Why is speed adjustment so important?

A laser cutting machine's cutting speed refers to the speed at which the laser head moves, typically measured in meters per minute (m/min). Improper speed adjustment can lead to:

Too fast: Incomplete cutting, backward sparks, rough cross-sections, and dross at the bottom.

Too slow: Over-burning of the material, widening of the kerf, reduced efficiency, increased energy consumption, and increased lens contamination.

Core goal: Find the "golden speed" that best suits the current cutting task and achieves perfect cutting.

How to adjust the optimal cutting speed?

Step 1: Access the manufacturer's parameter library (most recommended)

Modern laser cutting machines have a vast built-in database of material parameters. This serves as the starting point for adjustment.

Operation: In the CNC system, select Material Type (e.g., carbon steel) -> Thickness (e.g., 6mm) -> Gas (e.g., oxygen). The system will automatically generate a set of initial parameters, including power, speed, pressure, and focus.

Step 2: Perform a test cut and observe

Perform a test cut using the initial parameters. While cutting, closely observe the direction of the sparks:

Optimal: Sparks fly vertically from top to bottom, with more sparks at the bottom of the cut. This indicates the speed is just right.

Excessive speed: Sparks fly at an angle backward (against the direction of laser head movement), with fewer sparks at the bottom of the cut. Result: Incomplete cut.

Excessive speed: Sparks fly at an angle forward (in the direction of laser head movement) or do not diverge. Result: Overcut or wide kerf.

Step 3: Fine-tune based on observation

If incomplete cut/sparks fly backward: Reduce speed or increase power.

If overcut/sparks fly forward: Increase speed or reduce power.

Adjust one parameter at a time (it is recommended to fine-tune speed first) and keep track until you find the optimal result.

Step 4: Use the "Blank Pen" function for batch testing

Advanced method: Program the system to have the laser head cut a long line on the same scrap material at a continuously variable speed (for example, from 2m/min to 5m/min, in increments of 0.2m/min).

After the cut is completed, by observing the cutting status of the entire line, you can intuitively find the critical point between a through-cut and a non-through-cut, thereby accurately determining the optimal speed range.

Golden rule: Always start with the manufacturer's parameter library, make small adjustments by observing the spark pattern, and keep records to build your own process library. Once you become familiar with the "characteristics" of the equipment, adjusting parameters will become effortless, significantly improving production quality and efficiency.