Contrast of different types of laser cutting

The initial absorption rate of metal to the 10.6um laser beam is only 0.5%~10%. However, when the focused laser beam with a power density of more than 106w/cm2 is irradiated to the metal surface, the surface starts to melt very quickly in microseconds. The absorbance of most metals in the molten state increases sharply, generally by 60 to 80 percent.
1. Titanium and alloy.
Pure titanium can well couple and focus the heat energy converted by laser beam. When the auxiliary gas USES oxygen, the chemical reaction is fierce, and the cutting speed is fast. To be on the safe side, it is better to use air as the auxiliary gas to ensure the cutting quality.
Laser cutting quality of titanium alloy used in the aircraft industry is better, although there will be a little slime at the bottom of the slit, but it is easy to clear
2. Nickel alloy.
Nickel-based alloys also known as super alloys, a variety of. Most of them can be performed oxidation fusion cutting.
3. Carbon steel.
In modern times, the maximum thickness of carbon steel can be cut up to 20MM. The cutting seam of carbon steel can be controlled in a satisfactory width range by using the oxidation fusion cutting mechanism, and the cutting seam can be narrowed to about 0.1mm for the thin plate.
4. Stainless steel.
Laser cutting is an effective tool for manufacturing industries that use stainless steel sheet as the main component. Under the strict control of heat input in laser cutting process, the heat-affected area of cutting edge can be limited to be very small, so as to effectively maintain the good corrosion resistance of such materials.
5. Alloy steel.
Most alloy structural steels and alloy tool steels can be laser cut to obtain good edge cutting quality. Even some high strength materials, as long as the process parameters are properly controlled, can get straight, non-stick slag edge cutting. However, for high speed tool steels and hot die steels containing tungsten, corrosion and slagging can occur during laser cutting.
6. Aluminium and alloys.
Aluminum cutting belongs to the melting laser cutting mechanism. The auxiliary gas is mainly used to blow away the molten products from the cutting area. For some aluminum alloys, attention should be paid to prevent intergranular microcracks on the slit surface.
7. Copper and alloys.
Pure copper (red copper) can hardly be cut with a CO2 laser beam due to its high reflectivity. Brass (copper alloy) USES high laser power, auxiliary gas is air or oxygen, can carry on the cutting to the thinner plate.