Why is nozzle important in diode laser cutting?

Introduction

In precision laser cutting, nozzles direct assist gas to the cutting area, significantly influencing cutting quality and efficiency. This blog post examines the characteristics and applications of standard and short air nozzles of E80, as well as the advantages of integrating an motorized Z-axis for cutting thicker materials.

(The image highlights two nozzle types designed for different material thicknesses and emphasizes the importance of nozzle-to-material distance for optimal cutting performance.)

Nozzle Types and Applications

Standard Air Nozzle

• Purpose: Designed for cutting or engraving materials thinner than 17mm.
• Advantages: Close proximity focuses the laser beam, minimizing the heat-affected zone.
• Applications: High-precision cutting of thin material requiring fine details and clean edges.

Short Air Nozzle

• Purpose: Suitable for cutting materials between 17mm and 30mm thick.
• Advantages: Closer distance supports deeper laser penetration, ensuring consistent cutting quality for thicker materials.
• Applications: Cutting thicker materials

Comparison and Selection

The standard air nozzle excels in high-precision cutting of thin materials due to its close working distance, while the short air nozzle is optimized for thicker materials, accommodating a shorter working distance to maintain cutting depth and quality. Selecting the appropriate nozzle depends on the material thickness, with adjustments to the nozzle-to-material distance being critical for achieving optimal results.

Impact of Nozzle Distance on Cutting Efficiency

"Closer distance = Better cutting." Maintaining an appropriate nozzle-to-material distance offers several benefits:

Improved Precision: A closer distance concentrates laser energy, reducing cutting errors and enhancing accuracy.

Debris Management: Assist gas(Built-in air assist)clears smoke and residue, keeping the cutting area clean and preventing material contamination.(When using an external needle, the air jet needs to be directed toward the surface being cut.)

Built-in Air Assist

External Needle Air Assist

The standard air nozzle’s close-distance design is tailored for thin materials, where precision is paramount. Conversely, the short air nozzle’s closer distance accommodates thicker materials, ensuring sufficient gas flow and laser penetration.

Synergistic Role of the Motorized Z-axis

The motorized Z-axis allows dynamic adjustment of the focal point, making it a critical feature for handling diverse material thicknesses.

For E80 module, the short air nozzle is particularly effective for cutting materials thicker than 17mm since the standard nozzle can easily hit the material with z-offset. By lowering the cutting module via the Z-axis, the laser focus can be positioned closer to or within the material surface for cutting. In this way, the laser beam’s strength and focus depth, improving cutting precision and efficiency for thick materials. 

Conclusion

Selecting the right nozzle is fundamental to achieving high-quality laser cutting results. The standard air nozzle is ideal for materials under 17mm, while the short air nozzle is suited for materials between 17mm and 30mm. When combined with an electric Z-axis, particularly in machines like the E80, operators can optimize cutting performance for thicker materials by adjusting the focus depth. This combination ensures high precision, efficiency, and versatility, meeting a wide range of cutting needs.