FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the working principle of laser equipment?

The core principle is to use a laser to generate a high-energy-density laser beam, which is then focused onto the material surface through an optical system. Depending on the specific process (such as cutting, welding, or cleaning), precise processing is achieved by controlling parameters such as the laser’s energy, speed, and frequency, causing the material to melt, vaporize, ablate, or undergo surface modification.

What materials can a laser cutting machine cut? What is the thickness range?

It can cut most metal materials (such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and brass). The cutting thickness depends on the laser power; for example, a 1500W fiber laser can cut approximately 10mm of carbon steel, while a 6000W laser can cut more than 20mm.

Besides round pipes, can pipe cutting machines cut other shapes of tubing?

Yes. Modern laser tube cutting machines can process tubes of various cross-sectional shapes, such as round tubes, square tubes, rectangular tubes, elliptical tubes, irregular tubes, and even open profiles (such as angle steel and channel steel), and can perform processes such as drilling, cutting complex contours, and slotting.

What are the accuracy and cut quality of laser cutting?

The positioning accuracy can reach ±0.05mm, and the repeatability is ±0.03mm. The cuts are narrow (less than 0.1mm), smooth and flat, with no or very few burrs, and a small heat-affected zone. This is high-quality precision machining, usually requiring no secondary processing.

How to choose the laser power when purchasing a cutting/pipe cutting machine?

Power selection primarily depends on the type and thickness of the materials you process most frequently. Higher power allows for cutting thicker materials at faster speeds, but it also results in higher investment and energy consumption. It is recommended to provide typical processing samples to the equipment supplier for testing to find the most cost-effective power configuration.

How efficient is laser cleaning?

Efficiency depends on the type and thickness of the stain, as well as the required level of cleanliness. For thin layers of rust or light coatings, cleaning speeds can reach tens of square centimeters per second. Thicker coatings may require multiple passes. Overall efficiency is higher than manual sanding, and the efficiency is extremely high when integrated into an automated cleaning station.

What are the differences between fiber laser cutting machines and CO2 laser cutting machines?

Fiber lasers transmit laser light through optical fibers, offering high photoelectric conversion efficiency (approximately 30%) and low maintenance costs, making them ideal for cutting metals (stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, etc.). CO2 lasers, on the other hand, transmit laser light through gas and have a different wavelength, making them better suited for cutting non-metals (such as acrylic, wood, and leather) in addition to metals. Currently, fiber lasers are the mainstream technology in the metal processing field.

Why are assist gases (oxygen/nitrogen/air) used in laser cutting?

Assist gases are used to blow away molten slag and cool the cutting area.

Oxygen (O2): Used for cutting carbon steel, utilizing a combustion reaction to accelerate cutting; the cut surface is black.

Nitrogen (N2): Used for cutting stainless steel or aluminum, preventing oxidation; the cut surface is bright (i.e., “oxide-free cutting”).

Air: The lowest cost option (requires an air compressor), suitable for processing thin sheets where the color of the cut surface is not critical.

What causes slag or burrs to appear on the cut surface?

The laser focus position is incorrect (the positive or negative focal length needs adjustment).

The output power is insufficient or the cutting speed is too fast.

The assist gas pressure is insufficient or the gas purity is inadequate.

The protective lens is damaged.

What are the environmental requirements for a laser cutting machine?

It is recommended for indoor use, at an ambient temperature of 0-40℃ and humidity below 80%. Environments with significant ground vibration (which affects accuracy) and excessive dust must be avoided. A stabilized power supply is also necessary to prevent voltage fluctuations from damaging precision components.

Can laser pipe cutting achieve bevel cutting?

Yes. High-end models are equipped with a swiveling cutting head (3D cutting head), which allows for bevel cutting at ±45° (V-shaped and Y-shaped bevels), facilitating subsequent direct welding and eliminating the need for manual bevel grinding.

What is the typical lifespan of a fiber laser?

High-quality fiber laser sources (such as those from IPG, Raycus, and Max) typically have a design lifespan of around 100,000 hours. However, this doesn’t mean they become unusable after 100,000 hours; rather, the power output may decrease. Good usage habits and a suitable operating environment can significantly extend their lifespan.

What are the advantages of handheld laser welding compared to traditional TIG welding?

Fast speed: Efficiency is typically 4-10 times higher than TIG welding.

Low barrier to entry: Simple operation; ordinary workers can learn to use it in half a day of training, without requiring years of experience from certified welders.

Minimal deformation: Small heat-affected zone, resulting in less workpiece deformation.

Less post-processing required: The weld seam is smooth and aesthetically pleasing, requiring virtually no secondary grinding.

Can laser welding machines weld highly reflective materials like copper and aluminum?

Aluminum and copper have high laser reflectivity. Modern fiber lasers typically feature anti-reflection protection mechanisms, and when combined with a wobbling welding head to agitate the molten pool, they can effectively weld aluminum alloys and copper materials.

Are laser cleaning and laser welding performed by the same machine?

Currently, there are “three-in-one” or “four-in-one” devices on the market (welding, cleaning, cutting, and weld seam cleaning). By changing the nozzle and switching system modes, one machine can perform both welding and cleaning functions, which is very suitable for small processing shops.

I’m not sure if my material can be cut/welded. Can you provide a free sample for testing?

We offer free sample testing services. This is the most direct way to verify the effectiveness of the equipment. You can send us your materials, or if your materials are common metals (such as carbon steel, stainless steel, or aluminum), we can use existing materials from our factory for testing.

I would like a larger processing area is customization possible?

Yes. In addition to the standard 3015 (3 meters x 1.5 meters), 4020, and 6025 models, we can customize extra-large format machines (such as 12 meters long and 2.5 meters wide) with floor-mounted rails or extended beds to meet your needs for processing extra-long workpieces.

Can our logo be printed on the machine’s exterior?

OEM customization is supported. If you are a distributor or have branding requirements, we can print your logo on the machine free of charge, and even change the machine’s paint color according to your VI design specifications.

Can the pipe cutting machine be modified to accommodate longer material lengths?

Standard pipe cutting machines typically support 6-meter pipes. If you frequently process 9-meter or 12-meter pipes, we can customize an extended machine bed and corresponding automatic loading/unloading system for you.

How long does it take to ship the order after it’s placed? (What is the production lead time?)

Standard models: We usually have semi-finished products in stock, and the delivery time is 15-20 business days.

Customized models: Depending on the complexity of the modifications, it usually takes 20-30 business days.

We will strictly adhere to the delivery time specified in the contract.