When operating a laser cutting machine, precisely determining the focal point is crucial for achieving high-quality cuts. Here are three simple and practical methods to help you quickly find the optimal focus position for your laser cutting machine:
The “Imprint” Method:
- Move the cutting head of your laser cutting machine slowly downwards.
- Use the laser beam to “imprint” on a plastic sheet, observing the mark left by the beam.
- The point where the imprinted circle has the smallest diameter is the focal point.
The Angled Plate Method:
- Place a plastic sheet at an angle relative to the vertical axis.
- Horizontally stretch the plastic sheet while simultaneously directing the laser cutting machine’s laser beam onto it.
- Observe the laser spot formed on the plastic sheet. The point where the spot is smallest is the focal point.
The Blue Spark Method:
- Remove the nozzle from the laser cutting machine’s cutting head.
- Blow air and direct a pulsed laser beam onto a stainless steel plate.
- Move the cutting head up and down, observing the generated blue sparks.
- The point where the blue sparks are brightest and largest is the focal point.
Important Considerations for your Laser Cutting Machine:
The optimal focal point for a laser cutting machine is not fixed; it depends on the type of material being cut.
- When cutting carbon steel with a laser cutting machine, setting the focus on the material surface typically yields the best cutting quality.
- When cutting stainless steel with a laser cutting machine, it is recommended to set the focus at approximately 1/2 of the material thickness.
We hope this information helps you use your laser cutting machine more effectively and improve your cutting quality!