Factors affecting laser cutting speed and efficiency
In modern sheet metal fabrication, laser technology offers unparalleledprecision and cutting speed when shaping a wide variety of materials. As theindustry continues to embrace the versatility of laser cutting technology,optimizing speed and efficiency becomes increasingly important. From rawmaterial to final product, the laser cutting process involves a complexinterplay of factors. A full understanding of the key factors influencing lasercutting speed and efficiency is crucial, ranging from the inherent properties ofthe material to the complex configuration of the cutting machine.
In this article, we comprehensively explore the key factors influencing lasercutting speed and efficiency, explaining the complexities of materialproperties, laser parameters, cutting conditions, machine configuration, anddesign considerations. This exploration provides users with valuable insights,enabling them to fully leverage the potential of laser cutting technology anddrive innovation in metal fabrication processes.
Laser Cutting Speed and Efficiency
The cutting speed of a laser cutting machine is a concern for many processingcompanies because it determines production efficiency. In other words, thefaster the speed, the higher the overall output. Laser cutting is a complexmanufacturing technology that relies on a delicate balance of factors to achieveoptimal speed and efficiency. Material properties, such as composition,thickness, and surface condition, all influence cutting parameters. Laserparameters, including power density, beam quality, and focal length, determinethe precision and effectiveness of the cut. The selection of cutting conditions,such as speed and assist gas, plays a crucial role in improving cuttingefficiency. Machine factors, such as system configuration and maintenance,significantly contribute to overall performance. Furthermore, designconsiderations such as geometric complexity and nesting optimization alsoinfluence cutting speed and efficiency. By fully understanding and optimizingthese factors, manufacturers can improve the speed, precision, and efficiency ofthe laser cutting process, thereby enhancing productivity andcompetitiveness.
The main factors affecting laser cutting speed
Advanced cutting technology has driven the rapid development of the lasercutting industry, significantly improving the cutting quality and stability oflaser cutting machines. During the processing, the laser cutting speed isinfluenced by factors such as process parameters, material quality, gas purity,and beam quality. In-depth research into the complexity of this changing processreveals the comprehensive considerations that users must carefully address.Here, we explore the main factors that significantly affect laser cutting speedand efficiency.
Laser Parameters
Power Density: Laser power density is determined by the power of the laserbeam focused on a given area, which directly affects cutting speed andefficiency. Higher power density allows for faster cutting speeds but requirescareful calibration to prevent material damage.
Beam Quality: The quality of the laser beam, including factors such asdivergence, pattern, and wavelength, affects cutting accuracy and efficiency. Ahigh-quality beam ensures uniform energy distribution, resulting in cleaner cutsand greater efficiency.
Focal Length: The focal length of the laser lens determines the size anddepth of the beam spot. Optimal focus selection ensures precise energy deliveryto the cutting surface, maximizing efficiency without compromising quality.
Material Characteristics
Material Type: The type of material being cut plays a significant role indetermining the speed and efficiency of laser cutting. Soft materials arerelatively easy to laser cut and cut relatively quickly. Hard materials requirelonger processing times. Metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, and carbonsteel have different thermal conductivities, melting points, and reflectivities,all of which affect their response to laser cutting. For example, cutting steelis much slower than cutting aluminum.
Thickness: Material thickness directly affects cutting speed andefficiency. Thicker materials require more energy and time to cut than thinnermaterials. To achieve optimal results at different thicknesses, laser power,focal length, and cutting speed need to be adjusted.
Surface Condition: Surface irregularities (such as rust, oxidation, orcoatings) can affect the quality and speed of laser cutting. For efficientcutting, the material surface may need to be prepared through cleaning orsurface treatment.
Laser Cutting Machine Factors
Laser System Configuration: The design and functionality of the lasercutting machine, including the beam delivery system, motion control, andautomation features, can impact cutting speed and efficiency. Advances in modernlaser technology have increased processing speed and precision.
Maintenance and Calibration: Regular maintenance, calibration, andalignment of laser cutting equipment help ensure stable performance and extendmachine life. Neglecting maintenance can lead to reduced cutting efficiency,increased downtime, and costly repairs.
Cutting Conditions
Cutting Speed: The speed at which the laser beam travels across thematerial surface significantly impacts cutting efficiency. Finding the rightbalance between cutting speed and power helps achieve the desired results andminimizes processing time.
