This post looks at how GF Laser use their cutting laser for galvanised mild steel.
Our cutting lasers are really efficient at cutting galvanized mild steel. The post below looks at the properties of galvanised mild steel and how we laser cut it.
Firstly, what is galvanised mild steel?
Galvanised mild steel or “galv” as it’s commonly known is is a type of steel that has been coated with a protective layer of zinc to prevent rusting and corrosion. Here are some key features:
- Mild Steel: Mild steel is a low-carbon steel, meaning it has a relatively low percentage of carbon compared to other types of steel. This makes it more ductile, malleable, and easier to work with, but also means it’s less strong and hard than higher carbon steels.
- Galvanization Process: The process of galvanizing involves applying a zinc coating to the steel. This is typically done through a process called hot-dip galvanizing, where the steel is submerged in a bath of molten zinc. The zinc forms a barrier that protects the steel from moisture and environmental elements that can cause rust and corrosion.
- Corrosion Resistance: The zinc layer acts as a sacrificial anode, meaning it will corrode first before the steel, thereby offering a significant degree of protection. This makes galvanized mild steel particularly useful in outdoor applications or environments where the steel is exposed to moisture.
- Applications: Galvanized mild steel is used in a wide range of applications where corrosion resistance is needed, such as in the construction of outdoor structures, fencing, automotive body parts, roofing, and more.
- Welding and Fabrication: While galvanized steel can be welded and fabricated like normal steel, special care must be taken due to the zinc coating, which can produce harmful fumes when heated and can affect the quality of the weld if not properly handled.
- Durability and Maintenance: Galvanized steel is known for its durability and long life span. It requires less maintenance compared to non-galvanized steel, as the zinc coating slows down the rate of corrosion significantly.
What laser cutting machine do you use?
At GF Laser we find that our Trumpf fiber laser cutting machines provide the best finish for cutting galvanised mild steel. However, we can still cut using our CO2 lasers but there does tend to be more burr and also the cutting isn’t as fast resulting in a higher cost to the customer.
What thicknesses of galvanised mild steel do you cut?
Our fiber cutting lasers make short work of thinner galvanised material but we can cut up to 5mm thick. However, galvanised mild steel thicker than 5mm is not readily available so we recommend customers post galvanise parts 5mm and above.
Laser Cutting Parameters for cutting galvanised mild steel.
The parameters for cutting this material are very similar to any other metal such as adjusting laser power, cutting gas and cutting speed. However, we tend to increase the nozzle distance from the material to the laser cutting head so that any spatter from the material does not contaminate the focusing lens on the laser which then can cause cut quality issues.
What size material do you stock?
The typical size sheet of galvanised mild steel we keep in stock is 2500mm x 1250mm in a variety of different thicknesses. However, we can source 4000mm x 2000mm sheets although these sizes aren’t readily available.
How do I get a quotation?
You can use the following methods:
- Via email at sales@gflaser.co.uk
- Via our online laser cutting enquiry form
- Call us on 01384 245095
Please include the number of parts you require, any CAD or drawings and your shipping address. Our sales team look forward to hearing from you.