When a laser cutting machine experiences poor cutting through, it's usually due to mismatched parameters such as power, speed, focus, and gas. The following are system adjustment methods and solutions:

I. Quick Diagnosis Process

1. Check the material thickness: Is it exceeding the machine's cutting capacity (e.g., 1000W cutting 8mm carbon steel would be very difficult).

2. Observe the Cutting Phenomenon:

-No penetration: Severe parameter mismatch or laser failure.

-Severe bottom dross: Insufficient energy or gas problem.

3. Verify Basic Settings:

-Is the nozzle clogged?

-Is the lens contaminated?

-Is the gas pressure normal?

II. Parameter Adjustment Steps

1. Increase Laser Power

-Applicable Scenario: Material thickness approaches the machine's cutting capacity (e.g., 3000W cutting 14mm carbon steel).

-Operation:

-Gradually increase the power (5%-10% increments) and observe the cutting effect.

- Note: Excessive power may cause excessive ablation (blackening of the edges).

2. Reduce Cutting Speed

- Applicable scenario: Insufficient energy accumulation during high-speed cutting (common with thick plates).

- Reference Adjustment:

3. Adjust Focus Position

- Thick Plate Cutting:

- Positive focus defocus (+1-+3mm) to concentrate energy deeper into the material.

- Thin Plate Cutting:

- Negative focus defocus (-0.5--1mm) to avoid energy loss.

4. Optimizing Assist Gas

Note:

- Excessive oxygen pressure will cause the cut to burn, while too low will prevent slag removal.

- Nitrogen purity must be ≥99.9% (impurities affect cutting performance).

5. Other Key Parameters

- Pulse Frequency (for pulsed lasers):

- For thick plates, a low frequency (500-1000Hz) is recommended, while for thin plates, a high frequency (1000-3000Hz) is recommended.

- Duty Cycle:

- Increasing the duty cycle (e.g., 60% → 80%) can increase energy output.

III. Targeted Adjustments for Different Materials

1. Carbon Steel Cutting Problem

- Cause: Insufficient power or low oxygen pressure.

- Solution:

- 3000W laser cutting 10mm carbon steel: Adjust power to 90%, speed to 0.8m/min, oxygen pressure to 1.3MPa.

2. Stainless Steel Cutting Problem

- Cause: Insufficient nitrogen pressure or focus offset.

- Solution:

- 4000W laser cutting 8mm stainless steel: Adjust power to 85%, speed to 1.5m/min, nitrogen pressure to 1.2MPa, focus -1mm.

3. Aluminum/Copper Not Cutting Through

- Cause: High energy loss in highly reflective materials.

- Solution:

- Switch to a green laser (or fiber laser with an anti-reflection module).

- Focus -2mm, nitrogen pressure 1.5MPa, and speed reduction by 50%.

IV. Equipment Maintenance and Inspection

1. Laser Output Testing:

- Use a power meter to measure actual output to see if it meets the specification (e.g., a 3000W machine that only produces 2500W requires repair).

2. Optical System Cleaning:

- Clean the focusing lens and protective lens to ensure transmittance > 95%.

3. Nozzle Condition:

- Replace any damaged or enlarged nozzles (recommended for plates with a diameter of 1.5-2.0mm).

V. Trial Cut Verification Method

1. Step Test:

- Cut a straight line on the same plate with different parameters and observe the critical penetration point.

2. Inclined Plate Test:

- Cut with an inclined plate to find the optimal focus position (as shown below).

VI. Summary: The Ultimate Solution for Incomplete Cuts

1. Insufficient Energy → Increase Power/Reduce Speed.

2. Energy Loss → Adjust Focus/Clean Optical Path.

3. Slag Retention → Increase Gas Pressure/Change Gas Type.

4. Equipment Failure → Inspect Laser/Optical Components.

Tip: Record successful parameters and save them in the equipment database for direct recall for similar materials next time!