Introduction:
Precision parts are very important in today’s world. People are always looking for better ways to make accurate metal parts. You may especially often find this in the sheet metal fabrication business. A laser cutting machine for sheet metal made that possible for such accuracy.
A laser cutting machine for sheet metal can give you the most accurate results. It’s tough to get such accuracy with any other way of cutting. This is why laser cutting is better than plasma or water jet cutting.
This article mainly aims to give tips on choosing the right sheet metal laser cutter. It will teach you what makes a sheet metal cutting business productive and efficient.
Understanding Laser Cutting Machine for Sheet Metal
Sheet metal fabrication is a shaping process of various metal parts. It can be conducted through various methods. Laser cutting is one of the most popular methods.
Laser cutting is a precision cutting technology. It generally utilizes a high-power laser beam. When this laser beam hits the object’s surface, it cuts through it at the point where it hits.
A laser cutting machine for sheet metal is a specialized cutting tool. As the name implies, these devices are suitable for cutting various metal sheets. You can work with almost all types of regular metals.
A laser sheet-cutting machine works in a very basic way. Besides laser technology, this device also has an automatic guiding system. It guides the laser beam along the programmed path.
When the laser moves on top of the material’s surface, it leaves a clean and precise cut behind. The combination of these two technologies ensures accuracy and repeatability in the process.
Table 1: Laser Cutting vs Plasma Cutting vs Water Jet Cutting
| Aspects | Laser Cutting | Plasma Cutting | Water Jet Cutting |
| Technology | High-power Laser Beam | Plasma Arc | High-pressure water jet |
| Accuracy | Highest | Moderate | Moderate |
| Operating Cost | Lowest | Highest | Moderate |
| Initial Cost | Relatively Higher | Moderate | Relatively Lower |
The table shows that laser cutting is the best way to cut sheet metal precisely. Even though laser cutting might cost more at first. In the long run, though, it is a cost-effective way to handle the job.
How to Choose the Right Laser Cutting Machine for Sheet Metal?
There are various types and specs of sheet metal laser cutters. You know the sheet metal firm requires a wide range of materials and thicknesses. So, they usually have different needs when it comes to the device.
Note that each material behaves differently with laser beams. So, it is necessary to think about these factors before buying a sheet metal laser cutter.
To get the best results when cutting sheet metal, you need to choose the right laser device. The right device always ensures high-quality finishes. As a result, you can improve productivity. It also reduces material waste.
1. Safety features
Safety features should be the first thing you look for in a laser-cutting machine. It usually makes sure that the workplace is safe. Some safety features that stand out are emergency stop keys, laser safety systems, and ventilation.
Not caring about the safety features could have bad results. However, the new laser devices always have all the necessary safety features. But if you don’t know about them, you might forget about maintaining them regularly.
Because of this, they might get damaged over time. Lastly, it could lead to injuries and accidents, health risks, or even damage to tools.
2. Power & Speed
In laser cutting, the laser machine’s power affects the cutting speed. Therefore, the power rating for a laser cutting machine for sheet metal is an important consideration.
Note that higher power makes faster cuts. Conversely, lower power makes slower cuts. But it must not be too fast or too slow. Therefore, choosing the appropriate power level is very necessary.
Moreover, different types of materials need varying power levels. For example, wood, acrylics, or paper may need lower laser power. On the other hand, metals need high power.
When thinking about metals, varying metals need varying power levels. Soft metals like aluminum or gold need less power. Conversely, hard metals like carbon or stainless steel need a higher power.
Therefore, choosing the right power level for a laser device is very necessary. In the case of a laser cutting machine for sheet metal, you must select a power level between 1000W and 30,000W. It typically depends on the specific application of your project.
3. Type Of Material and Its Thickness
In laser cutting, the type of materials matters. As was already said, different materials react differently to laser beams. It changes how the laser absorbs, reflects, and conducts light. For this reason, different materials need different laser settings to get the best results.
For example, carbon steel is very good at absorbing things. So, it works excellently with lasers that use oxygen. On the other hand, cutting stainless steel and aluminum usually needs nitrogen or a mix of gases.
