Laser cutting of metal: what is it, technological process and processing features

Features of the device and principle of operation

Such a device is most often used in large industries, as it has a high cost.

LTT-5040 CNC laser engraving machine

In addition, it is not recommended to work with it individually, despite the fact that the operators servicing the device can configure it as accurately as possible. Laser cutting or engraving allows you to reduce the deformation of the material and obtain a perfectly even and smooth seam.

The operating principle of the device is simple:

• the laser beam touches a metal surface, as a result of which its temperature increases significantly;
• the upper layers of the material melt, becoming liquid;
• the beam penetrates deeper and deeper, it has high power, and metal particles evaporate.

Any machine operating on the basis of laser technology is equipped with special computer programs; they completely eliminate human participation in the production process.

The device should be used for cutting not only metal products, but also wood. In the latter case, low-power equipment will be needed. Using a laser machine it is easy to carry out the following types of work:

• cut stencils from plywood or metal;
• apply engravings;
• perform milling of varying degrees of complexity;
• cut 3D products (the most advanced models of devices).

A laser machine with a scanner cuts out 3D products

Depending on how many functions the device will perform, its cost also depends. It ranges from 40–150 thousand rubles.

All machines (even low-power ones) must be equipped with a chiller - a device that cools the laser tube. It is also advisable to equip the engraving machine with a mechanism for blowing the cutter and engraver.

Make a business plan

I understand that most of you do not have proper economic education, so let's make the task extremely simple - understand what our expenses and income will be.

Let's start with expenses, so as not to be overwhelmed with happiness and not count money in the account that does not yet exist. Expenses must be divided into capital and current.

Capital expenditures

Capital expenditures are the money you need right now to start a business.

1. The laser machine itself, tube, chiller
2. Office furniture, computer
3. Website

Current expenses

Operating costs are the costs needed to run a business. To be specific, we will calculate current costs on a monthly basis. To open your own business you need to have funds in the amount of capital costs + 6*(Current costs). 6 is an empirical number and it is different for each sphere. If you offer laser cutting services, then it can even be reduced, and if we are talking about the development of some complex product, then the money should be allocated for a year, and sometimes more.

1. Payment for depreciation of own funds. The cost of the machine must be divided by its expected service life in months.
2. Rent and utilities
3. Advertising and Marketing
4. Salary (if you work alone, first determine the minimum amount necessary for your survival)
5. Materials

Types of devices

There are different types of metal laser cutting machines. They should be classified according to several principles.

According to functional load:

• engraving (they are not very powerful);
• milling-laser (they should also be used for cutting out inscriptions or drawings, but must first be reconfigured).

By type of control:

• manual (have the lowest cost and are quite easy to use);
• CNC (used only in large industries, they have a high price, however, they are capable of producing elements without direct human participation).

By size and power:

• desktop laser engraving machines (their maximum power is 80 W, they can be easily placed even in a small workshop, and they are used for the production of small products);
• professional machines (power ranges from 80–195 W);
• industrial units.

In addition, it is necessary to highlight several more types of laser machines:

• Gas - a transverse or longitudinal gas supply system is used here. They enter the incision area through a special tube and pump. Such devices have the simplest design and also make it possible to save energy.
• Gas-dynamic - in this case, gases are heated to a very high temperature: 2-3 thousand degrees. However, this cutting method is rarely used for metal processing, as it is expensive.
• Solid-state - the principle of their operation is to generate a large amount of energy in a short period of time.

The choice of device depends on production needs. For small workshops, there is no need to purchase expensive machines, since they do not work with large amounts of material.

Laser machine with field

Customer reviews about laser heads

The machine was packaged perfectly +, I really assembled it in 5 minutes, even without looking at the instructions +. The software is on a flash drive, it can be installed easily, but it’s not in Russian, I had to watch the video instructions +/-. The engraving process itself is like in the video, the only thing you need to pay attention to is: a simple drawing from the test folder on the attached template, engraved in 10 minutes (not quickly), and if something more significant - a photo and the size of a matchbox for more than an hour. For a long time -. The quality of the engraving, well, there are some shortcomings (I tried to engrave it on a knife, well, let’s say it didn’t work out very well. And the metal was different and didn’t take into account the fact that the knife was not even and the focal length was lost because of this), although they can be attributed to my inexperience. Overall, not bad. I gave it a well-deserved 5.

The laser worked worse and worse every day, in the end it does not engrave on the metal, the seller does not respond, I learned from other people that these lasers lose power after a month, that is, this is not the first time, I do not advise anyone to buy this Chinese product, it’s a waste of money.

In the description, the working area does not correspond to reality, it is less than about 2 centimeters, when cutting cardboard, all the smoke comes out, it is impossible to breathe. The stand or the structure itself is slightly uneven, which is why the focal length is different everywhere. The 1.5 mm cardboard does a good job of cutting.

I bought 8w power and pulse up to 15w, it shoots through 2 mm plywood quickly, delivery is about 20 days and it takes a very long time to ship, it may be out of stock but everything is of high quality.

