{"id":18435,"date":"2026-04-20T05:43:15","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T03:43:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bbr.news\/?p=18435"},"modified":"2026-04-20T05:43:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T03:43:15","slug":"the-cutting-gas-shapes-the-cutting-edge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bbr.news\/en\/the-cutting-gas-shapes-the-cutting-edge","title":{"rendered":"The cutting gas shapes the cutting edge"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"shariff shariff-align-left shariff-widget-align-left\" data-services=\"facebook\" data-url=\"https:\/\/bbr.news\/en\/the-cutting-gas-shapes-the-cutting-edge\" data-timestamp=\"1776663795\" data-hidezero=\"1\" data-backendurl=\"https:\/\/bbr.news\/en\/wp-json\/shariff\/v1\/share_counts?\"><ul class=\"shariff-buttons theme-round orientation-horizontal buttonsize-small\"><li class=\"shariff-button twitter shariff-nocustomcolor\" style=\"background-color:#595959\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbbr.news%2Fen%2Fthe-cutting-gas-shapes-the-cutting-edge&text=The%20cutting%20gas%20shapes%20the%20cutting%20edge\" title=\"Bei X teilen\" aria-label=\"Bei X teilen\" role=\"button\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" class=\"shariff-link\" style=\"; 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background-color:#999; color:#fff\"><span class=\"shariff-icon\" style=\"\"><svg width=\"32px\" height=\"20px\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path fill=\"#999\" d=\"M32 12.7v14.2q0 1.2-0.8 2t-2 0.9h-26.3q-1.2 0-2-0.9t-0.8-2v-14.2q0.8 0.9 1.8 1.6 6.5 4.4 8.9 6.1 1 0.8 1.6 1.2t1.7 0.9 2 0.4h0.1q0.9 0 2-0.4t1.7-0.9 1.6-1.2q3-2.2 8.9-6.1 1-0.7 1.8-1.6zM32 7.4q0 1.4-0.9 2.7t-2.2 2.2q-6.7 4.7-8.4 5.8-0.2 0.1-0.7 0.5t-1 0.7-0.9 0.6-1.1 0.5-0.9 0.2h-0.1q-0.4 0-0.9-0.2t-1.1-0.5-0.9-0.6-1-0.7-0.7-0.5q-1.6-1.1-4.7-3.2t-3.6-2.6q-1.1-0.7-2.1-2t-1-2.5q0-1.4 0.7-2.3t2.1-0.9h26.3q1.2 0 2 0.8t0.9 2z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"shariff-button printer shariff-nocustomcolor\" style=\"background-color:#a8a8a8\"><a href=\"javascript:window.print()\" title=\"drucken\" aria-label=\"drucken\" role=\"button\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" class=\"shariff-link\" style=\"; background-color:#999; color:#fff\"><span class=\"shariff-icon\" style=\"\"><svg width=\"32px\" height=\"20px\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 30 32\"><path fill=\"#999\" d=\"M6.8 27.4h16v-4.6h-16v4.6zM6.8 16h16v-6.8h-2.8q-0.7 0-1.2-0.5t-0.5-1.2v-2.8h-11.4v11.4zM27.4 17.2q0-0.5-0.3-0.8t-0.8-0.4-0.8 0.4-0.3 0.8 0.3 0.8 0.8 0.3 0.8-0.3 0.3-0.8zM29.7 17.2v7.4q0 0.2-0.2 0.4t-0.4 0.2h-4v2.8q0 0.7-0.5 1.2t-1.2 0.5h-17.2q-0.7 0-1.2-0.5t-0.5-1.2v-2.8h-4q-0.2 0-0.4-0.2t-0.2-0.4v-7.4q0-1.4 1-2.4t2.4-1h1.2v-9.7q0-0.7 0.5-1.2t1.2-0.5h12q0.7 0 1.6 0.4t1.3 0.8l2.7 2.7q0.5 0.5 0.9 1.4t0.4 1.6v4.6h1.1q1.4 0 2.4 1t1 2.4z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><h3>In laser cutting, the choice of cutting gas determines quality, speed and efficiency. Thick steel sheets in particular show that even small deviations in the settings lead to burrs, discoloration or distortion. This affects appearance, function, reworking &#8211; and in extreme cases, safety.  <\/h3>\n<p>As the material thickness increases, so does the sensitivity of the laser cutting process, as contract manufacturer Rime from Riesa reports. Long cutting paths, high heat input and difficult melt ejection favor typical defect patterns, such as an increased burr, especially with nitrogen cutting, if the pressure or volume flow is too low. Discoloration, oxidation and slag formation also occur. These are typical with oxygen cutting, especially with thick sheets from 20 mm. Distortion is caused by large heat-affected zones with non-optimal parameters. Users of fiber lasers must expect increased roughness and scoring. They are caused by multiple reflections at the cutting edge.     <\/p>\n<p>Another source of error comes from material that has not been optimized for laser cutting during production, for example laser press or similar. Another cause can be unclean, painted or blasted surfaces. High energy requirements and heavy machine loads are also undesirable &#8211; thick sheets require high laser power and stable mechanics. In addition, heat-induced structural changes are always a risk. This can lead to local material fatigue and altered mechanical properties, such as surface hardening at the cutting edge. Last but not least, complex programs must be mentioned. With many small parts or complex contours, the sheet must be processed in several stages to give the material time to cool down      <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_18430\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-18430\" style=\"width: 299px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-18420\" src=\"https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/02-schnittkanten-rauhheit-schnittkontur-qualitaet-572x381.jpg\" alt=\"On the left is a clean, burr-free cut edge, on the right is a typical burr formation with oxidation discoloration. This shows how parameter control and gas management influence the quality of the result. (CO2 laser, cutting gas oxygen, sheet thickness approx. 