As discussed in The Fabricator’s article, “Laser Cutting Assist Gas Technology Evolves,” fiber laser cutting machines rely not just on the laser beam but also on assist gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and air to perform precise cuts. These assist gases, when optimized, can significantly enhance cutting efficiency and product quality.
Assist Gas Options and Their Advantages:
While oxygen was once the go-to assist gas, many fabricators have transitioned to nitrogen for its ability to produce cuts without an oxide layer, improving finish quality. However, high nitrogen consumption and narrow kerfs in thick plates can pose challenges, such as difficulty removing cut pieces from the nest.
Innovations like Mitsubishi Laser’s Assist Gas Reduction (AGR) technology address these issues. AGR combines proprietary nozzles with compressors for efficient gas delivery and reduced consumption. The technology adapts to various assist gas setups, including low-pressure air, oxygen, nitrogen, and mixed gas cutting, allowing fabricators to match the gas type to the application.
The Role of Air:
Air, which is approximately 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, has emerged as a viable mixed-gas option for laser cutting. High-pressure air cutting can achieve speeds and quality similar to nitrogen cutting, particularly for mild steel up to 7-gauge thickness, making it a cost-effective alternative.
Selecting the right assist gas and laser configuration is critical for maximizing cutting efficiency and productivity. Cutting-edge laser technologies and gas optimization strategies deliver superior results for a wide range of metal fabrication needs.
Click here to learn more about Architectural & Industrial Metal Finishing Company’s laser cutting services and innovations.
Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of thefabricator.com.
