As reported by The Fabricator in their article, “Assist Gas Mixing Drives Fiber Laser Technology Forward,” fiber laser cutting has evolved dramatically in recent years, thanks in part to advancements in assist gas technology. Initially, fiber lasers were best suited for cutting thin sheets, but modern innovations now allow them to efficiently cut thicker plates with high precision.
A key factor in this transformation is the use of gas mixing. Assist gas, particularly a nitrogen-oxygen mix, has enabled fiber lasers to cut thick materials like steel and aluminum cleanly and efficiently. In the past, CO2 lasers dominated the market for high-quality plate cutting, but today, fiber lasers, equipped with ultrahigh-powered systems ranging from 20 kW to 50 kW, are able to slice through thick plates without the need for additional processing like deburring.
The role of assist gas is crucial in achieving clean cuts. A nitrogen-rich gas stream, with a small percentage of oxygen (typically between 1.5% and 5%), helps create a chemical reaction that ensures molten metal is evacuated smoothly, preventing dross and producing clean, dross-free edges. This has proven particularly beneficial in precision plate cutting, where reducing gas turbulence is essential to achieving the desired results.
Gas mixing technology first emerged in the early 2010s for cutting aluminum, which requires a unique approach due to its oxide layer. By using a nitrogen-oxygen mix, manufacturers were able to eliminate dross and create a cleaner edge on laser-cut aluminum. This innovation laid the groundwork for the gas mixing strategies used today in fiber laser systems for cutting thicker materials.
As fiber laser technology continues to advance, assist gas mixing plays a vital role in pushing its capabilities forward, making it an essential component for metal fabricators looking to improve precision and reduce post-processing.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of thefabricator.com.