Assist Gas Selection: Assist gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, or compressedair aid in material removal and cooling during the laser cutting process. Thechoice of assist gas depends on the material type, thickness, and desired edgequality. The higher the assist gas pressure, the higher the gas purity, the lessimpurities adhere to the material, and the smoother the cut edge. Generallyspeaking, oxygen cuts faster, while nitrogen cuts better and is less expensive.Different gases offer varying degrees of cutting efficiency and cleanliness.
Nozzle Design and Alignment: Proper nozzle design and alignment helpsdirect the secondary gas flow and maintain an optimal standoff distance.Improper alignment or nozzle wear can lead to reduced cutting efficiency andquality.
Cutting Conditions
Cutting Speed: The speed at which the laser beam travels across thematerial surface significantly impacts cutting efficiency. Finding the rightbalance between cutting speed and power helps achieve the desired results andminimizes processing time.
Assist Gas Selection: Assist gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, or compressedair aid in material removal and cooling during the laser cutting process. Thechoice of assist gas depends on the material type, thickness, and desired edgequality. The higher the assist gas pressure, the higher the gas purity, whichreduces impurities adhering to the material and produces a smoother cut edge.Generally speaking, oxygen cuts faster, while nitrogen cuts better and is lessexpensive. Different gases offer varying degrees of cutting efficiency andcleanliness.
Nozzle Design and Alignment: Proper nozzle design and alignment help directthe secondary gas flow and maintain an optimal standoff distance. Improperalignment or nozzle wear can lead to reduced cutting efficiency and quality.
Environmental Factors
Temperature and Humidity: Ambient temperature and humidity levels canaffect laser cutting performance. Extreme temperatures or high humidity cancause material deformation or interfere with laser beam propagation, affectingcutting speed and quality.
Air Quality: Airborne contaminants, such as dust or particles, caninterfere with laser cutting operations. Maintaining clean air in the cuttingenvironment helps prevent nozzle clogging and ensures consistent cuttingefficiency.
Design Considerations
Geometric Complexity: Complex designs with sharp corners, small features,or tight tolerances may require lower cutting speeds to maintain accuracy andedge quality. Advanced CAD software can optimize cutting paths for complexgeometries, improving overall efficiency.
Nesting Optimization: By effectively utilizing material using nestingoptimization software, you can minimize material waste, reduce cutting time, andultimately improve overall process efficiency. Nesting algorithms arrange partsin the most space-efficient manner, maximizing material utilization.
Edge Finish Requirements: Edge quality requirements (whether smooth, rough,or burr-free) influence cutting parameters and speeds. Adjustments may berequired to meet specific surface finish standards to ensure the final productmeets quality standards.
In the complex process of laser cutting, manufacturers must carefullyconsider and balance these factors to realize the full potential of thisadvanced technology. A detailed understanding of material interactions, laserdynamics, cutting conditions, machine configuration, environmental impacts, anddesign complexity can help achieve optimal laser cutting speed and efficiency inmodern manufacturing.
How to Increase Laser Cutting Speed
1. Select the Right Material
Choosing materials that are easier to cut can improve cutting efficiency.
2. Properly Adjust Laser Power
Adjusting laser power significantly affects laser cutting speed. Therefore,it's important to adjust laser power appropriately for different materials andthicknesses to increase cutting speed.
3. Use a High-Quality Laser
Laser quality also significantly affects laser cutting speed. Using ahigher-quality laser can improve cutting efficiency and reduce cutting time.
4. Maintain Equipment
Regularly maintaining and servicing your laser cutting machine to keep it inoptimal working condition will help improve cutting speed and efficiency.
Relationship between Laser Power, Material Condition, and Laser CuttingSpeed
Previously, we've discussed the factors that influence laser cutting speed,including material properties and laser source power. Below, we use a chart toillustrate the maximum cutting thickness and corresponding cutting speed forRaycus 1000W-15000W fiber lasers and IPG 1000W-12000W fiber lasers.
