Important: Before performing any troubleshooting, always wear protective glasses and ensure the machine is powered on safely.

Core Troubleshooting Guidelines: From Simple to Complex

The main causes of "not cutting through" are as follows. Please check them one by one in order:

1. Process Parameter Setting Issues (Most Common)

Laser Power Too Low:

Problem Description: Insufficient energy to completely melt and vaporize the metal.

Solution: Check that the power setting in the CNC program is correct. Refer to the cutting parameter table provided by the machine manufacturer and increase the laser power percentage based on the material type and thickness. Do not set it based on intuition.

Cutting Speed Too Fast:

Problem Description: The laser stays on each unit area too short, preventing a complete cut.

Solution: Reduce the cutting speed appropriately. Observe the sparks during cutting: If the sparks are tilted backward (opposite to the cutting direction), this is typically a sign of excessive cutting speed. Adjust the cutting speed so that the sparks are directed vertically downward.

Incorrect Focus Position:

Problem Description: The focus position (focal spot) determines the point of highest energy density. If the focus is not in the correct position, the energy will be dispersed, resulting in reduced cutting performance.

Solution: Recalibrate the focus. Check and set the correct focus position (negative focus is usually required for cutting thick plate). Use a focal ruler or the machine's autofocus function to ensure accuracy.

2. Assist Gas Issue

Incorrect Gas Type:

Problem Description: Oxygen (O₂) is mistakenly used instead of nitrogen (N₂) when cutting stainless steel or aluminum alloys. Oxygen reacts with the material, but on highly reflective materials or when a clean cut is required, it can form an oxide layer that hinders cutting.

Solution: Check and switch gases immediately! High-purity nitrogen (N₂) must be used when cutting stainless steel and aluminum alloys.

Insufficient Gas Pressure:

Problem Description: The gas pressure is insufficient to completely and quickly blow the molten metal away from the cut, causing slag to re-condense at the bottom, resulting in "drossing" and a poor cut. Solution: Increase the gas pressure according to the plate thickness. Thicker plates require higher gas pressure. Please refer to the equipment parameter table for adjustments.

Insufficient gas purity:

Problem description: Even if nitrogen is used, if the purity is insufficient (for example, less than 99.99%), small amounts of oxygen and moisture can interfere with the cutting process.

Solution: Ensure that nitrogen with a purity of 99.99% (four nines) or higher is used.

3. Equipment hardware status problem

Contaminated or damaged optical lenses:

Problem description: Dust, oil, or water droplets on the surfaces of lenses such as the protective lens and focusing lens can significantly attenuate laser power, resulting in insufficient energy reaching the material.

Solution: Clean the optical lenses regularly (using absolute alcohol and dust-free paper). Inspect the lenses for irreversible burns or scratches, and replace them immediately if any.

Incorrect or damaged nozzle:

Problem description: The nozzle aperture is too small to provide the required airflow for thick plate cutting; or the nozzle center hole is rubbed and deformed, which can seriously affect the airflow direction and pressure. Solution: Select a nozzle with an appropriate aperture based on the plate thickness (a larger aperture, such as φ2.0mm or larger, is recommended for thick plates). Regularly inspect and replace damaged nozzles.

Laser Output Power Degradation:

Problem Description: Laser output power naturally degrades over time.

Solution: Use a laser power meter to measure the laser output power to confirm it meets the specified value. For professional testing, please contact the equipment manufacturer.

4. Other Causes

Material Issues: Thick rust, oil coating, or uneven material (such as non-standard alloys) on the material surface can affect laser absorption.

Insufficient Piercing Height or Time: When cutting thick plates, the cutting motion is started before the plate is fully penetrated.

We hope this detailed guide will help you quickly resolve the issue! If none of the above steps can resolve the issue, please contact your equipment supplier for technical support.