The thickness of the material also plays an important role here. You know, thicker materials need higher laser power. Conversely, thinner needs lower laser power. If you give higher laser power to thin materials, it may produce excessive heat. This may damage your material.
The following table highlights the different laser powers for various materials and thicknesses.
Table 2: Different Laser Powers for Different Materials and Thicknesses
| Metal | 1000W | 1500W | 2000W | 3000W | 4000W | 6000W | 8000W | 12000W |
| Carbon Steel | 8 mm | 10 mm | 14 mm | 18 mm | 20 mm | 22 mm | 25 mm | 35 mm |
| Stainless Steel | 4 mm | 5 mm | 6 mm | 8 mm | 10 mm | 18 mm | 20 mm | 40 mm |
| Aluminum | 2 mm | 3 mm | 5 mm | 8 mm | 10 mm | 16 mm | 20 mm | 30 mm |
4. Precision & Accuracy: What Factors Drive the Accuracy of a Sheet Metal Laser Cutter?
When selecting a product, you must check the precision guarantee. How accurate can your device be? Note that it determines the quality of the final product. In addition, they impact efficiency, waste reduction, and costs.
Why are precision and accuracy necessary when selecting the right laser device? It plays a crucial role in achieving desired outcomes in sheet metal cutting. If the final metal part meets the requirements, it will work well in the intended setting.
Now, how do you check the precision and accuracy of the device? You can easily do that by considering a few factors.
- The quality of the laser beam impacts cutting accuracy. A well-focused and uniform beam creates minimal heat-affected zones. It finally creates clean and precise cuts.
- The motion control system dictates the movement of the cutting head. The smoother it can move, the more accurate the cut will be.
- During laser cutting, the motion system creates certain vibrations. If your device has strong machine rigidity, it almost won’t affect the quality of the cut.
- Finally, the right laser power and settings are the most important factors to think about. Optimal power settings ensure precise kerf widths and edge quality.
5. Cost and Brand Reputation
Cost is another critical factor to consider when selecting a laser device. Note that it consists of two groups. One is the purchasing cost, and another is the total ownership cost (TCO).
Usually, laser devices have high purchase costs, but they offer a cost-effective solution over time. When picking a laser device, these two cost types should be taken into account.
A brand’s image is also very important. Indeed, well-known brands often provide better customer support. Over time, it makes you satisfied.
Best Steel Sheet Laser Cutting Machine
The Desktop 3015 from ZL Tech Laser is the best steel sheet laser cutting machine. It offers power levels ranging from 1000W to 30,000W. In addition, it provides versatility for tackling various steel-cutting tasks.
The fiber laser sources that come with the Desktop 3015 are excellent. You can pick your best laser generator based on your needs. At ZL Tech, you can find Raycus, Max, IPG, DK, Reci, Everfoton, and JPT. All these choices are great for a wide range of steel-cutting jobs.
Advantages of ZL Tech Sheet Metal Laser Cutting Machine
Sheet metal laser cutting tools from ZL Tech have a lot of great features and benefits. This makes them the best choice for experts in the field.
- ZL tech’s machines provide exceptional precision. Their laser devices ensure clean and accurate cuts.
- These devices can work with a wide range of materials. This versatility makes ZL tech’s laser devices suitable for many industries.
- ZL tech uses high-quality laser generators from world-class brands. Thus, their devices create a minimal heat-affected zone. They ensure high-quality end products. They also reduce material waste.
- ZL tech’s laser devices are easy to use. The control systems used in their devices are simple and easy to understand.
- ZL Tech offers customization options. Therefore, you can create custom specifications.
- ZL Tech provides excellent customer support. Their 24-hour service makes customers from all over the world satisfied.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick of steel can a 1000W laser cut?
A 1000W laser can typically cut through carbon steel up to 8mm thick. For stainless steel, it is 4mm. Using this power level, you can deal with a wide range of metal fabrication projects.
How Thick Can You Laser Cut Aluminum?
Laser-cutting aluminum can achieve thicknesses ranging from 2mm to 30 mm. What it usually is depends on how powerful the laser beam is. For instance, a regular 1000W laser cutting machine can cut 2mm of aluminum sheet very well.