Raycus Cutting Speed - Carbon Steel
Fiber Laser Cutting Thickness and Speed Parameters (Raycus/CarbonSteel/1000W-4000W)
| Material | Laserpower | 1000W | 1500W | 2000Watts | 3000W | 4000W |
| Thickness | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed | |
| (mm) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | |
| Carbonsteel (O2/N2/Air) | 1 | 5.5/10 | 6.7/20 | 7.3/25 | 10/35 | 28-35 |
| 2 | 4 | 5 | 5.2/9 | 5.5/20 | 12-15 | |
| 3 | 3 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 4 | 4-4.5(1.8 kW)/8-12 | |
| 4 | 2.3 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 3-3.5(2.4 kW) | |
| 5 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 2.2 | 3.2 | 2.5-3(2.4 kW) | |
| 6 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 2.7 | 2.5-2.8(3 kW) | |
| 8 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 2.2 | 2-2.3(3.6 kW) | |
| 10 | 0.8 | 1 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 1.8-2(4 kW) | |
| 12 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 1 | 1-1.2(1.8-2.2 kW) | ||
| 14 | 0.65 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 0.9-1(1.8-2.2 kW) | ||
| 16 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.75 | 0.7-0.9(2.2-2.6 kW) | ||
| 18 | 0.5 | 0.65 | 0.6-0.7(2.2-2.6 kW) | |||
| 20 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.55-0.65(2.2-2.6 kW) | |||
| 22 | 0.55 | 0.5-0.6(2.2-2.8 kW) | ||||
| 25 | 0.5(2.4-3 kW) |
Fiber laser cutting thickness and speed parameters (Raycus/carbonsteel/6000W-15000W)
| Laserpower | 6000W | 8000W | 10000W | 12000W | 15000W |
| Thickness | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed |
| (mm) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) |
| 1 | 30-45 | 35-45 | 40-45 | 50-60 | 50-60 |
| 2 | 20-25 | 30-35 | 35-40 | 40-45 | 45-48 |
| 3 | 3.5-4.2(2.4 kW) / 12-14 | 20-25 | 25-30 | 30-35 | 30-38 |
| 4 | 3.3-3.8(2.4 kW) / 7-8 | 15-18 | 18-20 | 20-26 | 26-29 |
| 5 | 3-3.6(3 kW) / 5-6 | 10-12 | 13-15 | 15-18 | 20-23 |
| 6 | 2.7-3.2(3.3 kW) / 4.5-5 | 8-9 | 10-12 | 10-13 | 17-19 |
| 8 | 2.2-2.5(4.2 kW) | 2.3-2.5(4 kW) / 5-5.5 | 7-8 | 7-10 | 10-12 |
| 10 | 2.0-2.3(5.5 kW) | 2.3(6 kW) | 2-2.3(6 kW)/3.5-4.5 | 2-2.3(6 kW)/5-6.5 | 2-2.3(6 kW)/7-8 |
| 12 | 1.9-2.1(6 kW) | 1.8-2(7.5 kW) | 1.8-2(7.5 kW) | 1.8-2(7.5 kW) | 1.8-2(7.5 kW)/5-6 |
| 14 | 1.4-1.7(6 kW) | 1.6-1.8(8 kW) | 1.6-1.8(8.5 kW) | 1.6-1.8(8.5 kW) | 1.6-1.8(8.5 kW)/4.5-5.5 |
| 16 | 1.2-1.4(6 kW) | 1.4-1.6(8 kW) | 1.4-1.6(9.5 kW) | 1.5-1.6(9.5 kW) | 1.5-1.6(9.5 kW)/3-3.5 |
| 18 | 0.8(6 kW) | 1.2-1.4(8 kW) | 1.3-1.5(9.5 kW) | 1.4-1.5(10 kW) | 1.4-1.5(10 kW) |
| 20 | 0.6-0.7(6 kW) | 1-1.2(8 kW) | 1.2-1.4(10 kW) | 1.3-1.4(12 kW) | 1.3-1.4(12 kW) |
