The relationship between laser cutting machine power cutting speed and steel plate thickness
Table of Laser Cutting Machine Power and Cutting Thickness
| Laser Cutting Machine Power (Watts) | Applicable Steel Plate Thickness Range (mm) |
|---|---|
| 500 | 0 – 6 (carbon steel) / 0 – 3 (stainless steel) |
| 1000 | 0 – 10 (carbon steel) / 0 – 5 (stainless steel) |
| 2000 | 0 – 16 (carbon steel) / 0 – 8 (stainless steel) |
| 3000 | 0 – 20 (carbon steel) / 0 – 10 (stainless steel) |
| 4500 | 0 – 20 (stainless steel, cutting quality not guaranteed above 12mm) |
| 6000 | 0 – 25 (carbon steel) / 0 – 12 (stainless steel) |
| 10000 | 0 – 40 (aluminum alloy) / 0 – 50 (stainless steel) |
| 12000 | 0 – 50 (stainless steel) |
Table of Cutting Speeds for Different Thicknesses of Steel Plates
| Steel Plate Thickness (mm) | Cutting Speed with 500W Laser (m/min) | Cutting Speed with 1000W Laser (m/min) | Cutting Speed with 1300W Laser (m/min) | Cutting Speed with 1500W Laser (m/min) | Cutting Speed with 2000W Laser (m/min) | Cutting Speed with 3000W Laser (m/min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 – 9 | 9 – 12 | 23 – 26 | 27 – 30 | 27 – 30 | 50 |
| 2 | 4 – 5 | 6 – 8 | 7 – 9 | 8 – 10 | 10 – 12 | 13 |
| 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 8 |
| 4 | 1.5 | 2 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 5 |
| 5 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 2 | 2 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| 6 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 2.2 | 1.5 |
| 8 | – | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1 |
| 10 | – | 0.9 | 1 | 1.1 | 1 | 0.8 |
| 12 | – | 0.7 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.7 |
| 14 | – | – | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.6 |
| 16 | – | – | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.5 |
| 18 | – | – | – | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 |
| 20 | – | – | – | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.6 |
Notes
- Laser Beam Quality: High-quality laser beams can more effectively transfer energy, improving cutting efficiency and quality.
- Assist Gas: Using the appropriate assist gas (such as oxygen or nitrogen) can enhance cutting speed and quality. For example, cutting carbon steel mainly relies on oxygen combustion, while cutting stainless steel mainly relies on power.
- Material Characteristics: Different types of steel (such as carbon steel and stainless steel) have different absorption and reaction to laser, which affects cutting parameters.
- Cutting Quality: Cutting too fast may result in incomplete cutting or poor quality. Parameters need to be adjusted according to actual requirements.
High-Power Laser Cutting Machines for Steel Plates: Laser Types and Selection
When selecting a high-power laser cutting machine for steel plates, it is crucial to understand the different types of lasers and their respective applications. Here are several common types of lasers and their characteristics:
1. Fiber Lasers
Fiber lasers are the preferred type for metal cutting. They operate based on rare-earth-doped fibers (such as those containing ytterbium) that efficiently transfer energy and provide excellent beam quality, which is essential for precise cutting.
- Advantages:
- High cutting speed: Fiber lasers offer faster cutting speeds compared to other laser types.
- Energy efficiency: They reduce operating costs due to their efficient energy use.
- Low maintenance: With a simple structure, fiber lasers minimize alignment issues and require less frequent maintenance.
- Capability to handle thicker metals: High-power fiber lasers can effectively cut thicker materials.
- Disadvantages:
- Poor performance on non-metal materials: Fiber lasers are not as effective for cutting materials like wood or acrylic, where CO₂ lasers perform better.
- Applicable Materials:
- Metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and copper.
- Applications:
- Widely used in the automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries, where high-speed processing and precision are required.
2. CO₂ Lasers
CO₂ lasers are the most versatile and widely used type of laser for cutting. They are suitable for a variety of materials, including wood, acrylic, plastics, and certain metals.
- Advantages:
- Versatility in cutting and engraving various materials.
- Lower cost compared to other laser types.
- Disadvantages:
- Lower efficiency when cutting metals, especially reflective ones.
- Applicable Materials:
- Wood, plastics, acrylic, leather, textiles, glass, and paper.
3. Nd:YAG/Nd:YVO Lasers
Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) and Nd:YVO (neodymium-doped yttrium vanadate) lasers are solid-state lasers known for their precision and versatility.
- Advantages:
- Precision engraving: High power density allows for detailed engraving on hard materials with extremely high precision.
- Fiber delivery: The ability to transmit the laser beam through fibers enhances flexibility and accessibility for complex projects.
- Material integrity preservation: Minimizes thermal deformation during cutting, maintaining the integrity of the base material.
- Disadvantages:
- High initial cost: The purchase price of Nd:YAG/Nd:YVO lasers is relatively high.
- Limited material compatibility: Not suitable for all types of materials, limiting their versatility in certain applications.
- Applicable Materials:
- Metals such as titanium, nickel, and steel.
Selection Recommendations
Choosing the right type of laser depends on your specific needs, including material type, cutting thickness, and budget. Here are some recommended laser powers for different materials and thicknesses:
| Laser Power (kW) | Carbon Steel (mm) | Stainless Steel (mm) | Aluminum (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 12 | 5 | 3 |
| 1.5 | 14 | 6 | 5 |
| 2.0 | 18 | 8 | 8 |
| 12.0 | 25 | 40 | 35 |
- Carbon Steel: A 12kW laser can cut carbon steel up to 25mm thick.
- Stainless Steel: A 12kW laser can cut stainless steel up to 40mm thick.
- Aluminum: A 12kW laser can cut aluminum up to 35mm thick.
When selecting a laser cutting machine, it is advisable to consult with the equipment manufacturer and conduct test cuts to determine the optimal settings for your specific application.