15 mm). \u00a9 Rime\" width=\"299\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/02-schnittkanten-rauhheit-schnittkontur-qualitaet-572x381.jpg 572w, https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/02-schnittkanten-rauhheit-schnittkontur-qualitaet-657x438.jpg 657w, https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/02-schnittkanten-rauhheit-schnittkontur-qualitaet-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/02-schnittkanten-rauhheit-schnittkontur-qualitaet-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/02-schnittkanten-rauhheit-schnittkontur-qualitaet.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 299px) 100vw, 299px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-18430\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">On the left is a clean, burr-free cut edge, on the right is a typical burr formation with oxidation discoloration. This shows how parameter control and gas management influence the quality of the result. (CO2 laser, cutting gas oxygen, sheet thickness approx. 15 mm).  <br \/>Rime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4>Oxygen and nitrogen with specific advantages<\/h4>\n<p>The cutting gas fulfills three core tasks: It drives the molten metal out of the joint, controls the chemical reactions in the cut and thus shapes the cutting edge, process stability and productivity. First and foremost, oxygen (O\u2082) and nitrogen (N\u2082) should be mentioned here. Oxygen reacts exothermically and supplies additional heat to the kerf. This increases the cutting speed and enables greater material thicknesses. A high speed and good penetration is achieved especially with unalloyed and low-alloy steels. The disadvantage is that users have to accept scaled cutting edges. Reworking is also necessary for painted parts or parts for galvanizing.      <\/p>\n<p>Nitrogen is inert and prevents oxidation. The cut edge remains metallically bright and burr-free. The advantages for users are first-class edge quality for CO2 lasers with stainless steel, aluminum and non-ferrous metals as well as minimal reworking. With fiber lasers, very high cutting speeds are also possible for sheets up to 15 mm thick &#8211; several times faster than with CO2 lasers. However, nitrogen requires high pressures, typically 10 to 15 bar, and volume flows, up to around 90 m\u00b3\/h for thick stainless steel. Both of these factors drive up operating costs. With CO2 lasers, users also usually have to accept lower cutting speeds than with oxygen as the cutting gas.      <\/p>\n<h4>Mixed gas utilizes the strengths of both gases<\/h4>\n<p>Modern fiber laser systems use mixed gas strategies to balance speed and cut quality. The result is faster, cleaner cuts with reduced oxidation and less rework. <\/p>\n<p>In addition to the gas selection, numerous parameters determine the cutting quality. For example, the focus position is central. In oxygen laser cutting, the focus is usually on the surface to support the rapid oxidation reaction. In nitrogen laser cutting, the focus is close to the underside of the material due to the different process dynamics &#8211; this favors melting and effective blowing of the molten material.<br \/>\nThe nozzle geometry also differs. Nozzles with smaller hole diameters are used for oxygen, while nozzles with larger hole diameters are used for nitrogen in order to handle the higher gas volumes and pressures. It is important to maintain a constant working distance of around 0.25 to 2 mm from the workpiece to ensure stable gas flow.     <\/p>\n<p>The beam quality of the laser also has a strong influence on the cutting quality. With fiber lasers, the risk of multiple reflections in the cut increases with increasing sheet thickness, resulting in rougher edges. The CO\u2082 laser offers advantages here with its wavelength and absorption ratios.<br \/>\nLaser power and pulse frequency are further key parameters. They determine how thick materials are penetrated and how the heat input affects the material and cutting pattern. The choice of focusing system with a suitable lens ensures the optimum beam diameter for the cuts.<br \/>\nThe feed rate of the laser head is also part of the cutting process. It directly influences the heat input and the surface quality of the cut surface. Surface conditions such as oxide layers, dirt or oil residues change the absorption and make the process more difficult.      <\/p>\n<p>Last but not least, environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and dust play a role, as they influence gas flows and laser efficiency. The ability of the material or cooling systems to dissipate heat is also relevant, as they influence distortion and cutting characteristics. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_18431\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-18431\" style=\"width: 301px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-18421\" src=\"https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/03-20251127_Grafik-1_CO2vsN-678x381.png\" alt=\"Schematic representation of the focus position for oxygen (left) and nitrogen laser cutting (right) with focus point, kerf, heat-affected zone and nozzle geometry including working distance and nozzle sizes. \u00a9 Rime\" width=\"301\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/03-20251127_Grafik-1_CO2vsN-678x381.png 678w, https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/03-20251127_Grafik-1_CO2vsN-779x438.png 779w, https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/03-20251127_Grafik-1_CO2vsN-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/03-20251127_Grafik-1_CO2vsN-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/03-20251127_Grafik-1_CO2vsN.