| 22 | 0.5-0.6(6 kW) | 0.6-0.65(8 kW) | 1.0-1.2(10 kW) | 1-1.2(12 kW) | 1.2-1.3(15 kW) |
| 25 | 0.4-0.5(6 kW) | 0.3-0.45(8 kW) | 0.5-0.65(10 kW) | 0.8-1(12 kW) | 1.2-1.3(15 kW) |
| 30 | 0.2-0.25(8 kW) | 0.3-0.35(10 kW) | 0.7-0.8(12 kW) | 0.75-0.85(15 kW) | |
| 40 | 0.1-0.15(8 kW) | 0.2(10 kW) | 0.25-0.3(12 kW) | 0.3-0.35(15 kW) | |
| 50 | 0.2-0.25(15 kW) | ||||
| 60 | 0.18-0.2(15 kW) |
IPG Cut Speed - Carbon Steel
Fiber laser cutting thickness and speed parameters (IPG // 1000W-4000W)
| Material | Laserpower | 1000W | 1500W | 2000W | 3000W | 4000W |
| Thickness | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed | |
| (mm) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | |
| Carbonsteel (O2/N2/Air) | 1 | 5.5/10 | 6.7/20 | 9-11/18-22 | 9-12/25-30 | 9-11/40-50 |
| 2 | 4.5-5 | 4.9-5.5 | 5-6 | 5-6/12-15 | 5-6/18-22 | |
| 3 | 3-3.3 | 3.4-3.8 | 3.7-4.2 | 4-4.5 | 4-4.5/15-18 | |
| 4 | 2.1-2.4 | 2.4-2.8 | 2.8-3.5 | 3.2-3.8 | 3.2-3.8/8-10 | |
| 5 | 1.6-1.8 | 2.0-2.4 | 2.5-2.8 | 3.2-3.4 | 3-3.5/4-5 | |
| 6 | 1.3-1.5 | 1.6-1.9 | 2.0-2.5 | 3-3.2 | 2.8-3.2 | |
| 8 | 0.9-1.1 | 1.1-1.3 | 1.2-1.5 | 2-2.3 | 2.3-2.6 | |
| 10 | 0.7-0.9 | 0.9-1.0 | 1-1.2 | 1.5-1.7 | 2-2.2 | |
| 12 | 0.7-0.8 | 0.9-1.1 | 0.8-1 | 1-1.5 | ||
| 14 | 0.6-0.7 | 0.7-0.9 | 0.8-0.9 | 0.85-1.1 | ||
| 16 | 0.6-0.75 | 0.7-0.85 | 0.8-1 | |||
| 20 | 0.65-0.8 | 0.6-0.9 | ||||
| 22 | 0.6-0.7 |
Fiber laser cutting thickness and speed parameters (Raycus/carbonsteel/6000W-15000W)
| Laserpower | 6000W | 8000W | 10000W | 12000W | 15000W |
| Thickness | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed |
| (mm) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) |
| 1 | 30-45 | 35-45 | 40-45 | 50-60 | 50-60 |
| 2 | 20-25 | 30-35 | 35-40 | 40-45 | 45-48 |
| 3 | 3.5-4.2(2.4 kW) / 12-14 | 20-25 | 25-30 | 30-35 | 30-38 |
| 4 | 3.3-3.8(2.4 kW) / 7-8 | 15-18 | 18-20 | 20-26 | 26-29 |
| 5 | 3-3.6(3 kW) / 5-6 | 10-12 | 13-15 | 15-18 | 20-23 |
| 6 | 2.7-3.2(3.3 kW) / 4.5-5 | 8-9 | 10-12 | 10-13 | 17-19 |
| 8 | 2.2-2.5(4.2 kW) | 2.3-2.5(4 kW) / 5-5.5 | 7-8 | 7-10 | 10-12 |
| 10 | 2.0-2.3(5.5 kW) | 2.3(6 kW) | 2-2.3(6 kW)/3.5-4.5 | 2-2.3(6 kW)/5-6.5 | 2-2.3(6 kW)/7-8 |
| 12 | 1.9-2.1(6 kW) | 1.8-2(7.5 kW) | 1.8-2(7.5 kW) | 1.8-2(7.5 kW) | 1.8-2(7.5 kW)/5-6 |
| 14 | 1.4-1.7(6 kW) | 1.6-1.8(8 kW) | 1.6-1.8(8.5 kW) | 1.6-1.8(8.5 kW) | 1.6-1.8(8.5 kW)/4.5-5.5 |
| 16 | 1.2-1.4(6 kW) | 1.4-1.6(8 kW) | 1.4-1.6(9.5 kW) | 1.5-1.6(9.5 kW) | 1.5-1.6(9.5 kW)/3-3.5 |
| 18 | 0.8(6 kW) | 1.2-1.4(8 kW) | 1.3-1.5(9.5 kW) | 1.4-1.5(10 kW) | 1.4-1.5(10 kW) |
| 20 | 0.6-0.7(6 kW) | 1-1.2(8 kW) | 1.2-1.4(10 kW) | 1.3-1.4(12 kW) | 1.3-1.4(12 kW) |
