The advantages of nitrogen use in Laser Cutting

Nitrogen is inert, dry, non-flamable gas used to remove oxygen.

Prevents Oxidation, scaling or discolorization

Rapidly removes molten metal or dross from cutting zone

Protects laser optics, mirrors and lenses

Gives edges better adhesion for Paint

Gives welded edges improved bend strength

Removes particulate from beam path reducing distor

Laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) cutting is a technology that uses light to cut various materials through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. Some industrial applications for cutting metals are with CO2 Laser and Fiber Laser cutting equipment.

CO2 Laser (gas laser)

• • Faster for thicker materials( >3mm),
  • Less Expensive Capital cost
  • Higher electrical cost to run
  • Nitrogen Requirement:
    • Flow Rate: 100 – 2000 SCFH
    • Pressure: 100 – 550 PSI
    • Purity: 99% – 99.999%
• Fiber Laser
  • Faster for thinner materials (<3mm),
  • Lower electrical cost to run,
  • More versatile material cutting ability
  • Longer run time between maintenance
  • Nitrogen Requirements range:
    • Flow Rate: 500 – 3000 SCFH
    • Pressure: 100 – 550 PSI
    • Purity: 99% – 99.999%Nitrogen has been utilized in the Laser Cutting industry for many years in a variety of applications including higher pressure gas assist cutting, blanketing and beam purge. Nitrogen is often required as a gas assist for cutting to provide cleaner edges, prevent discoloration, improve bend strength and improve paint adhesion. Sunny Young’s tried, tested and proven PSA Nitrogen Generation Technology safely separates the readily available Nitrogen from within the air we breathe.

       

      The two primary uses for nitrogen within Laser Cutting are for Gas Assist Cutting and Laser Beam Purge.

• Gas Assist Cutting: nitrogen is used as a shroud gas to blanket the laser beam when cutting. This removes oxygen from the cutting zone which prevents oxidizing, discoloration or dross.
  • High Pressure Gas Assist cutting requires up to 600 PSI with nitrogen purity ranging from 95% – 99.99% depending on the laser.
    • Nitrogen Flow rate can range from 500 – 3000 SCFH depending on the Lasers requirements.
  • Low Pressure Gas Assist cutting requires pressures ranging from 50 – 200 PSI and purities typically range from 95% – 99.99%.
    • Nitrogen Flow rate can range from 200 – 2000 SCFH depending on the Lasers requirements.
• Laser Beam Purge: Nitrogen is used as a beam path purge to remove any particulate from the laser beams path from the nozzle to the cutting zone. This prevents any laser distortion and helps to maintain a more precise cut.
  • Requires low pressure nitrogen – up to 100 PSI and purities ranging from 95% – 99%
  • Requires lower nitrogen flow rate and could range from 10 – 100 SCFH depending on the lasers requirements.