Fiber laser cutting is a highly precise and efficient method used to cut through various materials, primarily metals, using a laser beam that is generated by a fiber laser. This precision and efficiency have made fiber laser cutting an increasingly popular method in modern fabrication.
These machines are compact, energy-efficient, and require less maintenance compared to other laser types, leading to lower overall costs. However, proper training is necessary to optimize machine settings, materials, and workflow. If you’re thinking of introducing a fiber laser cutting machine into your shop, then this blog is for you! Today, we’ll be discussing five tips and tricks for getting the best results with fiber laser cutting.
1. Master the Material: Know What You’re Cutting
The first tip is to understand the differences between metals or other materials you are cutting. Different materials will require different machine settings, such as laser power, cutting speed, focal length, and assist gas. For example, reflective materials like aluminum may require specialized techniques to prevent excessive reflection and damage, and different materials require specific gases and pressures to optimize the cutting process.
2. Dial in the Right Cutting Parameters
The next tip is to use cutting parameters or charts as a starting point, not a rule. Creating a parameter library is a good foundation for materials, but you will likely need to adjust the settings based on your specific piece and machine. Performing test cuts on scrap material of the same type and thickness is a great way to fine-tune the settings and get comfortable before cutting the final piece.
3. Keep Your Optics Clean and Calibrated
The third tip is to clean and calibrate your machine. While this is a good maintenance tip for any machine, it is critical for the precision of fiber laser cutting machines. You should clean the lenses and nozzles regularly to prevent beam distortion, monitor and maintain focus lens alignment, and replace worn components to maintain cut quality and consistency.
4. Use Assist Gas Wisely
Our fourth tip focuses on the use of assist gas when cutting. There are a few considerations when it comes to gas type and pressure on fiber laser cutting machines. First, consider material thickness. High-pressure cutting, often using nitrogen or compressed air, is suitable for thicker materials, while lower pressures, sometimes with oxygen, are used for thinner materials, such as mild steel.
Further, gas pressure also impacts edge quality and dross removal. Higher pressures generally improve dross removal by blowing away molten material, but excessive pressure can cause turbulence and edge roughness. Finding the right balance is crucial. It ensures efficient dross removal without compromising the edge quality, resulting in a clean, smooth, and accurate cut.
5. Optimize Your Nesting and Lead-Ins
Our final tip is to optimize your nesting and lead-ins. In laser cutting, nesting is the strategic arrangement of shapes and parts on a metal sheet to optimize material usage and minimize cutting time. One way to improve this process is to utilize smart nesting software to reduce material waste. Additionally, you can strategically plan your cutting paths to avoid part movement and warping, and adjust lead-ins and lead-outs to minimize heat buildup. All of these optimizations will improve the efficiency of your machine.
The biggest takeaways are consistent maintenance and experimentation, as well as building a library of settings to continue your learning. As always, you can contact our trained technicians for more tips or to find the best machine for your shop!