1. Material preparation and understanding of characteristics
Material characteristics: Understand the physical properties such as melting point, thermal conductivity, and reflectivity of PBT material in order to adjust the parameters of the laser cutting machine. PBT has a high melting point and good thermal stability, therefore it requires appropriate laser power and cutting speed.
Material pretreatment: Ensure that the surface of PBT material is clean, free of oil stains, and impurities to avoid affecting cutting quality and speed.
2. Cutting parameter settings
Laser power: Set the appropriate laser power according to the thickness and cutting requirements of PBT material. Excessive power may cause material burning or deformation, while insufficient power may not effectively cut.
Cutting speed: Control the appropriate cutting speed to ensure a smooth cut and no heat affected zone. A cutting speed that is too fast may result in an uneven cut, while a cutting speed that is too slow may reduce processing efficiency.
Gas selection: Choose appropriate auxiliary gases, such as nitrogen or oxygen, to optimize cutting efficiency and prevent material combustion. Nitrogen is typically used to prevent material oxidation, while oxygen may be used to enhance cutting reactions.
Focal length adjustment: Ensure that the focus of the laser beam accurately falls on the surface of PBT material to achieve satisfactory cutting results.
3. Operation process and safety
Professional training: Operators need to undergo professional training and be familiar with the operation methods and safety regulations of laser cutting machines.
Safety protection: During operation, operators should wear protective goggles, gloves, and other protective equipment to prevent laser radiation and splashes from injuring people.
Equipment inspection: Before cutting, check whether the various components of the laser cutting machine are working properly, such as the cooling system, lubrication system, air circuit system, etc.
On site environment: Ensure that the environment around the laser cutting machine is clean and tidy, and maintain good ventilation to prevent smoke accumulation and fire risks.
Monitoring and adjustment: During the cutting process, closely monitor the cutting situation and adjust parameters such as laser power and cutting speed in a timely manner.
4. Post processing and maintenance
Cleaning the work area: After cutting is completed, promptly clean the work area and laser cutting machine to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
Equipment maintenance: Regularly maintain and upkeep the laser cutting machine, such as cleaning the machine, inspecting the cutting head, replacing vulnerable parts, etc., to ensure the normal operation of the equipment and cutting quality.
5. Precautions
Avoid setting too high parameters: Do not set too high laser power and cutting speed to avoid damaging equipment or materials.
Pay attention to material deformation: Due to the possibility of deformation of PBT material during heating, it is necessary to control cutting parameters and cutting methods reasonably.
