal debris and slag will be generated during the cutting process. If not cleaned up in time, it may cause equipment failure or safety hazards.

Countermeasures:
XTLASER’s laser cutting metal machines are equipped with waste collection platforms, which can collect waste generated during the processing process. In addition, regularly cleaning the metal debris and slag inside and around the equipment can keep the work area clean.

Generally speaking, the production of standard laser cutting machines for sheet metal will start after receiving the customer’s order, and the quality inspection and delivery will be completed within 30-45 days; for non-standard plate laser cutting machines, due to the need to temporarily purchase non-standard accessories, they will be shipped within 60 days.

XTLASER will provide a technical operation manual for each plate laser cutting machine. You can conduct preliminary learning of the equipment based on the operation manual.

If you encounter problems such as equipment installation and debugging, basic operation, and parameter setting during the learning process, you can contact our technical staff. They will provide remote training and technical support through video, remote control, and other methods.

XTLASER also provides factory training services for customers. You can send operators to our factory to complete the training and experience the equipment operation and process flow in person.

In addition, we also provide face-to-face on-site training and guidance according to customer needs.

To ensure the normal use of customers’ equipment, we provide 7×24-hour technical support to answer your questions at any time. XTLASER will also regularly visit customers to understand the usage of the equipment and provide further technical guidance and support.

We are committed to providing customers with high-quality training services to ensure that you can fully master the operating skills of laser cutting machines and improve production efficiency and product quality. If you have any questions about training, please feel free to contact us.

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