Operating costs of laser cutting machines --- consumables

Consumables for Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

When we talk about consumables, we’re referring to parts that wear out quickly, have a short lifespan, and need regular replacement, like nozzles, ceramic rings, and protective lenses. Understanding these consumables, their roles, and how to manage them efficiently is crucial for maintaining the performance and cost-effectiveness of your laser cutting operations.

1 Get to Know Consumables

1.1 Protective Lens

In metal processing, protective lenses play a crucial role in safeguarding the focusing lens group and collimating lens group from dust, spatter, and debris generated during cutting. Typically, fiber laser cutter is equipped with both upper and lower protective lenses, with the lower lens being more prone to contamination. If the protective lens is damaged, it can result in the laser head not emitting light, damage to the protective lens drawer, or even harm to the focusing lens.

How can you choose high-quality protective lenses? First, ensure the lens dimensions are compatible with your machine. Then, select the appropriate lens material and anti-reflective coating parameters based on your specific cutting environment and laser power. It’s recommended to choose lenses with excellent light transmission, high-pressure resistance, and precise craftsmanship for optimal performance and safety.

1.2 Ceramic Ring

The ceramic ring is essential for transmitting and collecting electrical signals from the laser head nozzle. It serves several purposes, such as effectively shielding the laser cutting head from impact and contamination, dissipating heat, and ensuring stable operation. If the ceramic ring is damaged, it can lead to instability in signal transmission, preventing accurate sensing of the distance between the cutting head and the metal sheet, increasing the risk of the cutting head colliding with the workpiece. When selecting a ceramic ring, it’s crucial to choose one with high sensitivity for stable signal transmission, as well as heat-resistant and high-temperature adhesive stability.

1.3 Nozzle

The nozzle, mounted on the cutting head, plays a crucial role in directing the flow of auxiliary gas. It fulfills various critical roles, such as controlling the focal position of the laser beam and preventing debris, like cutting melt, from bouncing back into the cutting head and damaging the focusing lens. When cutting different materials or thicknesses, it’s essential to select the appropriate nozzle diameter to maintain cutting quality. If the nozzle hole diameter is too large, molten material splashed during cutting can pass through the nozzle, potentially contaminating the lens. This increases the risk of lens damage, reduces lens protection, and shortens its lifespan. Therefore, choosing the correct nozzle size is critical for both cutting performance and equipment longevity.

1.4 Filters and Coolant

Filters and coolant are essential consumables for water chiller and laser source. Filters play a crucial role in removing impurities and controlling ion levels in the water tank, ensuring stable operation of the laser source. High-quality filters help reduce laser light attenuation and extend the lifespan of the laser source. Coolant is used to maintain the temperature of the laser source and cutting head, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the equipment. Investing in top-grade filters and coolant can significantly enhance the efficiency and durability of your CNC fiber laser cutting machine.

1.5 Auxiliary Gas

Auxiliary gases are critical for laser cutter and are categorized into two main types. The first type includes cutting gases, such as clean, dry compressed air, high-purity oxygen, and high-purity nitrogen, which are supplied to the cutting head. The second type consists of auxiliary gases used for clamping in cylinders. When cutting different materials and thicknesses of metal sheets, it’s essential to choose the appropriate auxiliary gas. Oxygen is primarily used for cutting regular carbon steel; nitrogen is best suited for cutting stainless and alloy steels, while compressed air is ideal for cutting thin sheets where high-quality edge finish is less critical. It is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer’s specified purity levels to avoid equipment malfunction and potential safety hazards. Ensure that the gases are free from impurities such as water and oil, and continuously monitor gas pressure during operation to maintain optimal performance and safety.

1.6 Lubricants

Lubricants are used in the mechanical components to reduce friction and wear. Regular lubrication and replacement of lubricants are necessary to keep the machine operating smoothly and to extend the life of components such as gears, bearings, and linear guides.