Laser cutting is one of the most advanced processing technologies. Manufacturing and processing firms use it to separate and shape workpieces into segments of suitable geometry. The cutting happens by moving focused laser beams over the workpiece at a constant and precise distance. Typically, the action generates a narrow kerf that penetrates the material, cutting along the contour. The heat from the laser changes the state of the kerf chemically, making it molten or vaporized. A coaxial gas jet then impinges over the transformed material and removes it from the kerf, leaving a cut.
The description discussed here is a brief introduction to a detailed and complex cutting procedure. Keep reading this piece to learn more about the three ways manufacturers execute laser cutting:
Laser Cutting by Sublimating
Sublimating is a laser cutting process that relies on evaporation to remove excess material from the area being cut. The idea is to capitalize on the extreme heat generated by the beam while preventing melting as much as possible. As this happens, a high-pressure environment results from the vapor created by the heating material, which expels excess molten material from the kerf. The fabricator relies on helium, argon or nitrogen gases to create a shield around the sensitive kerf. Shielding this area keeps it from contamination by impurities. The gases also guarantee that the laser-cut edges remain free of oxides.
It is worth noting that vaporizing metals requires more energy than melting them. Therefore, laser cutting via sublimation is an energy-intensive process, although you get value for money considering the high-quality cuts generated.
Laser Cutting by Burning
Fabricators can also cut materials through burning when using the laser cutting process. In this procedure, the laser beam heats the workpiece until the material reaches its ignition temperature. The ignition temperature refers to the minimum temperature needed by the material to start combustion without needing an additional igniting element. Achieving the ignition temperature allows the material being cut to react exothermically with a reactive gas like oxygen. Thereafter, the fabricator introduces an auxiliary gas to remove the slag.
Burning is effective when fabricators need to cut corrosion-resistant and low-carbon steel metals. Titanium also falls in this category.
Laser Cutting by Melting
Melting is essential for fabricators when it comes to laser cutting. It is simpler and straightforward as the process requires the beam to melt the area being cut before introducing an auxiliary gas to blow the cut material away. Fabricators rely on melting to cut most metals. For more information, contact a company like Kilner's Engineering Pty Ltd.
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