Frequently Asked Questions

Parameter Attachment Parameter File

1-60KW Parameter file

Core Conclusion: How to Avoid Burrs and Dross

The essence of burrs and dross is the incomplete or inadequate expulsion of molten aluminum from the kerf, leading to its re-solidification at the bottom or sides. To address this issue, focus on the following key points:

1. Use High-Purity, High-Pressure Assist Gas (Most Critical):

   • Gas Selection: High-purity nitrogen (≥99.99%, 99.999% recommended) must be used. As an inert gas, nitrogen prevents the oxidation of molten aluminum, resulting in a smooth, silver-white cut surface.

   • Pressure Requirement: Very high pressure is needed (typically 1.5 to 2 times that used for stainless steel of similar thickness). For example, cutting 8mm aluminum may require 18-25 bar. High pressure provides sufficient momentum to thoroughly and rapidly expel the viscous molten aluminum from the kerf.

2. Optimize the Balance Between Cutting Speed and Power:

   • Speed Too High: Insufficient energy input prevents complete melting, leading to incomplete cuts and hard burrs at the bottom.

   • Speed Too Slow: Excessive energy input enlarges the heat-affected zone, creating an unstable and oversized melt pool. When blown away by gas, this easily forms irregular dross and a rough cut surface.

   • Principle: While ensuring complete penetration, use the highest possible speed matched with appropriate power to achieve "rapid melting and rapid expulsion," minimizing heat accumulation.

3. Ensure Accurate Focal Point Position:

   • The focal point is typically set below the material surface (about 1/3 to 1/2 of the plate thickness). This creates a wider V-shaped kerf inside the material, facilitating upward expulsion of dross by the high-pressure gas from the bottom, resulting in better verticality and a smoother lower edge.

4. Use High-Quality Consumables and Equipment:

   • Nozzle: Use tapered nozzles designed for high pressure, ensuring the aperture (e.g., 3.0mm or larger) matches the gas pressure. Keep the nozzle clean and undamaged.

   • Laser Source: Fiber lasers are generally more suitable for cutting aluminum than CO₂ lasers because their wavelength (~1μm) is more readily absorbed by aluminum. The equipment must have effective anti-reflection protection.

5. Material and Pre-treatment:

   • Ensure the aluminum plate surface is clean, free of oil, and without thick oxide layers. Oxide layers reflect the laser and absorb heat unevenly, causing unstable cuts.

   • Use dry compressed air or a refrigerated dryer to treat the nitrogen supply, preventing moisture from causing micro-explosions or exacerbating oxidation at the cut.

Summary of Special Process Requirements

1. Piercing Process:

   • Must use "progressive pulse piercing" or "blast piercing". Absolutely avoid prolonged, fixed-point high-power piercing. Aluminum's low melting point means sustained high power creates a large molten bulge,极易 damaging the nozzle and lenses and causing poor quality at the start point.

   • It is recommended to program a "lead-in cut", starting from the sheet edge or a pre-drilled hole.

2. Anti-Reflection Protection:

   • The laser cutting system must be equipped with an effective "back-reflected light detection and protection" device. Aluminum's high reflectivity can cause part of the laser energy to reflect back into the laser head, potentially causing permanent damage to the fiber end, cutting head, and internal optical components.

3. Sensitivity of Parameter Settings:

   • The parameter window for aluminum cutting (the allowable range of power, speed, and pressure variation) is narrower than for steel. Small parameter changes can lead to significant quality differences. Therefore, recording and solidifying successful parameters is crucial.

4. Cutting Path Planning:

   • Avoid excessive deceleration at sharp corners to prevent localized over-melting. Techniques like "radius corners" or "micro-joints" can be used to reduce heat concentration and sheet deformation.

5. Cooling and Dust Extraction:

   • Aluminum particles are very fine and flammable. An efficient dust extraction system is essential for safety, preventing fire hazards and keeping lenses clean. For thicker plates, consider using a water-cooled cutting bed or auxiliary cooling.

Summary and Action Checklist

1. Invest in high-quality conical/focusing nozzles. This is the most cost-effective investment for improving basic aerodynamic performance.

2. Create a parameter library. For each material type and thickness, document and validate the optimal combination of [Nozzle Type + Aperture Size + Gas Type + Pressure].

3. Conduct comparative tests. Keeping other parameters (power, speed, focal point) constant, change only the nozzle or gas pressure. Observe changes in the cut surface and lower edge dross to intuitively understand their impact.

4. Ensure gas supply quality. Regularly check gas line seals and guarantee gas purity and dryness. An impure bottle of nitrogen can instantly negate all optimization efforts.

5. Maintain cleanliness. Always use clean, undamaged nozzles and ensure a constant distance (nozzle stand-off) between the nozzle and the material.