Laser cutters are incredibly precise, and while they are primarily guided by CNC technology, a sharp-eyed and meticulous technician should still be present to oversee operations. Faulty laser cutting can come from poorly-maintained machines and lackluster operator performance.
Optimize the cut quality for any material using the following steps:
- Use the closest known settings to the material you are trying to cut.
- Verify that the lens and/or window is clean and in good condition.
- Verify that the nozzle is in good condition and is centered properly.
- Create a test part that has interior and exterior features.
- Adjust the focus either up or down until the best possible edge quality is visually achieved.
- Adjust the gas pressure up or down until the best possible edge quality is visually achieved.
- Begin by setting feed rate 10% below the recommended setting. Adjust the feed rate up in increments of 5% with each improving test part. When the cut begins to visually degrade, set the feedrate back to the previous setting achieving optimum edge quality.
Balance head levels and auxiliary gas flow
Cutting mild steel with a laser is a balance of how much material is heated up with the laser beam and how much assist gas flows through the cut. Heating up too small of an area or not having enough assist gas flow through the cut will result in the kerf (width of the cut) being too narrow.. Heating up too large of an area or having too much assist gas flow will result in the kerf being too wide.
Examine the cutting effect
- Look at striation marks
- Top or bottom of cut
- Leading or lagging
- Oxidation
- Cut angularity
- Dross
