The carbon dioxide laser cutting machine is an advanced device that uses laser technology for material processing and plays a key role in many industries. Next, I will provide you with a comprehensive interpretation of the carbon dioxide laser cutting machine from aspects such as its working principle, structural composition, application fields, advantages and features, as well as development trends.
I. Machine Principle
The reason why the carbon dioxide laser cutting machine is called a carbon dioxide laser cutting machine is that it is a laser cutting machine that uses a carbon dioxide laser, which belongs to a gas molecule laser. The working substance is carbon dioxide gas, and the auxiliary gases are nitrogen, xenon, etc. The wavelength of the laser is 10.6 micrometers. It has good stability, with an energy conversion efficiency of up to 25%, and can be used as a high-power output laser. The principle of laser generation: In the discharge tube of a CO2 laser, a mixture of gases such as CO2, N2, and He is filled. The ratio and total gas pressure can vary within a certain range (generally: CO2: N2: He=1:0.5:2.5, with a total gas pressure of 1066.58pa). Usually, the ratio is fixed after you purchase the laser tube. Any molecule has three different forms of motion. The first is the movement of electrons within the molecule, which determines the energy state of electrons. The second is the vibration of atoms within the molecule, that is, atoms constantly vibrate periodically around their equilibrium positions. This kind of motion determines the vibration energy state of the molecule. The third is the rotation of the molecule, which determines the rotational energy state of the molecule. If you don't understand this part, you can search for related knowledge on Baidu. A CO2 laser generates laser light by utilizing the transitions between the vibrational and rotational energy levels of CO2 molecules.
Ii. Structural Composition
Laser generation system: This is the core component of the carbon dioxide laser cutting machine, mainly composed of a carbon dioxide laser. Common types of carbon dioxide lasers include sealed type, radio frequency excited type, etc. Sealed lasers have a simple structure and relatively low cost, making them suitable for cutting requirements of medium and low power. Radio frequency excited lasers have higher output power, better beam quality and stability, and are often used in high-power and high-precision cutting applications.
Optical system: including optical components such as mirrors and focusing mirrors. The mirror is used to change the propagation direction of the laser beam to ensure that the laser beam can be accurately transmitted to the cutting head. The focusing mirror focuses the laser beam onto the material surface, highly concentrating the laser energy and enhancing the cutting efficiency and accuracy. The precision and quality of the optical system directly affect the cutting effect. Therefore, high-purity and high-precision optical lenses need to be used, and strict debugging and maintenance should be carried out.
Cutting head: It is the part that directly acts on the material for cutting and integrates components such as a focusing mirror and an auxiliary gas nozzle. The cutting head can precisely control the focus position of the laser beam and the flow and pressure of the auxiliary gas according to the requirements of the cutting process to achieve the best cutting effect. Some advanced cutting heads are also equipped with an automatic focusing function, which can adjust the focus position in real time during the cutting process to meet the cutting requirements of materials of different thicknesses.
Workbench: It is used to carry the material to be cut and usually adopts high-precision guide rails and transmission systems, which can achieve smooth and precise movement. The motion accuracy and stability of the worktable have a significant impact on the cutting accuracy. Some high-end carbon dioxide laser cutting machines also have an automatic loading and unloading function on the worktable, which can improve production efficiency and reduce labor costs.
Control system: It is the core of the carbon dioxide laser cutting machine and is responsible for controlling the entire cutting process. The operator inputs the cutting graphics and cutting parameters (such as laser power, cutting speed, auxiliary gas flow rate, etc.) through the control system. The control system precisely controls the coordinated operation of the laser generation system, optical system, cutting head and worktable according to these instructions, achieving automated and high-precision cutting operations. The control systems of modern carbon dioxide laser cutting machines usually adopt computer numerical control (CNC) technology, which has the advantages of simple operation, powerful functions and high reliability.