| 22 | 0.5-0.6(6 kW) | 0.6-0.65(8 kW) | 1.0-1.2(10 kW) | 1-1.2(12 kW) | 1.2-1.3(15 kW) |
| 25 | 0.4-0.5(6 kW) | 0.3-0.45(8 kW) | 0.5-0.65(10 kW) | 0.8-1(12 kW) | 1.2-1.3(15 kW) |
| 30 | 0.2-0.25(8 kW) | 0.3-0.35(10 kW) | 0.7-0.8(12 kW) | 0.75-0.85(15 kW) | |
| 40 | 0.1-0.15(8 kW) | 0.2(10 kW) | 0.25-0.3(12 kW) | 0.3-0.35(15 kW) | |
| 50 | 0.2-0.25(15 kW) | ||||
| 60 | 0.18-0.2(15 kW) |
IPG Cutting Speed - Carbon Steel
Fiber laser cutting thickness and speed parameters (IPG // 1000W-4000W)
| Material | Laserpower | 1000W | 1500W | 2000W | 3000W | 4000W |
| Thickness | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed | |
| (mm) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | |
| Carbonsteel (O2/N2/Air) | 1 | 5.5/10 | 6.7/20 | 9-11/18-22 | 9-12/25-30 | 9-11/40-50 |
| 2 | 4.5-5 | 4.9-5.5 | 5-6 | 5-6/12-15 | 5-6/18-22 | |
| 3 | 3-3.3 | 3.4-3.8 | 3.7-4.2 | 4-4.5 | 4-4.5/15-18 | |
| 4 | 2.1-2.4 | 2.4-2.8 | 2.8-3.5 | 3.2-3.8 | 3.2-3.8/8-10 | |
| 5 | 1.6-1.8 | 2.0-2.4 | 2.5-2.8 | 3.2-3.4 | 3-3.5/4-5 | |
| 6 | 1.3-1.5 | 1.6-1.9 | 2.0-2.5 | 3-3.2 | 2.8-3.2 | |
| 8 | 0.9-1.1 | 1.1-1.3 | 1.2-1.5 | 2-2.3 | 2.3-2.6 | |
| 10 | 0.7-0.9 | 0.9-1.0 | 1-1.2 | 1.5-1.7 | 2-2.2 | |
| 12 | 0.7-0.8 | 0.9-1.1 | 0.8-1 | 1-1.5 | ||
| 14 | 0.6-0.7 | 0.7-0.9 | 0.8-0.9 | 0.85-1.1 | ||
| 16 | 0.6-0.75 | 0.7-0.85 | 0.8-1 | |||
| 20 | 0.65-0.8 | 0.6-0.9 | ||||
| 22 | 0.6-0.7 |
Fiber laser cutting thickness and speed parameters (IPG/carbon steel/6000W-12000W)
| Material | Laserpower | 6000W | 8000W | 10000W | 12000W |
| Thickness | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed | |
| (mm) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | |
| Carbonsteel (O2/N2/Air) | 1 | 10-12/45-60 | 10-12/50-60 | 10-12/50-80 | |
| 2 | 5-6/26-30 | 5.5-6.8/30-35 | 5.5-6.8/38-43 | ||
| 3 | 4-4.5/18-20 | 4.2-5.0/20-25 | 4.2-5.0/28-30 | ||
| 4 | 3.2-3.8/13-15 | 3.7-4.5/15-18 | 3.7-4.5/18-21 | ||
| 5 | 3-3.5/7-10 | 3.2-3.8/10-12 | 3.2-3.8/13-15 | ||
| 6 | 2.8-3.2 | 2.8-3.6/8.2-9.2 | 2.8-3.6/10.8-12 | ||
| 8 | 2.5-2.8 | 2.6-3.0/5.0-5.8 | 2.6-3.0/7.0-7.8 | ||
| 10 | 2.0-2.5 | 2.1-2.6/3.0-3.5 | 2.1-2.6/3.8-4.6 | 2.2-2.6 | |
| 12 | 1.8-2.2 | 1.9-2.3 | 1.9-2.3 | 2-2.2 | |
| 14 | 1-1.8 | 1.1-1.8 | 1.1-1.8 | 1.8-2.2 | |
| 16 | 0.85-1.5 | 0.85-1.2 | 0.85-1.2 | 1.5-2 | |
| 20 | 0.75-1.0 | 0.75-1.1 | 0.75-1.1 | 1.2-1.7 | |
| 22 | 0.7-0.8 | 0.7-0.85 | 0.7-0.85 | 0.7-0.85 | |
| 25 | 0.6-0.7 | 0.6-0.8 | 0.6-0.8 | 0.6-0.8 | |
| 30 | 0.4-0.5 | ||||
| 35 | 0.35-0.45 | ||||
| 40 | 0.3-0.4 |
As shown in the chart, we can see the thickness and speed parameters for1000W, 1500W, 2000W, 3000W, 4000W, 6000W, 8000W, 10000W, 12000W, and 15000Wfiber laser cutting machines.
