Quick Reference Guide

Section 90
Essential parameters, formulas, and troubleshooting tips for daily laser cutting operations
Table of Contents

Quick Reference Guide

Essential information for daily laser cutting operations. Print this page for quick access to key parameters, formulas, and troubleshooting tips.

🔧 Standard Cutting Parameters

Carbon Steel (Oxygen Cutting)

Thickness Power (W) Speed (mm/min) O₂ Pressure (bar) Focus (mm)
1mm 800-1200 3000-5000 0.5-0.8 0 to -0.5
2mm 1000-1500 2000-3500 0.6-1.0 0 to -0.5
3mm 1200-1800 1500-2500 0.7-1.2 -0.5 to -1.0
5mm 1500-2500 800-1500 0.8-1.5 -1.0 to -1.5
8mm 2000-3500 400-800 1.0-1.8 -1.5 to -2.5
10mm 2500-4000 300-600 1.2-2.0 -2.0 to -3.0

Stainless Steel (Nitrogen Cutting)

Thickness Power (W) Speed (mm/min) N₂ Pressure (bar) Focus (mm)
1mm 1200-1800 2500-4000 10-15 0 to -0.5
2mm 1500-2500 1500-2500 12-16 0 to -1.0
3mm 2000-3000 1000-1800 14-18 -0.5 to -1.5
5mm 2500-4000 600-1200 15-20 -1.0 to -2.0
8mm 3500-5500 300-600 16-22 -1.5 to -2.5
10mm 4000-6000 200-400 18-25 -2.0 to -3.0

Aluminum (Nitrogen Cutting)

Thickness Power (W) Speed (mm/min) N₂ Pressure (bar) Focus (mm)
1mm 1500-2500 3000-5000 12-18 0 to -0.5
2mm 2000-3500 2000-3500 14-20 0 to -1.0
3mm 2500-4000 1500-2500 16-22 -0.5 to -1.5
5mm 3500-5500 800-1500 18-25 -1.0 to -2.0
8mm 4500-7000 400-800 20-28 -1.5 to -2.5
10mm 5500-8000 200-500 22-30 -2.0 to -3.0

📐 Essential Formulas

Energy Density Calculation

Energy Density (J/cm²) = Power (W) / (Speed (mm/s) × Kerf Width (mm) × 10)

Linear Energy Calculation

Linear Energy (J/mm) = Power (W) / Speed (mm/s)

Gas Consumption Estimation

Gas Consumption (m³/h) = Flow Rate (L/min) × 0.06

Cutting Time Estimation

Cutting Time (min) = Total Cut Length (mm) / Cutting Speed (mm/min)

Material Utilization

Utilization (%) = (Part Area / Sheet Area) × 100

⚠️ Quick Troubleshooting

Poor Edge Quality

Symptoms: Rough, wavy, or uneven edges

  • ✓ Check focus position (most common cause)
  • ✓ Clean protective window and lens
  • ✓ Replace worn cutting nozzle
  • ✓ Verify gas pressure and flow
  • ✓ Adjust cutting speed

Excessive Dross

Symptoms: Metal droplets on bottom edge

  • ✓ Increase cutting speed
  • ✓ Increase gas pressure
  • ✓ Reduce laser power
  • ✓ Check gas purity
  • ✓ Verify nozzle condition

Incomplete Cuts

Symptoms: Material not cut through

  • ✓ Increase laser power
  • ✓ Decrease cutting speed
  • ✓ Check focus position
  • ✓ Verify gas flow
  • ✓ Check material thickness

Burn Marks

Symptoms: Heat damage or discoloration

  • ✓ Increase cutting speed
  • ✓ Reduce laser power
  • ✓ Improve material support
  • ✓ Check assist gas type
  • ✓ Optimize focus position

🔍 Quality Standards (ISO 9013)

Quality Grades

Grade Perpendicularity Surface Roughness Dross Height Applications
1 ≤ 0.05 + 0.03t ≤ 10 + 0.6t None Aerospace, Medical
2 ≤ 0.1 + 0.05t ≤ 25 + 1.0t ≤ 0.1 Precision Manufacturing
3 ≤ 0.2 + 0.1t ≤ 50 + 1.6t ≤ 0.3 General Manufacturing
4 ≤ 0.5 + 0.15t ≤ 100 + 2.5t ≤ 0.6 Construction

Note: t = material thickness in mm

🛡️ Safety Checklist

Daily Safety Checks

  • Emergency stop buttons functional
  • Safety interlocks operational
  • Protective equipment available
  • Fume extraction working
  • Fire suppression ready

Laser Safety Classes

  • Class 1: Inherently safe
  • Class 1M: Safe for naked eye viewing
  • Class 2: Visible beam warning required
  • Class 3R: Controlled access required
  • Class 3B: Key control required
  • Class 4: Full safety measures required

PPE Requirements

  • Safety glasses (appropriate OD rating)
  • Protective clothing (non-reflective)
  • Heat-resistant gloves
  • Safety shoes
  • Hearing protection (if required)

🔧 Maintenance Intervals

Daily (5 minutes)

  • Check laser power output
  • Verify gas pressures
  • Inspect nozzle condition
  • Clean protective window
  • Check coolant levels

Weekly (30 minutes)

  • Clean optical components
  • Check gas system for leaks
  • Lubricate motion system
  • Test safety systems
  • Review error logs

Monthly (2-3 hours)

  • Comprehensive optical cleaning
  • Calibration verification
  • Mechanical system inspection
  • Replace consumables
  • Performance testing

💰 Cost Estimation

Typical Operating Costs

  • Electricity: $0.10-0.15 per kWh
  • Oxygen: $0.50-1.50 per m³
  • Nitrogen: $1.50-3.00 per m³
  • Compressed Air: $0.10-0.30 per m³

Consumable Life Expectancy

  • Cutting Nozzles: 8-40 hours
  • Protective Windows: 100-500 hours
  • Focus Lenses: 500-2000 hours
  • Gas Filters: 1000-3000 hours

Hourly Rate Components

Hourly Rate = Equipment Cost + Labor + Utilities + Consumables + Overhead

Typical Ranges:

  • Job Shop: $80-150/hour
  • Production: $60-120/hour
  • Precision: $120-250/hour

📞 Emergency Contacts

Equipment Issues

  • Laser manufacturer technical support
  • Local service representative
  • Equipment supplier hotline

Safety Emergencies

  • Emergency services: 911
  • Facility safety officer
  • Environmental health & safety
  • Fire department (non-emergency)

Operational Support

  • Production supervisor
  • Quality manager
  • Maintenance department
  • Engineering support

📱 Mobile-Friendly QR Codes

Print QR codes linking to:

  • Parameter database
  • Troubleshooting guide
  • Safety procedures
  • Maintenance schedules
  • Emergency contacts

🔄 Version Control

Document Version: 2.1
Last Updated: Current Date
Next Review: Quarterly
Approved By: Technical Manager

Print this page and keep it near your laser cutting station for quick reference during daily operations.

Last updated: July 5, 2025