The alignment of the laser nozzle center with the laser’s center is crucial for achieving high-quality cuts, especially when working with thicker materials.
Impact of Misalignment:
- Cut Quality: When the nozzle center is not aligned with the laser, the gas flow becomes uneven, leading to one side of the cut having molten material while the other side does not. This is more noticeable in thicker materials (3mm and above), and can sometimes make cutting impossible.
- Sharp Corners: Cutting parts with sharp corners or small angles can result in localized over-melting. This is more pronounced with thicker materials, potentially making it difficult to cut.
- Piercing Quality: During piercing, the laser’s stability decreases, making it harder to control the piercing time. Thicker materials are more susceptible to over-melting, while thinner materials are less affected.
Choosing the Right Laser Nozzle Diameter:
- 3mm and Below: For thin materials (3mm and below), a 1.5mm nozzle results in a finer cut; a 2.0mm nozzle produces a coarser cut, with more molten material at corners.
- 3mm and Above: With higher power lasers cutting thicker materials, the gas diffusion area is crucial. A 1.5mm nozzle has a smaller diffusion area, making the cutting process less stable but still usable. A 2.0mm nozzle has a larger diffusion area and slower gas flow, making the process more stable.
- 2.5mm Nozzle: This is typically used for materials 10mm and above.
Key Points for Choosing the Right Laser Nozzle Diameter:
- Focusing Lens Protection: Larger nozzles can cause more sparks to fly upwards, reducing the lifespan of the focusing lens.
- Adjusting Nozzle Center: The alignment of the nozzle center with the laser is critical, especially for thicker materials. Proper adjustment is necessary to achieve better cut quality.
- Nozzle Quality: Nozzles are manufactured to high precision standards, and proper installation is required. If frequent adjustments are needed due to nozzle issues, it’s time to replace the nozzle.
Summary:
- Nozzle Alignment: Proper alignment of the nozzle center with the laser is crucial, especially for thicker materials.
- Choosing the Right Diameter: Selecting the appropriate nozzle diameter ensures better cut quality and piercing performance.
- Maintaining Nozzles: Proper care and maintenance of nozzles can prevent damage and extend their lifespan.