A fiber laser cutting machine works by using a focused laser beam to melt or vaporize material, creating precise cuts. Here's a breakdown of the process:
The Core Mechanism
The process is centered around the high-power laser beam produced by the fiber laser. This light is channeled through a fiber optic cable and then:
- Focusing the Laser: The laser beam is focused through a lens to a very small point. This concentrates the laser’s energy, dramatically increasing the power density at the focal point.
- The small focal point is critical for precise cutting.
- Heating and Material Removal: The intense power density at the focal point rapidly heats the material. This heat leads to:
- Evaporation: The material is heated to the point where it vaporizes.
- Melting: For certain materials, the laser may melt the material which is then removed by an assist gas.
- Creating the Cut: As the laser head moves relative to the material, the focal point traces the desired shape of the cut, and the process repeats. This continuous removal process forms a narrow, clean laser cut.
- The linear movement between the laser head and the material is carefully controlled to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Key Components in Action
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Fiber Laser | Generates the high-energy laser beam. |
| Fiber Optic Cable | Transports the laser beam to the cutting head. |
| Focusing Lens | Concentrates the laser beam to a small point to increase energy density. |
| Laser Head | Houses the lens and controls the beam's movement relative to the material. |
| Assist Gas | Helps remove molten material and protect the lens. (Oxygen, nitrogen, or compressed air can be used) |
Practical Insights and Solutions
- Material Compatibility: Different materials require varying laser power and cutting parameters.
- Steel, aluminum, brass, and even some plastics can be cut with fiber lasers.
- Precision: Fiber laser cutters are capable of high-precision work, creating complex shapes with minimal material waste.
- Speed: These machines can often cut quickly, making them ideal for production environments.
- Reference Information: As the provided reference confirms, the laser beam focuses to a small light point, resulting in a high power density in the focal point. The material is quickly heated to evaporation. With the relative linear movement of the laser head with respect to the material, the hole is continuously formed into a narrow laser cut.
