Laser Processing in the CNC Industry
Positioning vs. Milling/Turning/EDM
- Non-contact, minimal cutting forces → suitable for thin sheets, microstructures, deformable parts.
- Thermal process: risk of HAZ, dross, discoloration; ultra-short pulse minimizes thermal effects.
- Geometric capabilities: 2D/3D cutting, micro-drilling, surface hardening, cladding, welding, marking, and even Additive Manufacturing (LPBF, DED).
- Cycle time: very fast for thin sheets/marking; less efficient for thick plates or reflective metals.
Laser Types & Applications
- Fiber: metals cutting/welding/marking.
- CO₂: non-metals (wood, acrylic, leather).
- Green/blue: reflective metals (copper, aluminum, gold).
- Picosecond/femtosecond: brittle materials, glass, ceramics, SiC, micro-processing.
Main Processes
- Cutting (2D/3D/tube), drilling, welding, surface treatment, marking, AM/hybrid.
Integration with CNC
- Independent laser machines, hybrid CNC+laser, robotic/5-axis + galvo, DED hybrid.
- G/M code control for laser ON/OFF, power modulation, synchronized with feed.
- CAM features: piercing strategies, lead-in/out, micro-joints, corner power reduction, nesting.
Parameters & Quality
- Core: power, pulse energy, frequency, duty cycle, focus, spot size, feed, assist gas (O₂/N₂/Ar).
- Quality indicators: dross, taper, HAZ, roughness, dimensional accuracy, weld porosity.
Applications
- Sheet metal, tubes, micro-holes, battery welding, medical parts, marking & traceability, repair/additive.
Safety & Maintenance
- Class 4 laser: enclosure, interlocks, goggles, fume extraction.
- Optics cleaning, chiller maintenance, power calibration.
Stainless Steel Color Laser Engraving
Principle
- Utilizes fiber laser (1064 nm) with controlled pulse energy and scanning speed.
- Produces nanostructures/oxide films on the stainless steel surface.
- These thin films (20–300 nm) generate interference colors (blue, red, green, purple, gold, etc.).
- No paint or chemical is required; the color comes from light interference and oxidation layer thickness.
Process Characteristics
- Requires precise control of power, pulse width, frequency, scanning speed, and line spacing.
- Color depends on oxide film thickness (10–20 nm difference can shift from blue to green).
- Laser polarization & hatch angle also affect color consistency.
- Compared with ordinary engraving: more complex, requires strict parameter control.
Applications
- Luxury goods & watches → logos, decorative patterns.
- Electronics → color coding, anti-counterfeiting labels.
- Medical devices → permanent color marking (biocompatible, corrosion resistant).
- Gifts, art, branding → full-color metallic effects.
Advantages
- Durable, wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant.
- No consumables (environmentally friendly).
- High resolution, fine detail, multi-color.
Limitations
- Only effective on stainless steel (other metals have weaker color response).
- Limited efficiency; slower than black/white marking.
- Colors may vary depending on light angle.
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