The metalworking industry is under increasing pressure to make its processes not only more efficient, but also more sustainable.
Against this backdrop, laser cutting plays a central role in the metalworking industry.
The right choice and targeted use of process gases can not only improve cutting quality, but also significantly reduce the CO2 footprint.
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The use of process gases is essential in laser cutting. These gases fulfill different tasks, which vary depending on the material and the desired result. The most commonly used gases are oxygen (O₂), nitrogen (N₂) and their mixtures. Each of these gases contributes to optimizing the cutting process in a specific way. Nitrogen (N₂) is often used as a shielding gas. It is inert and prevents oxidation and discoloration of the cutting edge, which is particularly important for materials such as stainless steel.
By using nitrogen, a clean cut can be achieved as it does not chemically react with the material. This is particularly important for applications where a high surface quality is required. Oxygen (O₂), on the other hand, is used to speed up the cutting process. It reacts with the material to be cut and generates additional heat through exothermic reactions, which increases the cutting speed. Oxygen is the preferred choice for cutting mild steel, where high cutting speeds and efficiency are required.
Innovation through gas mixtures: the potential of Lasal Mix O₂
The combination of oxygen and nitrogen in the form of the Lasal Mix O₂ gas mixture offers great potential for increasing performance in laser cutting. This mixture combines the advantages of both gases: The exothermic reaction of oxygen enables higher cutting speeds, while nitrogen prevents oxidation and ensures clean cutting edges. The flexibility of the mixing ratio makes it possible to optimally adapt the performance of the cutting process to the specific requirements.
Sustainability and efficiency: reducing the carbon footprint
A decisive advantage of using Lasal Mix O₂ is the significant reduction in energy consumption. The improved absorption of laser energy in the kerf leads to a more efficient use of energy. This can either increase the cutting speed or reduce gas and power consumption. With the same laser power, gas consumption can be reduced by at least 40 percent, while the cutting speed can be increased by over 20 percent. This efficiency gain makes a significant contribution to reducing the carbon footprint, as less energy is consumed per meter of metal cut. The metalworking industry is therefore making an important contribution to sustainability.
Efficiency and availability
Further advantages of Lasal Mix O₂ are its cost-effectiveness and availability. The gases Lasal 2001 (nitrogen 5.0) and Lasal 2003 (oxygen 3.5) are available throughout Europe in a uniformly high quality and can be used without significant investment on the part of the user. This makes them an attractive option for companies that want to optimize their cutting processes without having to accept high costs.
Conclusion: Future-proof solutions for metal processing
The use of nitrogen-oxygen mixtures in laser cutting offers a versatile and efficient solution for different materials and applications. By specifically adapting the gas mixture to the respective requirements, companies can not only improve cutting quality and speed, but also reduce their carbon footprint. This makes Lasal Mix O₂ a future-proof choice for the metalworking industry.
In times when sustainability and efficiency are becoming increasingly important, optimizing the laser cutting process by using suitable process gases offers a valuable opportunity to increase competitiveness while protecting the environment.
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