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 301px) 100vw, 301px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-18431\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Schematic representation of the focus position for oxygen (left) and nitrogen laser cutting (right) with focus point, kerf, heat-affected zone and nozzle geometry including working distance and nozzle sizes.<br \/>Rime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4>Characteristics of a good cut edge<\/h4>\n<p>Regardless of the cutting gas, a high-quality cutting edge can be recognized by defined criteria that ensure quality and minimal reworking in practice. A low surface roughness with a uniform scoring pattern is essential for a smooth, quiet surface. The cut should be vertical and straight &#8211; this is important for dimensional accuracy with thick materials.  <\/p>\n<p>In addition, the cut edge must be free of slag and burrs, as both require reworking and can impair function or appearance. A small heat-affected zone is also important in order to minimize thermal distortion. This improves accuracy of fit and stability.<br \/>\nFurthermore, a good cut edge is characterized by uniform edge smoothness without cracks or material ejection. Maintaining angular accuracy is also important, especially for complex and precise components.   <\/p>\n<h4>Even small details can increase cutting quality<\/h4>\n<p>Experienced users know: One detail often determines the quality of the cut. Increasing the nitrogen pressure by just 0.5 bar can eliminate burr formation and smooth the cut edge. Conversely, reducing the oxygen pressure by just 0.1 bar often prevents burnt corners. A minimally shifted focus point visibly changes the scoring pattern &#8211; to the advantage if correctly adjusted. The choice of a suitable nozzle also has a strong effect, as it reduces spatter and instability in the cutting process.    <\/p>\n<p>Despite careful optimization, the following applies in practice: Nitrogen laser cutting of thick steels often requires a certain amount of post-processing. In these cases, a completely burr-free or spatter-free cut is rarely achievable in the long term. In addition, regular adjustments and maintenance are essential in order to correct parameter deviations. This is the only way to ensure cutting quality in the long term.   <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_18432\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-18432\" style=\"width: 301px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-18422\" src=\"https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/04-20251127_Grafik-2_CO2vsFaserlaser-678x381.png\" alt=\"Comparison of the beam quality of CO\u2082 and fiber lasers: The CO\u2082 laser enables smoother cut edges thanks to better absorption, while with fiber lasers, multiple reflections can occur as the sheet thickness increases, resulting in rougher cut surfaces. \u00a9 Rime\" width=\"301\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/04-20251127_Grafik-2_CO2vsFaserlaser-678x381.png 678w, https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/04-20251127_Grafik-2_CO2vsFaserlaser-779x438.png 779w, https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/04-20251127_Grafik-2_CO2vsFaserlaser-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/04-20251127_Grafik-2_CO2vsFaserlaser-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/04-20251127_Grafik-2_CO2vsFaserlaser.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 301px) 100vw, 301px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-18432\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Comparison of the beam quality of CO\u2082 and fiber lasers: The CO\u2082 laser enables smoother cutting edges due to better absorption, while with fiber lasers, multiple reflections can occur with increasing sheet thickness, resulting in rougher cut surfaces.<br \/>Rime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4>Frequent errors can be systematically eliminated<\/h4>\n<p>There are a number of typical error patterns that can be rectified using certain procedures. A burr on the cutting edge can have several causes: The nitrogen pressure is too low, the focus is incorrectly set, the feed is incorrectly selected or the lens is dirty. It helps to increase the nitrogen pressure by 0.5 bar, check the shape of the burr and adjust the focus. If necessary, you should also reduce the feed rate. Last but not least, it helps to check the lens and clean it if necessary.    <\/p>\n<p>Burnt corners indicate that either the oxygen pressure or the laser power is too high. Another cause may be that the contours are too narrow or too small. In this case, it helps to lower the oxygen pressure by 0.1 bar, reduce the laser power or change the traversing strategy. If the scoring pattern is uneven or unclean, the focus point is usually set incorrectly. It often helps to readjust it only minimally.    <\/p>\n<p>Splashes or an unstable cut indicate a worn or incorrect nozzle. Users should use a new or suitable nozzle. A general decline in quality can be caused by deviations in the system, wear, dirt or an unclean sheet surface. Regular maintenance and adjustment can help here. In addition, the sheet surfaces should be cleaned, or cutting must be carried out with &#8220;steam off&#8221;.    <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_18433\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-18433\" style=\"width: 301px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-18423\" src=\"https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/05-20251127_Grafik-3_PulsedvsCW-678x381.png\" alt=\"The cw laser (continuous wave) on the right works with a continuous beam. This results in a continuous energy input; a broad, even heat input is visible on the workpiece. The pulse laser (left) applies the energy with individual bursts. Narrower, concentrated incisions with more precise heat input are created on the workpiece. \u00a9 Rime\" width=\"301\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/05-20251127_Grafik-3_PulsedvsCW-678x381.png 678w, https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/05-20251127_Grafik-3_PulsedvsCW-779x438.png 779w, https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/05-20251127_Grafik-3_PulsedvsCW-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/05-20251127_Grafik-3_PulsedvsCW-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/05-20251127_Grafik-3_PulsedvsCW.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 301px) 100vw, 301px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-18433\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The cw laser (continuous wave) on the right works with a continuous beam. This results in a continuous energy input; a broad, even heat input is visible on the workpiece. The pulse laser (left) applies the energy with individual bursts. Narrower, concentrated incisions with more precise heat input are created on the workpiece.   <br \/>Rime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4>Laser cutting of sheet metal requires expertise<\/h4>\n<p>Cutting thick sheet metal is demanding, but can be mastered with the right know-how. Oxygen cutting offers a good compromise between speed and cutting quality for all types of steel. Nitrogen delivers metallic bright cut edges without a scale layer for steel, aluminum and stainless steel.  <\/p>\n<p>If you coordinate the gas selection, focus, nozzle geometry and gas pressure, you will achieve the desired results with both processes. The question &#8220;Laser cutting: Nitrogen or oxygen?&#8221; becomes less of an either-or question and more of a toolbox for greater quality and productivity.<br \/>\nThe choice of laser type should not be neglected: CO2 lasers are more suitable for thinner sheets up to 10 mm due to their now limited power of up to 6 kW. CO2 lasers are also preferable for aluminum and stainless steel up to 10 mm, as the better absorption behavior allows a very smooth and clean cut edge to be produced without burrs. <\/p>\n<p>Fiber lasers, on the other hand, which can now work with outputs of over 50 kW, demonstrate their performance advantage in the thin sheet metal range up to around 15 mm with nitrogen as the cutting gas. Compared to CO2 lasers, they work faster and can therefore cut complex components in a fraction of the time. Narrower contours and smaller holes are also possible with nitrogen cutting. The disadvantage of this cutting process, however, is that all parts have a more or less pronounced burr and the cut surfaces have a different surface structure; this burr is caused by the process and can only be removed by deburring.   <\/p>\n<p>With oxygen as the cutting gas, the fiber laser can only score points with thicker sheets from approx. 15 mm, because the higher laser power compared to the CO2 laser means that larger feed rates are possible and sheet thicknesses of 50 mm and more can be cut.<\/p>\n<p>Web:<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.rime.de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.rime.de<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\">In laser cutting, the choice of cutting gas determines quality, speed and efficiency. Thick steel sheets in particular show that even small deviations in the settings lead to burrs, discoloration <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/bbr.news\/en\/the-cutting-gas-shapes-the-cutting-edge\" title=\"The cutting gas shapes the cutting edge\">[&#8230;]<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":18434,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1566],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-18435","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-newsletter-en"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The cutting gas shapes the cutting edge - bbr B\u00e4nder Bleche Rohre<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In laser cutting, the choice of cutting gas determines quality, speed and cost-effectiveness. Newsletter\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/bbr.news\/en\/the-cutting-gas-shapes-the-cutting-edge\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The cutting gas shapes the cutting edge - bbr B\u00e4nder Bleche Rohre\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In laser cutting, the choice of cutting gas determines quality, speed and cost-effectiveness. 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