Taking carbon steel as an example, a 1000W Raycus fiber laser cutting machinecan cut 3mm thick carbon steel at a maximum cutting speed of 3 meters perminute.
A 1500W fiber laser cutting machine can cut 3mm thick carbon steel at amaximum cutting speed of 3.6 meters per minute.
Using the IPG chart above, we can compare the parameters of different lasercutting machines when cutting the same material. For example:
A 1000W laser cutting machine can cut 3mm thick carbon steel at a maximumspeed of 3.3 meters per minute.
A 1500W laser cutting machine can cut 3mm thick carbon steel at a maximumspeed of 3.9 meters per minute.
Raycus Cutting Speed - Stainless Steel
Fiber laser cutting thickness and speed parameters (Raycus/stainlesssteel/1000W-4000W)
| Material | Laserpower | 1000W | 1500W | 2000W | 3000W | 4000W |
| Thickness | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed | |
| (mm) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | |
| Stainlesssteel (N2) | 1 | 13 | 20 | 28 | 28-35 | 30-40 |
| 2 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 18-24 | 15-20 | |
| 3 | 3 | 4.5 | 5 | 7-10 | 10-12 | |
| 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 5-6.5 | 6-7 | |
| 5 | 0.6 | 1.5 | 2 | 3-3.6 | 4-4.5 | |
| 6 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 2-2.7 | 3-3.5 | ||
| 8 | 0.6 | 1-1.2 | 1.5-1.8 | |||
| 10 | 0.5-0.6 | 1-1.2 | ||||
| 12 | 0.8 |
Fiber laser cutting thickness and speed parameters (Raycus/stainlesssteel/6000W-15000W)
| Material | Laserpower | 6000W | 8000W | 10000W | 12000W | 15000W |
| Thickness | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed | |
| (mm) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | |
| Stainlesssteel (N2) | 1 | 30-45 | 40-50 | 45-50 | 50-60 | 50-60 |
| 2 | 25-30 | 30-35 | 35-40 | 40-45 | 45-50 | |
| 3 | 15-18 | 20-24 | 25-30 | 30-35 | 35-38 | |
| 4 | 10-12 | 12-15 | 18-20 | 23-27 | 25-29 | |
| 5 | 7-8 | 9-10 | 12-15 | 15-18 | 18-22 | |
| 6 | 4.5-5 | 7-8 | 8-9 | 13-15 | 15-18 | |
| 8 | 3.5-3.8 | 4-5 | 5-6 | 8-10 | 10-12 | |
| 10 | 1.5-2 | 3-3.5 | 3.5-4 | 6.5-7.5 | 8-9 | |
| 12 | 1-1.2 | 2-2.5 | 2.5-3 | 5-5.5 | 6-7 | |
| 16 | 0.5-0.6 | 1-1.5 | 1.6-2 | 2-2.3 | 2.9-3.1 | |
| 20 | 0.2-0.35 | 0.6-0.8 | 1-1.2 | 1.2-1.4 | 1.9-2.1 | |
| 22 | 0.4-0.6 | 0.7-0.9 | 0.9-1.2 | 1.5-1.7 | ||
| 25 | 0.3-0.4 | 0.5-0.6 | 0.7-0.9 | 1.2-1.4 | ||
| 30 | 0.15-0.2 | 0.25 | 0.25-0.3 | 0.8-1 | ||
| 35 | 0.15 | 0.2-0.25 | 0.6-0.8 | |||
| 40 | 0.15-0.2 | 0.4-0.5 | ||||
| 45 | 0.2-0.4 |
IPG Cutting Speed - Stainless Steel
Fiber laser cutting thickness and speed parameters (IPG/stainlesssteel/1000W-4000W)
| Material | Laserpower | 1000W | 1500W | 2000W | 3000W | 4000W |
| Thickness | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed | |
| (mm) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | |
| Stainlesssteel (N2) | 1 | 12-15 | 16-20 | 20-28 | 30-40 | 40-55 |
| 2 | 4.5-5.5 | 5.5-7.0 | 7-11 | 15-18 | 20-25 | |
| 3 | 1.5-2 | 2.0-2.8 | 4.5-6.5 | 8-10 | 12-15 | |
| 4 | 1-1.3 | 1.5-1.9 | 2.8-3.2 | 5.4-6 | 7-9 | |
| 5 | 0.6-0.8 | 0.8-1.2 | 1.5-2 | 2.8-3.5 | 4-5.5 | |
| 6 | 0.6-0.8 | 1-1.3 | 1.8-2.6 | 2.5-4 | ||