Iii. Application Fields
Processing of non-metallic materials
In the advertising and decoration industry, carbon dioxide laser cutting machines can be used to cut and engrave materials such as acrylic, PVC boards, and plexiglass, to create various exquisite advertising signs, display stands, handicrafts, etc. It can achieve high-precision cutting of complex graphics, with smooth cuts that do not require subsequent grinding treatment, significantly enhancing production efficiency and product quality.
In the clothing and leather industry: In the processing of clothing and leather, carbon dioxide laser cutting machines can be used to cut fabrics and leather, as well as to cut various clothing components and patterns of leather products. Laser cutting has the advantages of neat cuts, no thread shedding and no burning, and can meet the strict requirements of the clothing and leather industries for cutting accuracy and quality. Meanwhile, laser cutting can also be used for engraving, drilling and other processing on the surface of leather, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and added value of the products.
Packaging and printing industry: It is used for cutting and die-cutting packaging materials such as paper, cardboard, and corrugated paper, and for making packaging boxes, labels, greeting cards, etc. Laser cutting can achieve high-precision irregular cutting, meeting the packaging industry's demand for personalized and customized products. In addition, laser cutting can also be used for marking and anti-counterfeiting processing on the surface of packaging materials, enhancing the safety of the products and the brand image.
In the electronic and electrical industry: In the production of electronic and electrical products, carbon dioxide laser cutting machines can be used to cut and process various non-metallic materials, such as plastic casings, insulating materials, circuit boards, etc. Laser cutting can achieve high-precision cutting of tiny dimensions, meeting the requirements of the electronics and electrical industry for the processing accuracy of components. Meanwhile, laser cutting also features non-contact processing, which will not cause mechanical damage to the material surface and ensures the performance and quality of the products.
Metal material processing
Although the application of carbon dioxide laser cutting machines in metal cutting is relatively rare, they still have certain advantages for some thin metal plates (such as carbon steel and stainless steel with a thickness of less than 3mm). It can achieve high-precision, burr-free cutting and has a relatively fast cutting speed. In some metal processing fields with high requirements for cutting accuracy, such as electronic component manufacturing and precision mechanical processing, carbon dioxide laser cutting machines also have certain applications.
Iv. Advantages and Characteristics
High precision: The carbon dioxide laser cutting machine can achieve extremely high cutting accuracy, generally reaching ±0.01mm or even higher. This is attributed to its advanced optical system and precise control system, which can precisely control the position and movement trajectory of the laser beam, meeting the cutting requirements for tiny sizes and complex graphics.
High speed: When cutting non-metallic materials, the carbon dioxide laser cutting machine has a relatively high cutting speed, which can significantly enhance production efficiency. For instance, when cutting acrylic sheets with a thickness of 3mm, the cutting speed can reach several meters per minute or even higher.
Good cut quality: The cut after laser cutting is smooth and neat, without burrs or slag hanging. There is no need for subsequent grinding, polishing and other processing procedures. This not only saves processing time and cost, but also improves the surface quality of the product.
Non-contact processing: During the laser cutting process, the laser beam does not come into direct contact with the material, thus not causing mechanical stress or deformation to the material. It is particularly suitable for processing some brittle and easily deformed materials.
High processing flexibility: Through the computer control system, the carbon dioxide laser cutting machine can easily achieve the cutting of various complex graphics and patterns. Just design the cutting graphics on the computer, and processing can be carried out quickly. Meanwhile, laser cutting can also conveniently perform mixed processing of different materials and thicknesses, demonstrating strong adaptability.
Environmental protection and energy conservation: During the laser cutting process, no wastewater, waste residue or other pollutants are produced, and the laser energy utilization rate is relatively high. Compared with traditional cutting methods, it is more environmentally friendly and energy-saving.
In conclusion, as an advanced material processing equipment, the carbon dioxide laser cutting machine is playing an increasingly important role in modern manufacturing due to its unique working principle, excellent structural composition, wide application fields, significant advantages and features, as well as broad development prospects. With the continuous advancement and innovation of technology, carbon dioxide laser cutting machines will be constantly improved and developed, providing more powerful technical support for the development of various industries.