In the metal processing industry, laser cutting technology is widely used because of its efficiency, precision and versatility. The laser cutting nozzle plays a vital role in the entire cutting process. The design and selection of nozzles directly affects cutting quality, including cutting speed, cutting accuracy, edge quality and material consumption. This article will discuss in detail the impact of laser cutting nozzles on cutting quality and the selection of nozzle aperture.

1. The impact of laser cutting nozzles on cutting quality

Cutting speed:

Cutting speed is an important indicator of laser cutting efficiency. Nozzle design has a significant impact on cutting speed. Proper nozzle design optimizes gas flow and increases cutting speed. Nozzle aperture, shape, and distance from the nozzle to the workpiece all affect gas flow. Good gas flow can quickly remove slag and prevent it from adhering to the cutting surface, thereby increasing the cutting speed.

Cutting accuracy:

Cutting accuracy determines the final quality of the cut piece. The accuracy and alignment of the nozzle directly affects the focusing and cutting accuracy of the laser beam. If the nozzle hole diameter is uneven or the nozzle alignment is poor, the laser beam will be deflected, resulting in an inaccurate cutting path and affecting the final cutting quality.

Edge quality:

Edge quality is one of the important criteria for evaluating cutting quality. The nozzle design affects the uniformity of gas flow and thus the slag removal efficiency. A suitable nozzle can produce a uniform and concentrated air flow, reduce the adhesion of slag, and obtain a smooth cutting edge. The quality of the edge is directly related to the ease of subsequent processing steps.

Material consumption:

Poor nozzle design can result in more material waste. For example, if the gas flow is not concentrated enough, it will increase the cutting heat-affected zone, causing overheating, deformation or burning of the material edges, and increasing material waste. Therefore, nozzle design plays an important role in reducing material consumption and improving economic benefits.

2. Selection of nozzle aperture

The nozzle aperture is an important parameter affecting the quality of laser cutting. Different materials and cutting needs require different nozzle hole diameters. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a nozzle aperture:

Material type and thickness:

Thin sheet materials: Thin sheet materials usually use smaller hole diameter nozzles (such as 1.0mm to 1.5mm) to obtain higher cutting accuracy and edge quality. Smaller apertures produce more concentrated and powerful airflow, helping to remove molten slag quickly.

Thick plate material: Thick plate material usually requires a nozzle with a larger hole diameter (such as 2.0mm to 3.0mm) to provide sufficient air flow to ensure that the slag can be removed in time and prevent material deformation during the cutting process.

Cutting gas type:

Oxygen: Oxygen is commonly used for cutting carbon steel. When using oxygen cutting, a larger hole diameter (such as 1.5mm to 2.5mm) is required to provide sufficient air flow and reaction combustion effect, and improve cutting speed and quality.

Nitrogen: Nitrogen is commonly used for cutting stainless steel and aluminum. Since nitrogen does not support combustion, using a smaller hole diameter nozzle (such as 1.0mm to 1.5mm) can provide higher air flow pressure and improve cutting quality.

Laser power:

High-power lasers typically require larger-aperture nozzles to allow greater airflow to cool the cutting zone and remove slag. Low-power lasers can use smaller aperture nozzles to achieve higher cutting accuracy.

Cutting speed and quality requirements:

For high-speed cutting, choosing a nozzle with a larger hole diameter can increase the gas flow rate, thereby speeding up the cutting process.

For high-quality cuts, choosing a smaller orifice nozzle can provide more precise gas flow control, ensuring the quality of the cut edge.