Whether laser cutting machine can cut rusty iron plate
We all know that a laser cutting machine is a sharp tool for sheet metal processing, cutting iron like mud. In the actual production process, we often find that the processed materials will rust, especially in the south, which is relatively humid. Carbon steel, iron plates, etc. are prone to rust.
What should be paid attention to when laser cutting machine cuts rusty materials?
Firstly, we must analyze the cutting principle of the laser cutting machine. The laser itself cannot be a light source. The laser will only generate heat after the surface of the processed sheet is absorbed. In the case of rusty or non-rusty material surfaces, the laser absorption is different, and the heat generation is also greatly affected. Generally cutting rusty plates will have the following effects
The cutting efficiency of rusty plates will be reduced, the effect will be poor, and the scrap rate will be higher. If possible, reduce the use of rusty plates or treat them before use.
The biggest damage is actually blasting during punching and cutting, which will cause pollution to the lens. You can use a grinder to remove rust first. If the plate is not thick, the effect below 5mm will not be significant, but the quality of the cut product will be affected. The qualification rate is high.
The cutting condition of uniformly rusted plates will be better than that of unevenly rusted plates. Because the uniformly rusted sheet absorbs the laser evenly, it can be cut well. For material processing with uneven rust on the surface, the surface condition of the material must be even before cutting.
Laser cutting machines are generally not well-suited for cutting rusty iron or metal plates. Laser cutting relies on the ability of the laser beam to focus and cleanly melt or vaporize the material it is cutting. When it comes to rusted or heavily oxidized metal, several challenges arise:
- Reduced Absorption: Rust and oxidation can significantly reduce the absorption of the laser energy by the metal. This means that the laser may not generate enough heat to cut through the material effectively.
- Surface Irregularities: Rust often creates uneven and irregular surfaces. Laser cutting machines require a smooth and flat surface for precise cutting. Irregularities can lead to inconsistent cutting depths and results.
- Material Integrity: Laser cutting works best with clean, homogeneous materials. Rust can weaken the structural integrity of the metal, making it more prone to melting, warping, or producing rough edges during the cutting process.
- Safety Concerns: Rust can contain impurities, such as dirt and contaminants, which may produce hazardous fumes when exposed to high temperatures from the laser. Safety precautions should be taken to ensure the health of operators.
If you need to cut rusty or oxidized metal, it’s advisable to remove as much of the rust as possible before using a laser cutting machine. This can be done through methods such as sandblasting, grinding, or using chemical rust removers. Once the metal surface is cleaned and prepared, laser cutting can be more effective and provide cleaner results.
Alternatively, other cutting methods, such as plasma cutting or waterjet cutting, may be better suited for materials with rust or surface irregularities. These methods do not rely on the same level of material absorption as laser cutting and can handle rusted materials more effectively.
Alternatively, other cutting methods, such as plasma cutting or waterjet cutting, may be better suited for materials with rust or surface irregularities. These methods do not rely on the same level of material absorption as laser cutting and can handle rusted materials more effectively.Alternatively, other cutting methods, such as plasma cutting or waterjet cutting, may be better suited for materials with rust or surface irregularities. These methods do not rely on the same level of material absorption as laser cutting and can handle rusted materials more effectively.
