Nozzles Boost Feed Rate for Solid-State Lasers Using Nitrogen

Trumpf introduces its Highspeed and Highspeed Eco nozzles, which are designed to boost feed rate for solid-state laser machines that employ fusion cutting with nitrogen. The nozzles are said to increase the speed of the piercing process without increasing laser power, and enable an increase in sheet throughput over standard cutting. The Highspeed nozzle is said to use 40 percent less nitrogen gas and the Highspeed Eco is said to use 70 percent less nitrogen gas to blow molten material out of the kerf without needing to rework oxidized cut edges, enabling cost savings.

The nozzles are bi-flow, with some of the cutting gas passing through the center of the nozzle with the laser beam, and the rest of the gas forming a secondary flow around the principle flow to concentrate it onto the kerf, expelling molten material. The nozzles are fitted with a sleeve that is designed to glide across the material during cutting, forcing gas directly into the kerf and minimizing gas flowing off to the side while keeping the nozzle 0.06" from the sheet surface. The nozzle is designed to withstand spatter generated during piercing, accelerating piercing and minimizing the risk of damage.

The nozzles are capable of fusion cutting of 0.5"-thick sheets, instead of 0.4"-thick sheets as in the past. The nozzles can cut mild-steel and stainless-steel sheets at least 0.16" thick. Because the nozzles can cut a range of material thicknesses, mix-ups and setup times are reduced. Cut edges are said to exhibit low surface roughness and a consistent look.

Nozzles are available for the TruLaser Series 5000 equipped with an 8-kW solid-state laser and will be available for 6-kW solid-state lasers. Many relatively new machines can be retrofitted with these processes.