When cutting aluminum, there are several important factors to consider to ensure a successful and safe laser cutting process. The cutting method you choose will depend on the type of aluminum, the thickness of the material, and the tools available. Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Aluminum Alloy and Grade: Different aluminum alloys have varying levels of hardness and ductility. Ensure you know the specific grade of aluminum you require and then we will adjust our cutting parameters accordingly. At GF Laser we stock and regularly cut a range of aluminium including 1050 and 5251.
2. Cutting Tool Selection: Choose appropriate cutting tools for aluminum cutting. Common tools include saws, shears, plasma cutters, and CNC machines with appropriate end mills or router bits. Obviously, we want you to choose laser cutting for your aluminium project but if it’s not suitable we will suggest alternatives.
3. Cutting Speed: The cutting speed refers to the relative speed between the cutting tool and the aluminum workpiece. It is essential to select an appropriate cutting speed to prevent excessive heat buildup and maintain a clean cut. GF Laser use the latest Fiber lasers that cut faster and more efficiently then older CO2 lasers. These savings are passed on to our customers.
4. Material Fixturing: Securely fasten the aluminum workpiece to prevent vibrations and movement during cutting, ensuring accurate and clean cuts. This is vital in our 5 axis laser cutting cells where we regularly cut aluminium for the automotive and other industries
5. Testing and Practice: Before cutting a large and valuable piece of aluminum, GFL can undertake some test cuts with similar materials to fine-tune the cutting parameters and techniques.
For more details, a discussion or to arrange a free quotation please contact us today.