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When cutting thick carbon steel using oxygen, nitrogen, or air, operators may encounter issues such as slag formation, spatter, or cutting striations. Understanding the cause of these problems and adjusting laser parameters appropriately is essential to achieving smooth, high-quality cuts. Below are common problems and proven solutions for improving fiber laser cutting performance on carbon steel.
Problem 1: Large Striations When Cutting Thick Carbon Steel (Over 40 mm) with Oxygen
Increase Cutting Focus Position
For carbon steel thicker than 40 mm, increase the cutting focus to +15 or higher. A higher focus position enhances cutting quality and reduces striation size.
Raise Nozzle Height
Set the nozzle height to around 1.4 mm. Compared with 0.3 mm, this helps reduce striation size, though it may slightly increase taper.
Key Insight:
A higher focus point results in smoother cutting. Increasing nozzle height effectively raises the focal point, improving surface finish.
| Nozzle Height | Cutting Result |
|---|---|
| 0.3 mm | Larger striations |
| 1.4 mm | Smoother finish, smaller striations |
Problem 2: Slag Hanging at the Bottom (45 mm Carbon Steel)
Reduce Cutting Speed
Lowering the cutting speed allows the laser to fully penetrate the material, minimizing slag buildup.
Lower Focus and Increase Gas Pressure
A lower focus position combined with higher gas pressure improves cut-through performance, especially at the bottom of thick materials.
Problem 3: Surface Spatter When Using Nitrogen or Air
Increase Focus Position
Raising the focus point helps reduce surface spatter during cutting.
Reduce Gas Pressure
Lowering gas pressure minimizes spatter adhesion on the surface, improving the overall cut appearance.
Problem 4: Hard Slag Formation When Using Nitrogen or Air
Lower Focus Position
Reducing the focus helps minimize hard slag formation.
Increase Cutting Speed
Faster cutting speeds prevent overheating, which in turn reduces slag accumulation.
Use a Smaller Nozzle Diameter
A smaller nozzle concentrates the airflow, improving precision and reducing slag buildup.
Note:
While a higher focus generally improves cutting quality, it also increases nozzle heating. Always monitor and control the nozzle temperature to maintain optimal cutting performance.
*Notice :Parameter settings should always consider the cutting material and machine model.
The information in this article is for reference only. For detailed specifications and optimized settings, please contact our technical team for professional support.
Conclusion
Cutting carbon steel with a fiber laser machine requires a fine balance between power, precision, and parameters. By applying these advanced techniques—adjusting focus, nozzle size, gas pressure, and cutting speed—operators can significantly enhance cutting efficiency, minimize defects, and achieve higher-quality cuts.
Ready to Optimize Your Carbon Steel Cutting Process?
Take your cutting performance to the next level with Han’s Laser fiber laser systems, engineered for precision, stability, and efficiency. Whether you want to fine-tune your current process or explore advanced laser solutions, our experts are here to help you achieve the best results.
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