What Effect Does the Laser Nozzle Have on The Fibre Cutter

Laser technology has become a part and parcel of our lives and it is the force behind almost every technological innovation. But the thing that is most amazing is the way this energy has been harnessed and passed through a simple nozzle like a conical nozzle. For instance, the CY laser nozzles used in laser cutting machines are perhaps the best examples of how lasers have made their presence felt in the technological world. All other technologies have failed in their level of accuracy and precision in contrast to laser nozzles. The laser cutting machines execute their job with lightning speed and with great efficiency.      

The cutting efficiency of a fibre-cutting machine depends on some vital factors – 

• The quality of the laser beam

• The power of the laser 

• The speed of cutting 

• The thickness of the workpiece

• Type of material used 

• Design of the nozzle 

We will now highlight the facts based on which, Alternative Parts Inc. decides on which laser nozzle is good for their clients’ machines. Moreover, we also emphasise on the structure of the laser nozzle, which we feel affects the performance of the fibre-cutting machine. 

Apart from the factors mentioned above, the diameter of the nozzle also affects its performance. Let’s see how.

How Does The Diameter of the Nozzle Affect the Cutting and Perforation Quality?

The diameter of the nozzle deeply affects the cutting and perforating quality. For this reason, we at Alternative Parts Inc. recommend that you use the standard 1.5 mm to 2 mm apertured nozzles for laser cutting. 

This criterion should be strictly followed because the workpiece and the nozzle should maintain a fixed distance to avoid any spillage during the cutting process during the fibre laser-cutting process. It is the diameter of the nozzle that determines the amount and rate of gas flow that is getting inside the kiln, the gas diffusion area, and the flow rate of the gas. All this affects the stability of melting removal and cutting. If you select a large apertured nozzle, then you will definitely put the focusing lens at great risk. The spark of the molten splash may decrease the lifespan of the lens to a great extent. The deformity of the lens will affect the cutting quality of the machine immensely. We, at Alternative Parts Inc, always suggest that you get our 1.5mm and 2 mm apertured nozzles.  

Let’s discuss some other effects that you may experience when the nozzle centre differs in size from the laser centre:

1. If the thickness of the metal plate to be cut is more than 3 mm, then you may not be able to cut the plate as a large apertured nozzle may not release the gas uniformly. As a result, one side of the plate may melt and the other side will remain intact. This kind of discrepancy may take place, which will lower the quality of cutting to a great extent.  

2. When the diameter exceeds the standard limit, too much melting of the cutting object may occur, affecting the quality of the laser cutting nozzle, and making it almost impossible to cut thicker plates.

3. Nozzles with large diameters may also grossly affect the perforation process of a thick plate while trying to punch it. This is because excessive melting hinders the process of making a perforation badly.  

List of Criteria Needed to Select The Best Laser Nozzle

• The Material Should Be of Good Quality 

We, at Alternative Parts Inc., prefer the TU2 copper nozzles as it has great electrical and heat conductive power, which ensures that they will have the best capacitance signal.

• Should Have the Best Machine Precision

According to the industry standards that we follow at Alternative Parts Inc., a high-quality laser head nozzle’s concentric degree should be a minimum of 0.03 mm and the sprinkler should be no booger than 1.0 mm. The concentric degree should be 0.02 mm. The concentricity should be configured very precisely as it reduces the need for early troubleshooting and speeds up the machine. This precision also nullifies the damaging impact of the laser when it hits the inner wall of the laser head. Check out the conical nozzle specifications here.    

• The Laser Head Surface Should Be Extremely Smooth  

The surfaces (outer and inner) of the laser nozzle can only have a roughness of up to 0.8. This is something that we strictly adhere to when we do the quality check on the laser nozzles. We maintain this configuration strictly so that the longevity of the laser nozzle is extended. The outer wall of the highlight is capable of reducing the melt’s adhesion to a considerable extent during the cutting process. The inner wall effectively cuts off the eddy current. This protection is necessary when gas under extreme pressure flows out of the nozzle.  

Now, let’s discuss the different types of laser nozzles that are available with Alternative Parts Inc.

Types of Laser Nozzles and their Features

 

Sheet Selection According to Nozzle Size

• Sheet Thickness Below 3 mm

You should use a 1.5 mm diameter copper nozzle to cut a sheet of the thickness mentioned above. This way the cutting surface is thinner. Using a 2 mm diameter nozzle will melt the corners of the cutting surface easily 

• Sheet Thickness Above 3 mm

In this kind of sheet thickness, a 2 mm diameter of the copper nozzle should be used. This way the diffusion area is quite big and the flow rate of the gas is slow. This stabilises the cutting. You shouldn’t use a 1.5 mm diameter nozzle as this can lead to its unstable use and the diffusion area is less.   

• Sheet Thickness Of 10 mm

In this case, the copper nozzle should be 2.5 mm in diameter and utmost care should be taken not to damage or deform the nozzle in any way.  

How To Take Care of The Nozzle

Here are the simple steps that you should take to maintain the cy laser nozzles.  

• Clean the melting stains on the nozzle from time to time. 

• The nozzle should be installed correctly and after proper installation, a masking tape should be used to cover the upper part of the cutting head. This will prolong the service life of the cutting head.

• You should calibrate the centre of the nozzle every day. The laser should emit from the centre of the nozzle and needs immediate calibration if the position changes any day.    

 

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