Aluminum sheets or plates can be precisely cut and shaped with a laser cutter. Because of its precision, speed, and adaptability, this method is widely used in the fabrication and manufacturing industries.
Key components of Aluminum laser cutting machine
Cutting sheets or plates of aluminum with a laser beam requires a specialized machine known as an aluminum laser cutting machine. Several essential parts make up the machine, namely:
- Light Emitting Diode or Laser
It is possible to cut aluminum with this laser beam. A CO2 or fiber laser may be used, depending on the task.
- Control mechanism
The cutting parameters (including laser power, cutting speed, and focus) are managed by the control system, which is also responsible for guiding the laser beam.
- Platform that moves
The machine that makes the cuts uses a moving platform to transport the aluminum sheeting under the laser.
- Cooling unit
The chiller unit cools the laser source and other machine parts, which helps keep the machine running smoothly and for as long as possible.
- The Exhaust System
Any smoke or dust created by the cutting process is expelled via the exhaust system, making for a healthier and safer workplace.
Laser cutting aluminum thickness
A number of variables determine the maximum thickness of aluminum that can be laser cut; they include the laser’s power, speed, and the quality of the material itself. Although most laser cutting equipment has a maximum material thickness of 25 mm, aluminum sheets with a thickness of 0.5 mm or less may be cut with a laser.
The quality of the aluminum and the maximum thickness that the laser machine can cut are factors to consider before beginning the laser cutting process. As a result, laser cutting is more widely available and offers better outcomes for higher-quality aluminum materials with constant thickness and homogenous characteristics. In addition, the thickness of the aluminum sheet dictates the required modifications to the laser’s speed and power. To achieve a clean, accurate cut through thicker sheets, it is common practice to increase the laser power and reduce the cutting speed. Overheating the material during the laser cutting can lead to warping and other undesired side effects. Therefore it’s important to keep the temperature low and steady.
co2 vs. fiber laser cutting aluminum
When it comes to laser cutting metals like aluminum, CO2 and fiber lasers are the most prevalent options. There are benefits and drawbacks to using any type of laser, which will vary depending on the task. Due to their low cost and high efficiency, CO2 lasers are commonly used for cutting a broad range of materials, including aluminum. They produce an infrared beam absorbed by the cut material, causing it to heat to the point where it either melts or vaporizes. Aluminum sheets of varying thicknesses are easily cut with a CO2 laser, making this laser a go-to for many fabrication and industrial tasks.
In contrast, fiber lasers are frequently used in the cutting industry due to their rapid cutting speed and extreme accuracy. They produce a beam of light using a doped optical fiber, which is then sent to the cutting surface via another cable. Cutting high-quality parts and components is common for fiber lasers due to their higher cutting speeds and greater precision than CO2 lasers. Fiber lasers can cut through thicker aluminum sheets with more precision than CO2 lasers and consume less energy.
What type of laser cuts aluminum?
Aluminum can be cut with a CO2 laser or a fiber laser. Both types of lasers are capable of doing the job. Infrared light from CO2 lasers is absorbed by the substance being cut, causing it to heat up to the point where it melts or evaporates. However, fiber lasers are different because they use doped optical fiber to produce a laser beam that is sent to the cutting surface through a separate cable. Aluminum may be sliced with any type of laser. To cut high-precision parts and components, however, fiber lasers are preferred due to their superior speed and accuracy.
How much does it cost to laser cut aluminum?
There are a lot of variables that affect how much it will cost to have aluminium cut using a laser cutter, such as the size and kind of laser cutter used, the thickness and quality of the aluminum being cut, the degree of difficulty of the cut, and the quantity being cut. The hourly rate for aluminum laser cutting can be anything from $13 to $20.
Can 6061 aluminum be laser cut?
Laser cutting is possible with 6061 aluminum. Because of its high strength-to-weight ratio and low flexibility, 6061 aluminum is a favorite material for laser cutting. Due to its low melting point and high heat conductivity, 6061 aluminum is an excellent material for laser cutting. Nonetheless, the laser cutting equipment and the laser power may determine the maximum thickness of 6061 aluminum that may be cut. Some laser-cutting equipment may be able to cut thicker aluminum materials, but in general, 6061 aluminum between 0.5 mm and 25 mm in thickness may be laser cut. It is important to think about the quality of the 6061 aluminum material while laser cutting it since materials of higher quality with constant thickness and homogeneous qualities are easier to laser cut, and the procedure provides better results. The laser speed and power must be adjusted according to the thickness for a smooth, accurate cut without scorching the aluminum sheet.
Laser cut aluminum application.
Aluminum is a popular material to be laser cut because of its usefulness in many different fields and applications.
- . Building Construction
Sculptures, fences, and ornamental panels are just some of the metal architectural accents that may be laser cut to exact specifications.
- Electronic and Electrical Gadgets
Aluminum components for electronic gadgets like cell phones, computers, and televisions are cut and formed using laser cutting.
- Machines and Equipment
Metal parts, such as gears, bearings, and shafts, for machinery and equipment can be laser cut to exact specifications.
- Manufacturing of Medical Equipment
Surgical equipment and implantable devices both employ components made with laser cutting.
- Arts and Handiwork
Aluminum sheets with exquisite laser-cut motifs and patterns are perfect for jewelry and home decor.
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