Selection of nozzles for laser cutting machines
Choosing the right nozzle for a laser cutting machine is essentially aboutfinding a balance between precision, efficiency, and stability. The coreprinciple is: use a small aperture for cutting thin plates to maximize speed andprecision; use a large aperture for cutting thick plates to ensure stability andsurface quality.
| Name | Symbol | NozzleShape | ShapeCharacteristics | Uses |
| Single-layer | S(Single) |
|
Innerwall is conical,High-pressure gas slag removal with large flow rate | Suitablefor melting and cutting materials such as stainless steel and aluminumplates |
| Double-layer | D(Double) |  |
Double-layercomposite adds an inner core to the single-layer base. | Double-layersizes 2.0 and above are used for carbon steel abrasive surfacecutting. |
| High-speeddouble-layer | E |  |
Thenozzle has a pointed shape and three larger holes on the inner edge thanordinary double-layer nozzles. | Mainlyused for high-power, high-speed, bright surface cutting of carbon steel within20mm. |
| High-speedsingle-layer | SP |  |
Nozzleshape is pointed, inner wall is stepped conical | Mainlyused for high-power, high-speed bright surface cutting or oxygen negative cokecutting of carbon steel thicker than 20mm. |
| High-speedsingle-layer | ST |  |
Noseshape is pointed; inner wall is conical; nozzle orifice area is larger thanSP | Mainlyused for high-speed bright surface cutting of carbon steel thicker than 20mm,providing stable following and better results. |
| StormNozzle | B(Boost) |  |
Animprovement on the single-layer nozzle: The nozzle orifice has a steppeddesign. | Suitablefor high-power nitrogen or low-pressure air cutting of stainless steel andcarbon steel. |
Here is a detailed selection guide based on plate type and thickness:
| Laser | CutThickness (Oxygen Grinding for Carbon Steel) | RecommendedNozzle |
| Low-powerlaser(≤6000W) | 16mm-20mm | 1.4D-1.6D(standard conical nozzle) |
|
High-powerlaser (≥6000W, taking Raycus 12kW as an example) |
3mm-12mm | 1.2E(Double-layer high-speed nozzle) |
| 12mm-14mm | 1.2E-1.4E(Double-layer high-speed nozzle) | |
| 16mm-20mm | 1.4E-1.6E(Double-layer high-speed nozzle) | |
| 22mm-35mm | SP1.4-SP1.8(Single-layer high-speed nozzle) 0r1.4E-1.8E (Double-layer high-speednozzle) | |
| 35mm-40mm | SP1.6-SP1.8(Single-layer high-speed nozzle)Or 1.6E-1.8E (Double-layer high-speednozzle) |
There are several details even more important than simply "choosing the rightone":
Important: Concentricity is crucial:** The center of the nozzle orificemust be precisely aligned with the center of the laser beam. If they are notconcentric, at best one side of the cut will have burrs; at worst, the cut willbe incomplete or even damage the cutting head. This is usually done duringequipment setup, but it should also be checked after nozzle replacement.
Pay Attention to Nozzle Material and Precision:
Material: High-purity copper is the mainstream material due to itsexcellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Pure copper provides a morestable capacitance signal and better performance than brass. Some nozzles have aceramic coating, primarily to prevent spatter and extend their lifespan.
Precision: A good nozzle has a concentricity error of less than 0.03mm(less than 0.02mm for nozzles under 1mm). This protects the internal lens andreduces setup hassles.
Timely Replacement and Maintenance: The nozzle is a consumable. Replaceit immediately if you notice orifice deformation, chips, severe spatter buildup,or a sudden drop in cutting quality (such as slag buildup or a poor cutsurface). Regularly clean the tip of the nozzle with a copper wire brush toremove spatter.
Once you grasp the core logic of "small holes for thin plates and large holesfor thick plates" and make minor adjustments based on your commonly usedmaterials, you can select the right nozzle and significantly improve cuttingquality and efficiency.
