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Sheet Metal Laser Cutting Machine Usage Tips [Efficient & Correct]

First, the goal of using sheet metal laser cutting machine correctly is not simply to pursue speed, but to achieve safety, stability, high precision, and minimal malfunctions. Second, to use a sheet metal laser cutting machine efficiently, one cannot focus solely on “cutting fast,” but must systematically optimize across six levels: equipment selection, process parameters, programming layout, operating habits, maintenance management, and automated collaboration.

Below is a practical and detailed sheet metal laser cutting machine usage guide suitable for daily production and cost reduction in sheet metal factories.

1. How to use a sheet metal laser cutting machine correctly?

1) 7 Essential Pre-Start Checks (Most Critical)

– Sheet Material:

Sheet material should be flat and free from severe warping. Surface should be free of oil stains, watermarks, and abnormal film application.

– Cutting Head:

Protective lens should be clean and free of burn marks. Nozzle should be free from deformation and have normal concentricity.

– Gas:

Correct gas type (oxygen/nitrogen/air). Stable pressure and no leaks.

– Cooling System:

Cooling water level should be normal. Water temperature should be within the set range (generally 22–26℃).

– Equipment Status:

Guide rail lubrication should be normal. No abnormal alarms.

– Safety Protection:

Safety door should be closed. Emergency stop button should function normally.

– Procedure:

Drawings, materials, and thicknesses should be confirmed to be correct.

2) Parameter Settings: Correctness is More Important Than Speed

- Basic Principles

Don’t pursue maximum speed.
Prioritize ensuring complete cut and stable cross-section.

- Parameter Logic

Power ≠ The higher the better.
Speed ≠ The faster the more efficient.

Focus is the core of stable cutting.

- Common Experience

Thin plates: Slightly positive focus, faster speed.
Thick plates: Slightly negative focus, slower speed.
Many burrs → Reduce speed or increase air pressure.
Incomplete cut → Adjust focus or increase power.

3) Programming and Cutting Sequence (Anti-deformation, Anti-collision)

Internal holes first, then external shapes. Cut smaller contours first, larger contours last.
Avoid heat concentration (cross-cutting). Properly set lead wire length and direction.
Correct sequence reduces the risk of material warping and cutting head collision.

4) Correct Operation During Cutting

Observe whether the spark is stable and vertical. Stop immediately if any abnormality is found (do not force a cut).
Do not put your hands into the cutting area. After cutting, confirm that the cutting head has returned to the safe position.

5) Shutdown and Finishing Operations (Many people overlook this)

Clean up waste from the cutting table.
Turn off the laser.
Turn off the gas supply. Shut down according to the procedure (do not directly disconnect the power).
Record any abnormalities or parameter adjustments.

6) Common Sheet Metal Laser Cutting Machine Usage Errors (Must be avoided)

❌ Start cutting without confirming the material and program.

❌ Continue cutting if the lens is dirty.

❌ Force cutting while the material is warped.

❌ Adjust only the speed, not the focus.

❌ Reset alarms directly without handling them.

2. Techniques for Sheet Laser Cutting Machine Efficient Usage

Efficient Laser Cutting = Suitable Equipment + Correct Parameters + Efficient Layout + Standardized Operation + Stable Maintenance

1) Equipment and Configuration: Prerequisites for Efficiency

- Laser Power Matching Materials

Materials	Recommended power
0.5–3 mm Carbon steel/stainless steel	3–6 kW
3–6 mm	6–12 kW
8–12 mm	≥12 kW

Too low power = slow speed + rework
Too high power = high energy consumption, thin boards are prone to overheating

- Essential Core Components

Automatic focusing cutting head (capacitive)
High-speed linear motor / high-acceleration drive
Stable chiller (temperature control ±5℃)
High-quality gas supply system (nitrogen/oxygen)

2) Cutting Process Parameters: Determine speed, cross-section, and stability

- Four Key Parameters Adjusted in Tandem

Cutting speed
Laser power
Focal point position
Assist gas type & pressure

Rules of thumb:

Thin plates: High speed + Low power + Slightly positive focal point
Thick plates: Low speed + High power + Slightly negative focal point

- Gas selection for different materials

Materials	Auxiliary gas	Features
Carbon steel	Oxygen	Fast speed, low cost
Stainless steel	Nitrogen	Bright white cut, no oxidation
Aluminum plate	Nitrogen	Anti-oxidation, anti-slag

3) Programming and Layout: Key to 20-40% Efficiency Improvement

- Efficient Layout Techniques

Use Automatic Common-Edge Cutting
Cluster Cutting of the Same Thickness/Material
Reduce Idle Strokes and Blade Lifting Frequency
Save 5-15% Material + 10-30% Time Per Board

- Cutting Path Optimization

Inner Contour First, Outer Contour
Small Hole → Large Hole → Outline
Avoid Heat Concentration (Cross-cutting)

4) Operating Habits: The Difference Between "Expert vs. Ordinary Operators"

- Pre-Start Checklist (Mandatory)

Is the lens clean?
Nozzle concentricity
Is the board flat?
Is the gas pressure stable?

- Pre-Production Precautions

Do not pursue extreme speeds
Stop machine immediately and adjust parameters if splashing/slag appears
Correct board warping or cut in sections

5) Maintenance and Care: Determines Long-Term Efficiency and Failure Rate

- Daily Maintenance

Clean and protect the lens
Clean cutting table debris
Check air and water circuits

- Periodic maintenance

Item	Cycle
Lens replacement	1–3 months
Coolant replacement	3–6 months
Railway lubrication	Weekly

70% of cutting instability comes from lens contamination and abnormal cooling.

6) Automation and Process Optimization: A True "Efficiency Amplifier"

- Recommended Automation Configuration

Automated Loading and Unloading System.
Sheet Metal Storage System (Tower/Flat Library).
Data Integration with Bending and Stamping Processes.

- Typical Efficiency Improvements

Labor Costs Reduced by 50%.
Equipment Utilization Rate Increased by 30–60%.
Night Shift/Unmanned Production Becomes Possible.

7) Quick Reference Table for Common Inefficiency Issues

Phenomena	Causes	Countermeasures
Incomplete cut	Incorrect focus / Insufficient power	Refocus or reduce speed
Many burrs	Low air pressure / Excessive speed	Increase air pressure
Slag buildup	Focus deviation	Fine-adjust focus
Frequent machine downtime	Dirty lens	Clean immediately

3. Summary

The key to efficient sheet metal laser cutting machine usage is not “blindly increasing speed,” but rather establishing a stable and high-yield system encompassing equipment, processes, programming, operation, and maintenance.

Fiber laser cutting machine efficiency = Suitable equipment × Correct process × Scientific programming × Stable maintenance × Automated collaboration

Six key points for efficient sheet metal laser cutting machine usage:

1) Choose the right equipment: Match power to material thickness; avoid waste on thin sheets and minimize strain on thick sheets.

2) Don’t arbitrarily adjust parameters: Speed, power, and focus must be coordinated; avoid pursuing extreme speeds for stability and faster results.

3) Layout is crucial: Use common-edge cutting to minimize idle runs, saving time and material per sheet.

4) Correct cutting sequence: Cut internal holes first, then external shapes, to prevent deformation and material breakage.

5) Standardized operation: Check the lens, nozzle, and air pressure before starting the machine; stop immediately if any abnormalities are found.

6) Don’t neglect maintenance: A clean lens and proper cooling are essential for consistent high speed.