A laser cutting machine system generally consists of a laser generator, an external beam transmission assembly, a worktable (machine tool), a CNC cabinet, a cooler, and a computer (hardware and software).
1) Machine Tool Main Unit: The machine tool part of the laser cutting machine, the mechanical part that realizes the movement of the X, Y, and Z axes, including the cutting work platform. It is used to place the workpiece to be cut and can move it correctly and accurately according to the control program, usually driven by a servo motor.
2) Laser Generator: The device that generates the laser source. For laser cutting applications, except for a few cases where YAG solid-state lasers are used, most use CO2 gas lasers with high electro-optical conversion efficiency and high output power. Because laser cutting has very high requirements for beam quality, not all lasers can be used for cutting. Gaussian mode is suitable for less than 1500W, low-order mode CO2 lasers 100W-3000W, and multimode lasers above 3000W.
3) External Optical Path: Refraction and reflection mirrors, used to guide the laser in the desired direction. To prevent beam path malfunctions, all mirrors are protected by protective covers and circulated with clean, positive-pressure protective gas to prevent contamination. A high-performance lens will focus a beam with no divergence angle into an infinitesimally small spot. A 5.0-inch focal length lens is generally used. A 7.5-inch lens is only used for materials thicker than 12mm.
4) CNC System: Controls the machine tool's X, Y, and Z axis movements, and also controls the laser's output power.
5) Regulated Power Supply: Connects the laser, CNC machine tool, and power supply system. Its main function is to prevent interference from the external power grid.
6) Cutting Head: Mainly includes the cavity, focusing lens mount, focusing lens, capacitive sensor, and auxiliary gas nozzle. The cutting head drive unit drives the cutting head along the Z-axis according to the program, consisting of a servo motor and transmission components such as a lead screw or gear.
7) Operating Table: Used to control the entire cutting process.
8) Chiller Unit: Used to cool the laser generator. A laser is a device that converts electrical energy into light energy. For example, the conversion rate of a CO2 gas laser is typically 20%, with the remaining energy converted into heat. Cooling water removes excess heat to maintain the normal operation of the laser generator. The chiller also cools the external optical path reflectors and focusing lenses of the machine tool to ensure stable beam transmission quality and effectively prevent lens overheating that could lead to deformation or breakage.
9) Gas cylinders: These include working medium cylinders and auxiliary cylinders for the laser cutting machine, used to replenish the industrial gas for laser oscillation and supply auxiliary gas for the cutting head.
10) Air compressors and storage tanks: These provide and store compressed air.
11) Air-cooled dryers and filters: These supply clean, dry air to the laser generator and beam path to maintain the normal operation of the path and reflectors.
12) Exhaust fan and dust collector: This extracts fumes and dust generated during processing and filters them to ensure that exhaust emissions meet environmental protection standards.
13) Slag remover: This removes scrap and waste generated during processing.