How Assist Gas is Revolutionizing Fiber Laser Cutting Efficiency
As detailed by The Fabricator in the article “Assist Gas Mixing Drives Fiber Laser Technology Forward,“ the advancement in assist gas technology is significantly reshaping the capabilities of fiber laser cutting. Originally regarded as effective only for thin sheets, fiber lasers are now evolving to handle even the thickest plates with high precision and quality. This transformation owes much to advancements in assist gas mixing, which enables fiber lasers to cut thicker metals with clean, smooth edges.
In recent years, assist gas technology has improved markedly. With the development of ultra-high-powered lasers and optimized gas delivery systems, fiber lasers now process thick plates effectively. The use of assist gases like nitrogen mixed with a small percentage of oxygen helps achieve dross-free cuts. While nitrogen clears out molten metal, a controlled amount of oxygen (typically between 1.5% and 5%) facilitates a chemical reaction that aids in producing a smooth finish, without any remaining debris on the edges.
The journey of assist gas technology began with aluminum cutting over a decade ago. Liberty Systems’ Steve Albrecht recalls how a nitrogen-oxygen mix was initially applied to CO2 lasers for aluminum cutting, effectively eliminating dross and burrs on edges. This initial success led engineers to experiment with nitrogen and oxygen mixes in fiber lasers. They found that adjusting the oxygen content could enhance the quality of the cut, paving the way for applications with thicker materials.
As fiber laser power increased, applications shifted further toward using precise gas mixes for different materials. Equipment manufacturers responded by optimizing nozzle designs to minimize gas turbulence, resulting in a more controlled laminar flow. Today’s fiber lasers are now highly efficient, achieving excellent cut quality at lower operating costs, making this technology particularly suitable for precision plate cutting.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of The Fabricator.