Using argon instead of oxygen for laser cutting

[Knotfreak]

Hi,

I've been asked by our Mazak laser operator to find out if using argon instead of oxygen will produce cleaner results on the parts. He gave me some specs of the machine. It's a Mazak laser 1500W cutting machine (model number X41500) with a 4'x 8' table. We use it to cut .5" mild steel. If you need more info I'll be happy to provide it.

 

[IRstuff]

Have you tried Mazak Tech support?

TTFN

 

[JayMaechtlen]

Mild steel doesn't cut well with inert gas.
(ok, overgeneralization)
For 1500 Watts, you can maybe cut .080 or .1" with air or Nitrogen. I don't know how much power it would take to cut 1/2" mild with a CO2 laser- maybe 25KW or more?

I think that, in most cases, Nitrogen will work as well as Argon for inert cutting. Exceptions are Titanium and such.
Argon is a heavier gas, so it may take more pressure for a particular orifice size.
Regards
Jay


Jay Maechtlen