General Considerations for Metal Laser Systems

Metals are inorganic materials with high thermal and electrical conductivity. Metal can be rolled to form plates or sheets, or it can be molded or machined to form more complex shapes. Metals can be pure elements such as iron or chrome. Metal can also be an alloy, or a mixture of two or more elements.

Laser marking is a common application for metals. Laser cutting and laser engraving is also possible with sufficient laser power. But what are some general considerations that should be considered when using systems in metal lasers? Here are some considerations that can be used, namely:

1. Platform Size
   The size of the platform must be large enough to accommodate the largest piece of metal to be laser processed or equipped with the ability to process larger chunks.

2. Lens
   The 2.0 lens is the best general process lens for metal laser material processing.

3. Laser Power
   Laser power must be selected based on the process to be performed. At least 50 watts of fiber laser power is recommended for metal laser cutting or engraving. Forty or 50 Watts of fiber laser power can be used to laser mark metals directly. A 25 to 150 Watt CO2 laser power is recommended for direct metal marking.

4. Wavelength
   The 1.06 micron wavelength is well absorbed by most metals and is recommended for laser cutting, laser engraving, and laser marking of metals. A CO2 laser with a wavelength of 10.6 microns is the best choice for indirect marking processes using metal marking compounds or coating removal.

5. Air Assist
   Air assist provides a beam of air near the laser focal point to remove molten metal during laser cutting and engraving. It also helps remove gases and particles generated during laser cutting, laser engraving, and laser marking of metals.

6. Disposal
   The exhaust must have sufficient flow to remove gases and particles generated during the laser process from laser cutting, laser engraving, and laser marking equipment on metal.

Conclusion

There are some general considerations that must be considered when using a laser system on metal. We, Duta Laserindo Metal always provide the best service and pay attention to everything in the metal fabrication process that we offer. If you need laser services in the metal fabrication process, please contact us to meet all your needs more quickly and efficiently.