As steel laser cutting continues to become more commonplace in modern manufacturing and industrial operations, it is essential to be aware of the do’s and don’ts of steel laser cutting. Laser cutting is a precise and efficient technique, but it is important to handle the equipment properly and to use the right settings, materials and techniques in order to get the best results. In this article, we will discuss the do’s and don’ts of steel laser cutting and how to ensure your operations are as safe and successful as possible.
Do’s
Select the right laser cutting system
When it comes to laser cutting metal, one of the most important decisions you need to make is selecting the right laser cutting system. The system you choose will depend on the type and thickness of metal you plan to cut, as well as your desired cutting speed, accuracy, and efficiency. Choosing the wrong system can result in inferior results, or worse yet, permanent damage to your metal.
When selecting a suitable laser cutting system, consider the power of the laser to ensure it will have the necessary power to cut through your desired metal thickness. Power is typically measured in watts and is dependent on the type and thickness of the metal you plan to cut.
Follow safety regulations
When it comes to steel laser cutting, it’s important to follow safety regulations for the best results and safe operation. The operator of the laser cutter and nearby personnel must wear the proper safety gear and observe all safety procedures as designated by the OSHA regulations. For starters, it’s important to wear protective lenses to protect your eyes from both the reflected laser beam and scatter that can occur while laser cutting.
Other protective apparel includes an apron to protect your clothing and other body parts from the heat generated by the laser cutter.
Carefully consider the part design
When it comes to laser metal cutting, one of the most important do’s is to carefully consider the part design. In order to get the best results from laser metal cutting, your part should be designed with the laser cutter’s capabilities in mind. This means having a clear understanding of the material being cut, the thickness of the material, and any intricate details that the laser cutter will need to cut accurately.
Be aware of power settings and other machine settings
Do you want to make the most out of steel laser cutting? When it comes to metal laser cutting, there are certain do’s and don’ts to follow in order to get the fullest benefit of the process. In this blog, we’ll cover the do’s of steel laser cutting, with a focus on being aware of power settings and other machine settings.
Power settings are one of the most important elements of laser cutting. Too much power can burn the metal, too little power can cause parts to be cut unevenly.
Don’ts
Use any laser cutting system
One of the most important do’s and don’ts of steel laser cutting is to not use any laser cutting system that is not meant for steel laser cutting. Steel is one of the toughest materials to work with, and you want to make sure that you are only using a laser cutting system that is specifically designed for steel cutting. Using any other type of laser cutting machine can damage the material and the laser itself, as steel is much thicker and denser than other materials.
Ignore safety precautions
It is absolutely vital that you do not ignore the safety precautions when working with laser cut metal. Laser cutting metal is an extremely complex process, and the lasers themselves produce extremely high temperatures which can cause serious bodily injury. Even small cuts or burns can be very painful and require medical attention.
To ensure your safety, always wear protective gear when working with the laser cutting machine, including goggles that are specifically designed to protect your eyes from the bright sparks that fly up from the hot laser. You should also take the time to read the safety instructions that your laser cutter provides, and make sure that you are familiar with the safety features of the machine.
Cut parts too quickly
One of the most important don’ts when it comes to steel laser cutting is to not cut parts too quickly. It can be tempting to rush through a job to get it done faster, but this can result in the parts leaving the laser cutter with a burned or scorched look. Cutting too quickly can also result in warping or etching of the steel, which will leave markings that may be difficult to remove or cover.
Additionally, cutting too quickly can create a lot of heat which can potentially cause the steel to become brittle.
Overload the laser cutting station
One of the most important do’s and don’ts of steel laser cutting is to never overload the laser cutting station. Doing so puts your work piece and the machine at risk of damage. This is because the more material being cut, the more heat is generated, increasing the stress on the steel laser cutter.
When overloaded, the laser cutting station has less time to cool down during the cutting process.
Summary of the importance of following the do’s and don’ts of steel laser cutting
When it comes to steel laser cutting, whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, it’s important to understand and follow the do’s and don’ts. Failing to do so could result in damage to the steel part and the laser machine, and even a hazardous working environment. The DO’s of Steel Laser Cutting When working with steel, it’s important to follow certain do’s to ensure the accuracy and quality of the laser cutting.
How it can save time while still producing accurate and quality parts.
Doing steel laser cutting can save time while still producing accurate and quality parts. Laser cutting is a process that involves focusing a beam of light, generated by a laser, onto the material that needs to be cut in order to cut deep into the material. Laser cutting is used to cut different materials such as metals and plastics, but is especially ideal for cutting steel.
Using a laser to cut steel is extremely efficient due to the precision and speed that it is able to provide when it comes to cutting. Compared to traditional methods of cutting steel like oxy-fuel cutting and manual cutting, laser cut steel is much faster and more accurate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, steel laser cutting is a complex process with a variety of considerations and applications. As a process that can be used for both purely decorative materials and industrial-grade construction materials, it is important to understand the difference in the challenges and potentials. In order to properly make use of these advances in technology, as well as to take full advantage of the cost savings and other practical benefits they offer, having an experienced team familiar with the process is paramount.
When considering laser metal cutting, it’s important to do your research.