The cutting thickness range of a carbon steel laser cutting machine depends primarily on the laser power and material properties. Different power levels correspond to different cutting capabilities. The following is a reference range for the cutting thickness of carbon steel (using common low-carbon steels such as Q235 and A36 as examples) using common power laser cutting machines:
1. Cutting Thickness Corresponding to Different Power Levels
| Laser Power | Recommended Cutting Thickness | Maximum Thickness | Applicable Scenarios |
| 1500W | 1-10mm | 12mm | General for small and medium-sized processing plants |
| 2000W-3000W | 1-16mm | 20mm | Medium and thick plate processing (structural parts, mechanical components) |
| 4000W-6000W | 2-25mm | 30mm | Heavy industry (shipbuilding, bridge steel structures) |
| 8000W-12kW | 3-35mm | 40mm+ | Ultra-thick plate cutting (special needs) |
2. Key Influencing Factors
- Laser Type:
- Fiber Laser (Mainstream): High efficiency, suitable for medium-thin plates (≤25mm).
- CO2 Laser: Can cut thicker carbon steel (e.g., 30mm+), but with higher energy consumption and cost.
- Cutting Quality Requirements:
- Fine Cutting (e.g., high-precision parts): Recommended thickness ≤ 70% of the recommended power level (e.g., 3000W for cutting within 12mm).
- Rough Cutting (e.g., unprocessed materials): Can approach the maximum thickness, but with a rougher cross-section and slower speeds.
- Assisting Gas:
- Oxygen (O₂): Assists combustion and improves penetration. Suitable for thick plates (≥6mm), but may result in an oxide layer on the cut surface.
- Nitrogen (N₂): Protects the cut surface (no oxidation). Suitable for thin plates (≤10mm), but is more expensive.
3. Practical Application Considerations
- Extreme Thickness Issues:
- When cutting to extreme thicknesses, problems such as incomplete cutting, heavy dross, and extremely slow speeds may occur, so lower expectations should be considered.
- Economic Considerations:
- For thick plates (e.g., 20mm+), plasma cutting or flame cutting is recommended, as they offer lower costs.
- Equipment Selection Recommendations:
- If primarily cutting 1-10mm carbon steel, a 1500W-3000W fiber laser machine offers the best value.
- For cutting thicknesses exceeding 20mm, a 6000W+ high-power machine or CO₂ laser machine is recommended.
4. Example References
- 3000W Fiber Laser Machine:
- High-Quality Cutting: 12mm (Speed approximately 0.8-1.2m/min).
- Extreme Cutting: 20mm (Speed ≤ 0.3m/min, requires multiple adjustments).
- 6000W Fiber Laser Machine:
- High-Quality Cutting: 20mm (Speed approximately 1.5m/min).
Summary
- Mainstream Choice: 3000W-6000W fiber laser machines cover most carbon steel processing needs (1-25mm).
- Careful Selection for Thick Plates: Efficiency and cost should be evaluated for thicknesses exceeding 25mm, and other processes may be combined if necessary.
For specific parameters, please provide the material grade and thickness for further analysis and cutting speed and gas configuration recommendations.