1. Oxygen (O₂)

Oxygen mainly plays a combustion-supporting role in laser cutting. When the laser beam of the laser cutting machine irradiates the metal surface, the metal quickly absorbs energy and heats up, undergoes a violent oxidation reaction with oxygen, and releases a large amount of heat energy, thus accelerating the melting and vaporization process of the metal. At the same time, the high-speed airflow of oxygen can quickly blow away the molten metal to form a smooth cutting surface.

Applicable scenarios: Oxygen is especially suitable for cutting thick plates and high-speed cutting. In cutting carbon steel plates, oxygen is the preferred auxiliary gas because it can significantly increase the cutting speed and cutting thickness while ensuring the quality of the cutting surface.

Note: When using oxygen, it is necessary to ensure that the gas purity and pressure meet the cutting requirements to avoid a decrease in cutting quality due to insufficient oxygen.

2. Nitrogen (N₂)

Nitrogen is an inert gas that mainly plays a protective role in laser cutting. Nitrogen can prevent oxidation of the metal surface during the cutting process and maintain the smoothness and color of the cutting surface. At the same time, the high-speed flow of nitrogen can also blow away the molten metal to ensure the smooth progress of the cutting process.

Applicable scenarios: Nitrogen is especially suitable for occasions that require high cutting end surface quality, such as cutting of stainless steel, aluminum alloy and other materials. In fields with high precision requirements such as aerospace and precision instruments, nitrogen is an indispensable auxiliary gas.

Note: The purity of nitrogen is extremely high to ensure its protective effect. Therefore, when using nitrogen, it is necessary to regularly check the gas purity and replace the gas that does not meet the requirements in a timely manner.

3. Air

Mechanism of action: As an auxiliary gas for laser cutting, air mainly uses the oxygen component in it to support combustion. Although the oxygen content in the air is relatively low (about 20%), it can still play a certain combustion-supporting role under certain conditions. At the same time, the nitrogen in the air can also play a certain protective role.

Applicable scenarios: Air is suitable for some occasions that do not have high requirements on the cutting surface, such as cutting aluminum plates, non-metallic and galvanized steel plates. The cost of air is low and it is one of the most economical auxiliary gases in laser cutting.

Note: Since impurities and moisture in the air may have a certain impact on the cutting effect, when using air as auxiliary gas, you need to ensure the normal operation of the air compressor equipment and regularly clean and replace filters and other components.

4. Argon (Ar)

Mechanism of action: Argon is also an inert gas and is mainly used to prevent oxidation and melt cutting in laser cutting. Argon can effectively protect the cutting surface from oxidation and improve cutting quality. At the same time, argon can also improve the stability of the laser beam, thereby improving cutting accuracy.

Applicable scenarios: Argon gas is suitable for occasions that require extremely high cutting quality, such as cutting precision parts. However, due to its high cost, it is relatively rare in practical applications.

Note: When using argon gas, special attention needs to be paid to its purity and pressure control to ensure the stability and consistency of the cutting effect.