The product meets the quality requirements. If you adapt, you can engrave with high quality. Advice: 1. Do not look at the operating laser even with glasses, 2. Install only on a flat surface, as shifting occurs from the motor pushes. It doesn’t burn everything, which is understandable: only 15 watts, it burns 4 mm plywood in 3-4 passes.

Packed perfectly. Works well, engraves, cuts. I tried to engrave metal on the sample sent, it worked! The body itself is knocked down and smooth. The software is quite simple, there are detailed instructions.

Advantages and disadvantages of equipment

Before using laser machines, you need to consider their advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages, the following characteristics should be highlighted:

• the ability to do even the most technically complex work;
• equally high productivity of the machine, despite the thickness of the material, with virtually no waste left;
• ability to work with metal, copper, brass sheets, aluminum alloys;
• Thanks to non-contact processing, laser technologies are used for cutting very fragile products;
• high accuracy (error is 0.1 mm);
• the ability to adjust the beam power, as well as its narrow focus;
• ease of focusing the laser on an object.

However, even this technology has its drawbacks:

• such a machine is not capable of cutting materials whose thickness exceeds 2 cm;
• even one use of the equipment has a high cost, not to mention its acquisition;

The presented equipment allows you to work with various materials. Real masterpieces are made using lasers.

In order to purchase an effective and productive device, you must be guided by certain parameters:

• laser power - if you have to work with small parts, then this figure should not exceed 40 W. In such units a short-focus lens is installed;
• material being processed - most often this technology is used for cutting metal, however, craftsmen can process both wood and stone;
• product thickness parameter;
• additional functions;
• in private farming such units are useless.

Mistake 2: trying to get into every niche

Some people, having bought a laser machine and don’t know what to grab, start downloading countless identical layouts and trying to sell them. You won't earn much from this. People who make money use the following models:

1. Introduction of a laser machine into an existing business to automate and increase productivity. I personally have seen many examples: cutting fabric, producing boxes with a logo, producing guitars, rubber boats - the list is endless. This is an absolutely winning option.
2. Laser cutting in a specific niche. Some people only cut foam rubber and make holders from it, others only cut acrylic and are engaged in the production of tags and menu holders.
3. Large volume cutting for one company. But getting a large volume at once is not easy, as a rule. To do this you need to go along route 4.

4. Cutting to order in small quantities. The disadvantage of this model is that you have to spend a lot of time communicating with clients and it’s not easy to cope with this alone, as there will be a lot of equipment downtime. In order to minimize conversations with clients, I advise you to make samples of work on all materials in very good quality, make a clear tariff schedule for all possible materials and thicknesses, and set a minimum order price. I also propose to integrate our calculator onto the site; the calculator will help you calculate the length of the cut using a dxf file. The calculator is free, so don't mistake it for advertising. Below is a link to the calculator:

13 Mar

Laser cutting calculator. Online program, download.

Common models and their descriptions

A metal cutting machine has many functions, but devices from different manufacturers can perform different actions. The following units are considered the most popular:

Despite the fact that each laser device is equipped with a safety system, working with it requires increased attention and caution. This is especially true for manual models, where production is not automated.

Advantages of laser cutting machines

A portable or industrial metal machine, made in Russia or abroad, for example, China, has the following advantages:

1. High precision and productivity. The use of a CNC system determines the complete automation of engraving and other processes. It became possible to make processing faster due to a significant increase in the power of the quantum generator.
2. The cutting process occurs with maximum efficiency.
3. The need to include the stage of finalizing the ends or engraving them with relocation and the use of other equipment is eliminated.
4. Metal cutting machines with a laser system are applicable when it is necessary to perform engraving or other type of processing at the time of piece, small-scale or large-scale production. The CNC system allows them to be implemented in various automatic processing lines; the desktop or mini version is applicable for piece production of parts.
5. Metal cutting machines with a laser system are used for engraving and other processing in cases where the occurrence of mechanical stress is not allowed. Also, the absence of mechanical stress determines the possibility of engraving or cutting on hard metal.
6. It is possible to apply mini technological markings for subsequent assembly on it.
7. The integrated CNC system and the features of the executive body determine that even a desktop or mini metal machine can be used to create non-standard products that have a profile of various geometries and levels of complexity.
8. The minimum period from the project development stage to its implementation determines that parts can be made at lower costs, and this reduces the final cost of the product.

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Similar qualities are inherent in both mini machines and industrial versions produced in China or Russia, if the equipment is selected correctly.

CO2 laser (carbon dioxide) for cutting metal

Carbon dioxide lasers have characteristics that make them ideal for industrial cutting applications. The first is long infrared waves, ideal for heating. The second is high efficiency (from 30%). The use of carbon dioxide makes the cut smoother (compared to fiberglass equipment). The scope of application is expanding, investments are quickly paying off.

The disadvantage of a CO2 laser for cutting metal is the need for optical mirrors equipped with sapphire elements and gold. In addition, this type of equipment requires a high electrical discharge during the beamforming stage. For cutting metal (stainless steel, aluminum) 2 mm thick, a power of 160 W is sufficient if this type of laser is used. By increasing the power to 200 W, you can cut sheets 3 mm thick.