| 8 | 0.6-0.8 | 1.0-1.3 | 1.8-2.5 | |||
| 10 | 0.6-0.8 | 1.0-1.6 | ||||
| 12 | 0.5-0.7 | 0.8-1.2 | ||||
| 16 | 0.25-0.35 |
Fiber laser cutting thickness and speed parameters (IPG/stainlesssteel/6000W-12000W)
| Material | Laserpower | 6000W | 8000W | 10000W | 12000W |
| Thickness | Speed | Speed | Speed | Speed | |
| (mm) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | (m/min) | |
| Stainlesssteel (N2) | 1 | 60-80 | 60-80 | 60-80 | 70-80 |
| 2 | 30-35 | 36-40 | 39-42 | 42-50 | |
| 3 | 19-21 | 21-24 | 25-30 | 33-40 | |
| 4 | 12-15 | 15-17 | 20-22 | 25-28 | |
| 5 | 8.5-10 | 10-12.5 | 14-16 | 17-20 | |
| 6 | 5.0-5.8 | 7.5-8.5 | 11-13 | 13-16 | |
| 8 | 2.8-3.5 | 4.8-5.8 | 7.8-8.8 | 8-10 | |
| 10 | 1.8-2.5 | 3.2-3.8 | 5.6-7 | 6-8 | |
| 12 | 1.2-1.5 | 2.2-2.9 | 3.5-3.9 | 4.5-5.4 | |
| 16 | 1.0-1.2 | 1.5-2.0 | 1.8-2.6 | 2.2-2.5 | |
| 20 | 0.6-0.8 | 0.95-1.1 | 1.5-1.9 | 1.4-6 | |
| 22 | 0.3-0.4 | 0.7-0.85 | 1.1-1.4 | 0.9-4 | |
| 25 | 0.15-0.2 | 0.4-0.5 | 0.45-0.65 | 0.7-1 | |
| 30 | 0.3-0.4 | 0.4-0.5 | 0.3-0.5 | ||
| 35 | 0.25-0.35 | ||||
| 40 | 0.2-0.25 |
Now, let's take a closer look at the parameters for cutting stainlesssteel.
With a 1000W fiber laser cutting machine, you can cut 3mm thick stainlesssteel at a maximum speed of 3 meters per minute.
With a 1500W fiber laser cutting machine, you can cut 3mm thick stainlesssteel at a maximum speed of 4.5 meters per minute.
For 5mm thick stainless steel, a 1000W fiber laser cutting machine canachieve a maximum cutting speed of 0.6 meters per minute, while a 1500W lasercutting machine can achieve a maximum cutting speed of 1.5 meters perminute.
By comparing these parameters, it's clear that when using the same materialtype and thickness, higher power allows for faster cutting speeds.
The Impact of Laser Cutting Speed on Cutting Quality
1. When the cutting speed is too fast, the gas coaxial with the beam cannotcompletely remove the cutting debris. The molten material on both sidesaccumulates and solidifies at the bottom edge, forming dross that is difficultto clean. Cutting too fast can also result in incomplete cutting of thematerial, with a certain thickness of adhesion at the bottom, usually verysmall, requiring manual hammering to remove.
2. When the cutting speed is appropriate, the cut quality is improved, withsmall and smooth kerfs, a smooth and burr-free cut surface, and no overalldeformation of the workpiece, allowing it to be used without any treatment.
When the cutting speed is too slow, the high-energy laser beam remains ineach area for too long, resulting in a significant thermal effect. This cancause significant over-melting on the opposite side of the cut, over-meltingabove the cut, and dross below the cut, resulting in poor cut quality.
Conclusion
Laser cutting speed affects both efficiency and quality. Therefore,manufacturers should understand the factors that influence laser cutting speed.Understanding laser cutting speed can improve the speed, precision, andefficiency of the laser cutting process, thereby increasing production capacityand competitiveness.
