Automotive manufacturers and construction workers would be lost without laser cutting machines. These devices use a high-powered laser beam to melt through a piece of metal so that workers can manipulate it into any shape they want. This article will explain fiber laser cutting problems and solutions so that workers can quickly resolve them and get companies the products they need.
Burrs
Burrs are raised and jagged edges left behind on the finished part after the cut process. Unfortunately, burrs are very common in the laser cutting process. Although there is no way to prevent burrs completely, there are ways to minimize this issue. Start by inspecting the focus of the laser. The focus point of the machine may need to be adjusted if burrs show up regularly. Another reason why burrs appear when using a laser cutting machine is that the power may not be high enough. Higher power wattage to your machine increases the strength of the laser (consult your user’s manual for minimum and maximum suggested power wattage for the strength of your laser cutting machine). It’s important not to over to overload laser cutting equipment. If the feed rate is too high, the machine won’t be able to process it. Although you can mitigate the number of burrs on your part you will never be 100% free from them. Therefore, post-processing or finishing is an essential final step in in achieving the perfect finished part. There are many different types of deburring methods ranging from:
- Hand deburring and power deburring tools – these are both a very time consuming and manual processes.
- Tumbling machines – this technology utilizes a tumbling and vibration method mixed with a material to agitate the part to the preferred finish.
- Brush deburring machines – This is the most traditional type of deburring method for punched and laser cut parts. These machines utilize brushes to debur and finish parts. The pitfall to these machines is that they will require different brush strengths depending on the metal type which requires tool changes.
- Automated deburring machines – This is the most efficient processing machine, saving up to 60% in processing time compared to the other machines on the market. This technology is able to finish both sides in one pass whereas traditional deburring machines typically require 2-8x’s the passes in order to produce the desired result of the finished part. And there is no need for tool changes with automated deburring.
Incomplete Cuts
Another common problem that occurs with fiber laser cutting machines is incomplete cuts. An unfinished cut can occur because of a machine gas error. Laser cutting machines use compressed gases (either oxygen or nitrogen) to help cut through metal. If someone notices incomplete cuts on pieces of metal, they should check over the gas quality to ensure that it’s pure and free of contaminants. Incomplete cuts can also happen because the feed rate is too high while the power is too low. A worker who sees inadequate cuts in sheet metal should press pause on the device immediately until the problem is resolved.
Other common problems when using laser cutting machines are materials discharging from above and lack of precision on the surface area. The solution to this fiber laser cutting problem is simple. Like the other problems previously discussed, reduce the feed rate and increase the power if you encounter this issue. It’s also vital that you choose the right sheet metal for your job. Finally, metal fabrication shops should purchase the right equipment for the products you are looking to produce. If you are in need of a fiber laser tube cutting machine look no further than Mac-Tech. Our machines will eliminate the need for second guessing which machine is right for your application. Our team of specialists are here to help you select the right equipment.