When laser cutting machine cuts steel plate or stainless steel and other materials, it will use a cooperating gas.
For example, when oxygen is used as a cooperating gas, it will produce an exothermic reaction, which is especially obvious when cutting carbon steel. This kind of solution is widely recognized.
In this process, oxygen is used at the projection point of the laser beam on the metal surface to heat the steel plate and bring about an exothermic reaction, so that the temperature of the area reaches the melting point. Cut surface with oxide layer.
But on the other hand, when laser cutting stainless steel, because stainless steel has a higher melting point, its characteristics are also different. When the cutting quality and smoothness are both included in the assessment, residual oxidation will be formed on the metal surface due to the use of oxidation as the auxiliary gas. Therefore, the cutting quality cannot achieve a good effect.
The Principle Of Laser Cutting Stainless Steel
Laser cutting uses a high-energy-density laser beam to heat and vaporize the workpiece, causing the material to expand at high temperature in an instant, thereby cutting out the desired shape.
Stainless steel has the characteristics of high hardness, high melting point, and easy oxidation, making it difficult to cut.
The Role Of Nitrogen In Laser Cutting Of Stainless Steel
Reduce Cutting Temperature
As an inert gas, nitrogen can reduce the heat generated during cutting, while cooling the material being cut to avoid deformation and discoloration of the material caused by excessive heat. Nitrogen can play a cooling and protective role during the laser cutting process, improving cutting quality.
Keep the incision smooth
Because the high temperatures generated during stainless steel cutting can easily cause thermal damage to the material, nitrogen cooling and protection are required when machining stainless steel. Nitrogen forms a protective film, making the cut smooth and burr-free, and maintaining the excellent properties of stainless steel.
Prevent stainless steel from oxidizing
Oxygen can cause oxidation on the surface of stainless steel and reduce its surface quality. Nitrogen can react with oxygen to form nitrogen oxides, which protects the surface of stainless steel from oxidation and extends the service life of stainless steel.
Improve cutting efficiency
The use of nitrogen can reduce oxidation and increase the speed and efficiency of laser cutting. This is especially critical for applications requiring high quality and high speed cutting.
In order to solve this problem, after repeated research by laser experts, nitrogen is finally used as the auxiliary gas. Since nitrogen is an endothermic process, it is essentially a process of evaporation and ablation, and higher pressure means higher operating costs.
Nozzle diameter has a greater impact on gas consumption, so laser cutting thicker materials requires larger nozzles, so nitrogen is generally used as an auxiliary gas for cutting stainless steel.
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