Introduction

The basic principle of a fiber laser cutting machine is to generate a high-intensity laser beam through a fiber laser and focus it on the material’s surface for cutting. In modern manufacturing, fiber laser cutting machines are characterized by high precision, fast cutting speed, no limitation on cutting patterns, automatic nesting to save materials, smooth cutting edges, and low processing costs. They are widely used in the mechanical processing and machinery manufacturing industries, with the most typical applications being sheet metal cutting and automotive cutting.

The Process of Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

The process of a fiber laser cutting machine generally consists of three main stages: pre-cutting preparation, cutting operation, and post-cutting treatment. Here is a detailed introduction:

Pre-cutting Preparation

1. Material Preparation
Select appropriate materials according to processing requirements. Ensure that the specifications and dimensions of the materials meet the standards, and the surface is free from obvious oil stains, rust, impurities, etc.

2. Drawing Design and Programming
Use professional CAD/CAM software to design the cutting graphics. Then convert the designed graphics into numerical control programs that the cutting machine can recognize. During programming, parameters such as the cutting path, speed, and power need to be set. When cutting complex curved graphics, it is necessary to accurately set the path nodes and transition methods to ensure the accuracy and smoothness of cutting.

3. Equipment Debugging
-Optical Path Calibration: Check and calibrate the laser optical path to ensure that the laser beam can be accurately transmitted to the cutting head and focused on the correct position of the material surface, guaranteeing the uniformity of laser energy and the focusing effect.

-Gas System Inspection: Check whether the pressure and flow rate of the auxiliary gas are normal, and whether the gas purity meets the requirements. Different materials and cutting processes require the selection of appropriate auxiliary gases.

-Cutting Head Debugging: Adjust the distance between the cutting head and the material surface, usually maintained at about 1-2mm, to ensure proper laser focusing and the injection angle of the auxiliary gas. At the same time, check whether the nozzle of the cutting head is blocked or damaged.

-Workbench Inspection: Check the flatness and movement accuracy of the workbench to ensure that the workbench can move smoothly, avoiding vibration or deviation during the cutting process, which could affect the cutting quality.

Cutting Operation

1. Place the prepared materials on the workbench of the cutting machine. Fix the materials through positioning devices or fixtures to ensure that the materials do not move during the cutting process.

2. Set appropriate cutting parameters such as laser power, cutting speed, and pulse frequency in the numerical control system according to the type and thickness of the materials. After setting, start the cutting machine, and the cutting head will start cutting according to the preset program and path.

3. The cutting machine is usually equipped with a monitoring system to monitor the cutting process in real time. The operator can observe the cutting progress and the quality of the cut surface through the monitoring screen.

Post-cutting Treatment

1. After cutting is completed, turn off the power of the cutting machine, loosen the fixtures, and remove the cut workpieces from the workbench. Clean the slag, debris, and residual auxiliary gas on the surface of the workpieces.

2. Check the quality of the cut workpieces. Check whether the cutting dimensions meet the requirements of the drawings, whether the cutting surface is flat and smooth, and whether there are defects such as burrs, notches, or excessive heat-affected zones.

3. Pack the qualified workpieces. According to the characteristics of the workpieces and customer requirements, appropriate packaging materials are selected, such as bubble film, wooden boxes, etc.

Fiber Laser Cutting Machine Parts

1. Fiber Laser Source

Function: The fiber laser source is the heart of the machine, where the laser beam is generated.
Features: High beam quality, energy efficiency, and long lifespan.

2. Cutting Head

Function: The cutting head houses the focusing lens and is responsible for focusing the laser beam onto the material. It also holds the nozzle for blowing assist gas onto the cutting zone.
Features: Ability to focus the laser beam with high precision, and ensure that the cutting process is clean and efficient.

3. CNC Control System

Function: The CNC system controls the movement of the cutting head and other machine components.
Features: Accuracy and precision in path execution, ensuring complex shapes and intricate designs can be cut.

4. Motion System
Function: The motion system moves the cutting head and the workpiece along the X, Y, and Z axes. This is powered by servo motors and drives.
Features: High-speed and precise movement to follow the cutting path defined by the CNC system.
Components: Linear guides, ball screws, motors, and gears.

5. Cooling System

Function: The cooling system regulates the temperature of the laser source and other components like the cutting head to prevent overheating and ensure optimal performance.
Features: Maintains a stable operating temperature for continuous high-performance cutting.

6. Power Supply
Function: The power supply provides the necessary electrical energy to the laser source, CNC system, motion system, and other machine components.
Features: Reliable power distribution for stable machine operation.
Components: Power input, transformers, voltage regulators.

These parts work together to enable the fiber laser cutting machine to deliver precise, high-speed cutting with minimal material waste. Each component plays a crucial role in ensuring the machine’s performance, efficiency, and safety in various industrial applications.