Laser cutting technology plays an important role in the metalworking industry, especially when dealing with materials with complex shapes and high precision requirements. Brass, as a commonly used alloy, is widely used in various types of products due to its excellent mechanical properties and aesthetic appearance.
However, due to its high reflectivity and thermal conductivity, Metals such as brass cannot usually be cut with CO2 lasers. This article will explore the best settings for 3mm brass laser cutting to help users optimize their cutting process.
What is Brass Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a processing method that uses a high-energy laser beam to melt or evaporate materials. Brass is an alloy composed of copper and zinc, which has good conductivity, corrosion resistance and machinability. However, its high reflectivity makes the laser easily reflected during the cutting process, thus affecting the cutting effect.
Comparison Between Co2 Laser and Fiber Laser
CO2 lasers are generally used for cutting non-metallic materials, but they are also used in metal processing. In comparison, fiber lasers perform better when cutting metal materials (including brass) due to their shorter wavelength and higher power output. Therefore, choosing the right type of laser is crucial for successful cutting.
3mm Brass Laser Cutting Settings Co2 Parameters
Power Setting
For 3mm thick brass, the recommended CO2 laser power range is usually between 80W and 120W. Too low power may result in incomplete cutting, while too high power may cause edge burns or deformation. Therefore, it is recommended that users adjust according to the equipment type and actual conditions.
Cutting Speed
The ideal cutting speed is generally between 10 and 30 mm/s. Too fast speed may result in unclean cutting, while too slow speed may result in excessive heat accumulation and affect material quality. In actual operation, the speed can be gradually adjusted according to the test cutting results to find the best balance point.
Number of Cuts
For thicker materials, users can consider multiple cuts to achieve better results. Generally speaking, for 3mm thick brass, a single cut is usually sufficient, but in some cases (such as complex shapes), multiple cuts may improve accuracy and quality.
Selection and Use of Assist Gas
Nitrogen as Assist Gas
Using nitrogen as assist gas can effectively improve the quality of brass laser cutting. Nitrogen not only reduces oxidation, but also helps cool the material. When setting, make sure the gas pressure is between 5 and 10 bar for best results.
Cutting Tips
Focus Adjustment
The location of the focus is critical to cutting efficiency. Correctly setting the focus can increase the energy density, resulting in better cutting results. It is generally recommended that the focus is 1-2 mm below the surface of the material for best results.
Penetration Tips
Initial penetration is an important step in successful cutting. At the beginning, you can choose to make a small hole penetration at the edge of the material before making a full cut. In addition, using sacrificial materials (such as scrap) to protect the equipment is also an effective method.
FAQ
Handling Highly Reflective Materials
Due to the high reflectivity of brass, users need to pay special attention to adjusting settings to avoid problems caused by laser reflections. The reflection effect can be reduced by reducing the power or increasing the focus depth.
Heat Buildup Management
Heat buildup may cause brass to deform or distort during cutting. Consider using a cooling system and planning the cutting path to reduce heat concentration.
Conclusion
Correctly setting the laser parameters is crucial to the quality of laser cutting of 3mm brass. By properly adjusting factors such as power, speed and auxiliary gas use, users can significantly improve their processing results. At the same time, users are encouraged to experiment and record parameters to continuously optimize their personal equipment settings for more efficient and higher-quality laser cutting.
