A Guide to Optimizing the Parameters of Small Laser Equipment (With Case Study)

In addition to providing an overview of the technology, the course also addresses the issue of optimizing parameters for small laser cutting machines, and explains techniques for adjusting core parameters such as power, speed, and frequency. The course also includes a practical component in which participants can practice using the machines.It covers common material processing schemes and how to avoid pitfalls, and is suitable as a reference for both newcomers to laser equipment and technicians looking to optimize production processes.

Why is parameter optimization so important?

Those who are just getting started with laser cutting may find themselves wondering why others are able to produce perfectly smooth cuts while they can only manage to burn or partially cut their work. The answer is in the settings.If you can't control the heat when frying, even the best ingredients will turn out badly.Laser power, speed, and focal length all directly affect the quality of the finished product and the rate of material utilization.

Three core parameters must be understood.

Power is not necessarily the most important thing.

Many people think that the higher the power, the faster the cutting, but this is a misconception.For example, when cutting 5mm acrylic, opening the power to 80 % will cause the edges to carbonize.He suggests starting with 70 % of the manufacturer's recommended level and then adjusting the intensity in accordance with the reflectivity of the materials being used.

Speed and power must go hand in hand.

If you cut too fast, you can't get a good cut. If you cut too slow, it takes too long.The trick is to start with a moderate level of power, and then gradually increase the speed until the laser can just penetrate the material. At this point, you can adjust the power slightly to find the optimum balance point.

The focal length determines the accuracy of the picture.

This is especially true when carving fine, small characters. If the focus is off by even 0.5 millimeters, the strokes will be blurred.We recommend that you use scraps to do a "step test" after replacing the materials, to find the clearest focal plane.

Two real-life examples.

Case 1: Acrylic cutting discolors.

Last week I had a customer who told me that when he was cutting 3mm acrylic, he always got yellow burn marks.We discovered that his auxiliary gas pressure was insufficient, and this led to insufficient cooling.When the pressure was raised from 0.3MPa to 0.5MPa, and the power output from 65 % to 55 %, the problem was solved.

Case 2: Distortion of thin metal sheets during cutting.

One jewelry craftsman complained that 0.8 millimeters of stainless steel bent up at the edges after being sliced.The examination revealed that the worktable's suction power was insufficient, and that the board had deformed under local heating.By adding a magnetic fixture and using a pulsed laser instead of a continuous one, the deformation rate was directly reduced by 70 %.

Maintenance can't be neglected either.

No matter how good the parameters, a dirty lens or aging laser tube will ruin the results.The most extreme case I know of was a user who didn't clean his protective lens for six months, and the laser's power output dropped by 40 % without him realizing it.We suggest that everyone get into the habit of inspecting the optical path every week and calibrating the power meter every month. Don't let a "sick" machine go on the job.

Finally, it should be noted that there may be differences in the properties of materials from different batches. When using a new batch of material, remember to first use the scraps to test the parameters.By saving the parameter combinations of successful cases, we can gradually build up our own experience database.