Fiber laser cutting is the most widely used blanking method in sheet metal processing. It uses a high-energy-density laser beam to irradiate the material, instantly melting or vaporizing the irradiation point while auxiliary high-pressure gas blows away the molten material to achieve sheet cutting. Due to the extremely small laser spot and concentrated energy, the kerf is narrow and the heat-affected zone (HAZ) is minimal, resulting in a smooth cut face. In the vast majority of cases, no secondary grinding is required, allowing parts to proceed directly to bending and welding operations.
Process Overview
We use high-power fiber laser systems equipped with capacitive sensor tracking (capacitive sensor control systems), maintaining a constant distance between the cutting head and the sheet surface to ensure consistent cutting height across the entire sheet. Prior to cutting, nesting optimization software is used to perform nesting (containing edge sharing and micro-links) to maximize material utilization while ensuring part rigidity. The cutting process is driven by the numerical control (NC) system, featuring high repeat positioning accuracy, suitable for consistent multi-batch production.
Capability Parameters
- Applicable Materials: Carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper
- Thickness Range: 0.5 – 6.0 mm
- Maximum Sheet Size: 1500 × 3000 mm
- Cutting Accuracy: ±0.1 mm, narrow kerf, minimal deformation
- Minimum Order Quantity: 1 piece, suitable for prototyping and batch production
Technical Key Points
The key to laser cutting quality lies in gas selection and parameter matching: cutting carbon steel utilizes oxygen to assist combustion and improve efficiency; cutting stainless steel and aluminum utilizes nitrogen to protect the cut edge and prevent oxidation and blackening. For thin sheets, we reduce power and increase speed to suppress the HAZ; for thick sheets, we adopt step-cutting and pulse mode to ensure cut edge squint (squareness). When processing parts with dense hole patterns, we use micro-links and cooling pauses to prevent parts from falling off due to heat accumulation and deformation.
Typical Applications
Blanking of irregular contours, dense-hole patterns, and rapid prototyping of equipment panels and cosmetic parts. For parts with complex geometries and flexible quantities, laser cutting eliminates the need for tooling, requiring only one process from design to finished part. This makes it the preferred solution for prototyping and low-volume trial production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does laser cutting cause sheet deformation?
The heat-affected zone in laser cutting is very small. Furthermore, we reserve micro-links and process edges during nesting to ensure part retention. Within the normal thickness range, deformation can be controlled within 0.2 mm, which will not affect subsequent bending and welding.
Why are burrs forming on cuts, and how can I prevent them?
Mismatched parameters and material can cause minor burrs on the cut edge. We have established a parameter library for each material and thickness. A deburring process serves as an additional safeguard, ensuring that finished parts have no sharp edges that could catch on skin.
Can you cut copper and aluminum?
Yes. Copper and aluminum are high-reflectivity and high-thermal-conductivity materials. We use dedicated nozzles and protective gases, along with corresponding cutting parameters, to stably cut aluminum and copper sheets ranging from 0.5–6.0 mm.
If you have cutting drawings that need evaluation, please feel free to send us STEP or DXF files. We will provide quotes and process recommendations within 24 hours.